Offered from the private collection of Roger Bray
1961 Porsche 356B T5 1600 Super Cabriolet

• Delivered new to VW Mexico
• Matching chassis and engine
• Present ownership since 2015
• Excellent restored condition

One of the all-time great sports cars, the 356 was the work of Ferry Porsche, who had been inspired by the FIAT-based Cisitalias of Piero Dusio. Ferry's 356 was based on the Volkswagen designed by his father, and like the immortal 'Beetle' employed a platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and all-independent torsion bar suspension. Introduced in 1948, the Porsche 356 set a new standard for small sports cars and proved adaptable to all forms of motor sport including circuit racing and rallying. In 1951 a works car finished first in the 1,100cc class at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race, thus beginning the marque's long and illustrious association with La Sarthe.

Cabriolets had been manufactured right from the start of 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, predominantly Glaser and Reutter in the early years, while production of the Convertible D (now renamed ''Roadster') was undertaken by Drauz of Heilbronn and later d'Ieteren of Brussels

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.

Chassis number '154845' was sold new to VW Mexico in 1961. In 1987 the Porsche was sold to a Mr Larrinaga, and there are MoTs on file dated 1988, 1990, 1992 and 1993 while the car was in his ownership. Renowned and well regarded marque specialist Roger Bray purchased the car in 2015. As with all Roger Bray restorations, this example was finished to an exceptionally high standard, and today it is excellent in all respects.

The Ruby Red paintwork complements the grey leather interior beautifully. TSU 906 features the following desirable accessories and upgrades: headrests, radio, inertia-reel seat belts, full tonneau cover, hood bag, 12-volt conversion, chrome wheels, wood-rim steering wheel, headlight grilles, spotlights, tool kit, jack, and owner's manual. Rarely are Super 90 cabriolets offered in such condition.