LOT 45
1961 Porsche 356B T5 1600 Roadster Coachwork by Drauz Chassis no. 88680 Engine no. 604186
Sold for US$165,760 inc. premium
Lot 45
1961 Porsche 356B T5 1600 Roadster
1961 Porsche 356B T5 1600 Roadster
Coachwork by Drauz
Chassis no. 88680
Engine no. 604186
Coachwork by Drauz
Chassis no. 88680
Engine no. 604186
1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Zenith Carburetors
Approximately 75bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Retains matching numbers engine and gearbox, per the Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
*Beautifully presented in red over a tan interior
*Accompanied by service records dating back to the late 1960s
*A beautiful rare, and versatile 356 variant
THE 356B ROADSTER BY DRAUZ
In the autumn of 1959, Porsche introduced the fully redesigned 356B, internally referred to as the T5 or 'Technical Programme V.' The Porsche 356B was offered in four different body styles: Coupe, Cabriolet, Hardtop Coupe, and Roadster. Reutter in Stuttgart manufactured the Cabriolet and Coupe bodies, while Karmann in Osnabrück produced the Hardtop Coupe bodies with welded-on tops, leaving the Roadsters to be crafted by Drauz Karosserie. Roadster production in Drauz's Heilbronn facility ceased in February 1961, and was taken over by D'Ieteren Freres in Brussels, Belgium.
Porsche introduced the 356B Roadster for the 1960 model year, succeeding the one-year-only Convertible D. Similar to the D, the new Roadster was a relative of the Speedster, with wind-up windows and a taller removable windshield, making it suitable for both daily driving and competitive racing, a tradition established by the legendary lightweight Speedster. The 356B also showcased Porsche's ongoing efforts to enhance the mechanical components of the lineup, including more robust and efficient engines, a stronger transaxle and shifting linkage, as well as improved brakes. The body received subtle styling updates, including a flatter hood, redesigned front fenders, enhanced bumpers, and a larger chrome-plated hood handle. Porsche manufactured approximately 2,649 units of the T5 356B Roadster during the 1960 and 1961 model years.
THE CAR OFFERED
This rare and appealing Drauz-built 356 Roadster is a well-documented example finished in a classic combination of red over tan upholstery. According to the accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this car was completed on the 28th of October 1960, and left the factory finished in slate gray over a red leatherette interior. Service records date back to 1968, when the car was in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Further records indicate it was stripped and refinished in the 1980s by Greg Donahue Classic Car Restorations of Clearwater, Florida, and appears to have had continuous care in the ensuing decades. As offered, it is authentically detailed overall, with an inviting and usable character. The COA also verifies this car retains its factory-installed engine and transaxle. Porsche's lovely and versatile 356 Roadster ticks many boxes for enthusiastic drivers – combining the purity of the Speedster with the comfort of the Cabriolet – making it a fine choice for rallies, tours, and carving your favorite back roads.
Saleroom notices
This vehicle is equipped with standard 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, not discs as listed above.
Additional information
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