1960 Porsche 356B T5 1600 Cabriolet

• Delivered new to Finland
• Originally owned by a former Finnish Prime Minister
• Presented in its original Ivory (6004B) colour scheme
• Extensively restored during past ownership
• Documented by its original Porsche Kardex
• Offered from the private collection of celebrated racing driver Juha Miettinen

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 soft-top 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. Reutter was predominantly responsible for the Coupé and Cabriolet.

Representing the latest evolution of the company's highly successful first production sports car, the 356B arrived in September 1959. By this time the 356 had gained a one-piece rounded windscreen and 15"-diameter wheels, and the newcomer's introduction brought with it further styling revisions. While retaining the timeless silhouette of the 356A, the new T5-bodied 356B featured revised front and rear styling with higher-mounted bumpers; improved lighting; and numerous refinements that enhanced both comfort and usability.

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 drive-ability 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 attractive 356B Cabriolet was completed in 1960 and delivered new on 24th May of that year through VW Auto Oy in Helsinki, Finland, to its first owner, Reino Kuuskoski, former Prime Minister of Finland. The accompanying Porsche Kardex confirms the desirable factory colour combination of Ivory (6004B) with a black leatherette interior, together with its matching engine (number '602593') and original gearbox.

Featuring elegant Reutter coachwork, this car is a highly attractive example of one of Porsche's most iconic open sports cars. Combining classic 356 styling with the joys of open-top motoring, the Cabriolet remains among the most desirable variants of the model, appreciated for its rarity, practicality, and timeless design.

Accompanied by its original Porsche Kardex documenting its early history and Finnish delivery, this charming 356B Cabriolet represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a well-documented example of one of Stuttgart's most celebrated classics.