1962 Porsche 356B 1600 Cabriolet

Coachwork by Reutter Registration no. not UK registered Chassis no. 156019

Footnotes

Cabriolets had been manufactured right from the start of Type 356 production, but the first open Porsche to make a significant impact was the Speedster, introduced in 1954 following the successful reception in the USA of a batch of 15 special roadsters. The Reutter-bodied Speedster was dropped in 1958 and replaced by the more civilised Convertible D, which differed principally by virtue of its larger windscreen and winding side windows. Porsche sub-contracted cabriolet body construction to a number of different coachbuilders including Drauz of Heilbronn, d'Ieteren of Brussels and its long-time collaborator and close neighbour, Reutter.

By the time the 356B arrived in September 1959, the car had gained a one-piece rounded windscreen and 15"-diameter wheels, and the newcomer's introduction brought with it further styling revisions. The engine, now standardised at 1,600cc, was available in three different stages of tune, the most powerful - apart from the four-cam Carrera - being the 90bhp unit of the Super 90. The 356B represents significant advances in driveability and comfort over earlier 356 models, and is a pleasingly quick way to enjoy the traditional Porsche values of quality, reliability and mechanical robustness.

This Reutter-bodied 356B Cabriolet was completed on 1st December 1961 and delivered new to the USA. The car was treated to a bare-metal restoration around 10 years ago, with any rusted panels replaced and the inner and outer chassis frames completely restored. All joints were protected with sealant and Poly-primer, while Raptor bed-liner was applied to the under-body to ensure hassle free body maintenance for this great driver. All engine metal work, differential sleeves, stabilising bar, backing plates, spindles, etc were media blasted and powder coated, and any parts that needed chroming were re-plated. The upholstery was re-trimmed in black leather, and a new German Wocheslander wiring harness installed. Said to run superbly, the Type 612/12 engine is from a 1962 1600 Super.

Before the restoration was completed the last owner was approached by a production company who fell in love with the car and featured it in a music video, which can be viewed online. Finished in its original colour combination of in Ruby Red with black leatherette interior, this eye-catching Porsche soft-top is offered with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, NOVA acknowledgement, and a State of California Certificate of Title issued in September 2015.