LOT 131
1960 Porsche 356B Super 90 Roadster Coachwork by Drauz Karosserie Chassis no. 88423 Engine no. 801241
Estimate: US$280,000 - US$320,000
Lot 131
1960 Porsche 356B Super 90 Roadster
1960 Porsche 356B Super 90 Roadster
Coachwork by Drauz Karosserie
Chassis no. 88423
Engine no. 801241
Coachwork by Drauz Karosserie
Chassis no. 88423
Engine no. 801241
1,596cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin Solex Carburetors
90bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Dual Circuit Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Rare Roadster body with the potent Super 90 engine
*Delivered via Hoffman Motors, New York
*One of just 1,529 produced
*Restored in the UK by a marque specialist
*Retains its numbers-matching engine per the Kardex
THE PORSCHE 356
America's influential Porsche importer Max Hoffman approached Porsche about building a spartan, lightweight 356 variant aimed specifically at US buyers. His vision for a lower cost, lighter Porsche to boost the marque's reputation in the burgeoning SCCA club racing scene was spot on. Porsche responded with the 1954 Speedster which more than met Hoffman's expectations. The Speedster put the 356 within reach of more American drivers so they could drive to the track, enjoy a day of competition, and drive home. A proven success both on the track and in leaving Porsche dealers' showrooms, the bare bones Speedster featured cut-down windscreen and side curtains, and very little in the way of comfort features.
As buyers' taste changed, the Speedster spawned the more comfortable 356A Convertible D. Introduction of the T-5 generation 356B in 1960 brought the final iteration of the Speedster form, now known as the Roadster. The Roadster offered greater comfort and, like the Convertible D, rollup windows and a more secure top. Still in keeping with the Speedster ethos, a separate windshield could be removed to reduce aero drag on track, while the more luxurious cabriolet had a fixed windshield frame, more equipment, and more weight. Most Roadsters featured bodies by Drauz, with a handful made by d'Ieteren Freres at the end of production.
The 356B Roadster is considered one of the most desirable early Porsches being better driving and more comfortable than earlier Speedsters, more attractive than a Cabriolet with punchy performance, especially in Super 90 specification.
THE CAR OFFERED
This Drauz-built 356B Roadster strikes the ideal balance of performance and comfort, featuring welcome refinements over the Speedster along with the potent Type 616/7 'Super 90' 1600 engine to take advantage of its light weight. According to the accompanying Kardex, this car was completed in September of 1960, leaving the works finished in Silver Metallic over a black interior. It arrived in the USA via Max Hoffman Motors in New York, though little of its early history is documented. A sale listing from 2020 notes the car had been recently restored by specialists in the UK, where its then-owner resided. The project reportedly consisted of a bare-metal body restoration retaining original panels wherever possible, respray in its current silver, the brightwork restored, and interior retrim using this particularly attractive shade of greyish-brown leather with Wilton wool carpeting and a mohair folding top.
The engine number, 801241, is the original unit per the Kardex, and is said to have been rebuilt as part of the restoration. According to records compiled by Dr. Brett Johnson, the serial number falls within the proper range for a 1600 Super 90. It is well detailed, befitting this car's usable, yet high-quality restoration.
Having been Stateside for the past few years, this charming 356B Super 90 Roadster still presents beautifully, and is reported to perform equally well. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire what many consider the 'Goldilocks' of 356 – just right, in all the right ways.
Additional information
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