Porsche 356 B 1600 Roadster

Mechanically powered by its matching 1600cc Normal (60 horsepower) flat four-cylinder engine paired to a 741 manual 4-speed transmission. Complete with a jack, full tan cloth tonneau cover, spare, tool kit, Certificate of Authenticity, original service booklet, window sticker, original owner’s manual, and 17 years of service history.

Over the course of ownership the current owner has been able to accrue over 32,388 miles, many of which are attributable to the 1,000 mi events the Roadster has participated in. Eligible for many vintage rallies and has participated in multiple California Mille Miglia, Colorado Grand, Arizona Copperstate, California Classic events, and numerable private rallies with the Petersen Automotive Museum. Never failing to complete any of these 1,000 miles plus events, this Roadster is fully sorted and would make a great addition to any collection!

History
Launched for the 1960 model year based on the redesigned T5 platform, the 356 Roadster was built as the successor to the one-year-only Convertible D model with revised coachwork crafted by Drauz in Heilbronn. From its humble beginnings, Porsche’s 356 evolved into the car that established both Porsche and the 356 as industry icons. A class win at Le Mans in 1951 showed its capabilities, but it was legendary New York dealer Max Hoffman who influenced the factory and made it desirable among wealthy American buyers. The 356 B model ran for three years from 1960, featuring styling changes and technical upgrades. Launched at the 1959 Frankfurt Show, the body designated the T6, featured raised headlamps, a re-designed fuel tank for better luggage space, and a larger front boot lid. The interior boasted better instrumentation and more comfortable seats, and the convertible got a better top. It was a sophisticated European sports car capable of a 185 km/h top speed. The model attracted celebrities like Steve McQueen and Janis Joplin.