Porsche 356 B 1600

The vehicle in detail

The rapid evolution of the Porsche 356 led to the creation of many unique transitional variants, often produced in relatively limited quantities and treasured by knowledgeable collectors today. Among the most sought-after are the 356 B “Twin-Grille” Roadsters by D’Ieteren of Belgium, built for 1962 as a stopgap between earlier, Drauz-bodied Roadsters and the upcoming 356 C Cabriolets.
Stylistically, the D’Ieteren cars are easily distinguishable by their squared hood, right front fender fuel filler, and—of course—engine lids with twin ventilation grilles; the last of the true Roadsters, they are also very rare, with only 248 known to have been created in total.
According to Kardex and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity copies on file, this Roadster was completed on 28 December 1961, finished just as it is today in Slate Grey over a Green leather interior, and it was distributed new via Porsche Car Pacific of San Francisco. It is understood to have been purchased by its second owner, a Seattle, Washington resident, in 1969; though he would retain the car for decades, a long-planned restoration never came to fruition.
In 2002, it was purchased by James Newton, proprietor of Automobile Associates of Canton, Connecticut. He was soon persuaded to fully restore the car for a client. A three-year project commenced, during which the reportedly accident-free car was completely stripped and beautifully refinished in its factory-specified colors. The car retains its numbers-matching engine and gearbox, but the 1,600-cubic-centimeter powerplant was upgraded during the restoration to 1,750-cubic-centimeters and further benefits from the fitment of an SC camshaft—upgrades that undoubtedly improved on an already enjoyable driving experience.
This by Sam and Emily Mann in 2017 through the well-known Bruce Canepa of Scotts Valley, California. With its high-quality restoration still presenting well today, and the dealer-option Les Leston steering wheel still fitted, Mr. Mann describes the Porsche as “A delightful, fun car to drive,” with “light steering, amazingly direct and quick; a smooth shifter; excellent brakes; and a lovely manner.”
These are the qualities that so endeared the Porsche 356 to the motoring public upon its introduction and—with the addition of the rarity offered by this particular body style—that are all readily apparent in the D’Ieteren-bodied 356 B 1600 “Twin-Grille” Roadster offered here.