Porsche 356 B 1600 Roadster

The vehicle in detail

Chassis No. 86936
Engine No. 600378
Transmission No. 32474
The 356 B Roadster evolved from the famed Speedster and single-year Convertible D as the newest sporting open-topped 356. While the Speedster was spartan, the Roadsters had become nearly as civilized as the Cabriolet while a more raked windshield gave the car a more sporting appearance, and roll-up side windows aided usability. Initial body production of the Roadster was handled by Drauz, who also built the 356 A-based Convertible D. Only available from 1960 through 1962, 356 B T-5 and T-6 Roadsters were produced in smaller quantities than the Coupes and Cabriolets with high quality examples like this are a truly rare sight today!
A copy of this spectacular 1960 Porsche 356 B T-5 1600 Roadster’s Kardex warranty card reveals that it was originally finished in Ivory over a Red-upholstered interior destined for the U.S. market via Porsche Car Import Inc. of Northbrook, Illinois. In time, the matching-numbers Roadster received a complete restoration, with brightwork restored by exterior trim guru Victor Miles, in the period-correct shade of non-metallic Black over an interior in red leather. During the restoration, it is noted that the car retained numerous chassis number-stamped panels that included both doors, hood, and engine lid. By 2006, the Roadster was in the hands of Robert McDowell after trading Ferrari Dino 08510—such was the quality of the restoration! Later the 356 moved to the Northeast United States where service work was handled by The Boston Sportscar Company.
Prior to acquisition by its most recent private owner, 356 Roadster chassis number 86936 received an inspection and service from highly knowledgeable hands at Road Scholars of Durham, North Carolina. Since 2021, the striking Black over Red Roadster has formed part of a prominent San Diego-based collection, assembled by a lifelong car enthusiast, always seeking to add the very best examples to his collection. The latest addition to the Roadster during the consignor’s devoted custodianship is among the most desirable period factory options: chrome Rudge knock-off wheels. It must be said that the visual appeal of the sleek Roadster has only been heightened by this rare original sporting accessory—with all five wheels, including the spare, noted to be date stamped from the period—added at considerable expense. In addition, the very racy-looking Roadster is offered with a set of five steel wheels and hubs should its next caretaker wish to revert to the original as-built specification.