Chassis no. 154890
Engine no. 88563

1,582cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Twin-choke Carburetors
75bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
Front Disc – Rear Drum Brakes

*Matching-numbers example of the classic 356 Cabriolet
*Concours d'Elegance winning restoration performed
*Highly collectible Porsche in the desirable Reutter T5 body style
*Offered with copy of the original factory Kardex and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity


THE PORSCHE 356B

Porsche's Type 356, introduced in 1948, is acknowledged to be one of the world's great sports cars. Over a 15-year production run, the handsome and durable 356 evolved from a streamlined little aluminum-bodied coupe powered by a VW-derived, 46hp 1100cc air-cooled flat four to a powerful autobahn burner carrying a complex, two-liter four-cam boxer Carrera engine of 130 horsepower. Its steady development brought not only coupes, but luxurious cabriolets and more spartan Speedsters and roadsters, more than 76,000 examples in all by the time production ceased in 1965.

The 356B, produced from 1960 through 1963, represents the mid-point in this design's progression. In what is known as "T5" form, the B introduced new front and rear sheet-metal, while retaining the curved front trunk lid and rounded fenders of the 356A series. The B also added some features demanded by American customers, such as raised front and rear bumpers with over-riders to better protect the body from parking mishaps. The headlamps were raised, a larger hood handle added, and front vent windows appeared in the doors. Mechanically, the gearbox and drum brakes were upgraded. A new steering wheel and column refreshed the interior, along with redesigned rear seats. A "Super" model with raised compression added an extra 15bhp over the standard version, giving the light, well-handling Porsche brisk performance.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Offered here is a matching-numbers example of the desirable and luxurious Porsche 356 T5 Cabriolet by Reutter, a truly iconic and timeless sportscar. According to a copy of the original factory Kardex (production record) on file, this very car - chassis no. 154890 - was completed at Porsche's Zuffenhausen-based factory on March 10th, 1961. The new 356 Cabriolet was a desirable Super model, giving the 1.6-Liter flat-four engine an extra boost of 25% more horsepower over the normal, base version. The new Porsche was painted Signal Red - very much as it appears today - while the cockpit was trimmed in Grey leather. Factory options fitted to 154890 included ventilated chrome wheels shod on Dunlop tires, and Porsche's Anti-theft locking device of the time, which essentially was a locking mechanism of the gear lever.

The new Porsche 356B 1600 Super T5 Cabriolet was dispatched from Zuffenhausen on March 20th, 1961 to the large Berlin-based Porsche agency Winter Porsche, where an American customer, a Mr. Carl W. Rankin of Timonium, Maryland, had ordered the new Porsche. Further records indicate that Winter Porsche would service the 356 Cabriolet on several occasions throughout the remainder of 1961, indicating that Mr. Rankin was using the new Porsche around Europe as its maiden voyage, before presumably exporting the car to the United States.

Today this highly collectible 356B 1600 Super T5 Cabriolet has been expertly restored to Concours d'Elegance winning condition. The red exterior paint has been professionally redone and remains in absolutely beautiful condition with great shine and luster. Doors and compartment panels fit very well, and further indicates the high level of restoration performed. Inside, the cabin has been re-trimmed to factory-correct specifications in Light Brown, with matching 'Oatmeal' carpets and period appropriate Coco mats installed. Factory-optional headrests are fitted to both the driver and passenger seats, and the dashboard is neatly equipped with a lovely period Blaupunkt radio. A correct double-layer Tan colored Hartz convertible top fits snugly around the cockpit; ready to erect on a rainy day. Disc brakes has been added to the front axle, as introduced by Porsche on the 356C model. Outings at judged Concours d'Elegance events includes a Best of Show win at the Tulsa, Oklahoma Concours d'Elegance.

This 1961 Porsche 356B 1600 Super T5 Cabriolet is offered with the Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity, the aforementioned copy of the original factory Kardex (production record), tool kit and Drivers' manual. The car retains its original, matching-numbers Super engine, and presents in stunningly well-restored condition inside and out. This classic Porsche would be welcomed at prominent Concours d'Elegance events or on classic car rallies and tours and is bound to bring its next owner much joy.