Porsche 356 B 1600 Roadster

Documented as one of 475 356 d’Ieteren Freres Roadsters, this high-quality restoration continues to offer finishes ready for local Porsche club tours or entrance into shows. The silver finish is smooth, glossy, and properly balanced with micro-flake metallic consistent with Porsche finishes of the period. The car also displays properly finished door jambs and underside panels, and clean detailing around surface mounted components. The trim is in excellent condition overall including the exterior door handles. The engine lid still shows its original “24” stamping, denoting the last two digits in the chassis number. Outfitted with silver finished ventilated wheels and chrome plated wheel covers, the stance and driving appeal is particularly sporty riding on a set of Michelin 165 SR15 tires.

The black leatherette interior presents very well with handsome finishes reflecting accurate restoration and ongoing care. The seats, matching door panels and pleated door pockets, correct square weave carpeting, and black canvas convertible top are all similarly unified in fit and finish. The dashboard is particularly fine including restored instrumentation with contrasting dial faces and distinct green lettering. A black rim steering wheel featuring satin aluminum spokes, and a glossy Porsche center emblem provide the finishing touches to a purposeful interior.

Having benefited from comprehensive engine and transmission rebuilds performed by Porsche experts, the matching numbers engine enjoys internally uprated displacement and horsepower which greatly contribute to the overall quality of the driving experience. The undercarriage is representative of a well-cared for example with sound floor pans and battery box, and properly restored components including the correct numbers matching transmission.

Consistent with the excellent finishes, this 356 Roadster is a delight to drive, exhibiting smooth road manners and progressive acceleration through all gears up to highway speeds. The added power concealed in the big bore build allows for delightful power pulling in second and third gear where spirited driving is readily enjoyed in the 4-speed manual configuration. Handling is consistent with cars of this era, and the character that makes the 356 so endearing is here is spades. Best of all, the roadster configuration invites the pinnacle of the 356 experience – warm summer breezes, engine purring eagerly, and a smile on both driver and passenger, emulating the characteristic “smile line” that characterizes the earlier series 356 front view of the hood line.

Distinctive, rare in production as one of just 475 d’Ieteren Freres Roadsters, thoughtfully uprated power output, and beautiful restoration combine to deliver one of the best looking 356 Roadsters available on the market today.