1961 Porsche 356B Roadster (1961) For sale from Northshore Sportscars, in Illinois, United States

1961 Porsche 356B Roadster
The 356 was created by Ferdinand Porsche (son of Ferdinand Porsche, founder of the German company), who founded the Austrian company with his sister, Louise. Like its cousin, the Volkswagen Beetle (which Ferdinand Porsche Sr. had designed), the 356 is a four-cylinder, air-cooled, rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive car with unitized pan and body construction. The chassis was a completely new design, as was the 356's body, designed by Porsche employee Erwin Komenda. In model year 1960, the 356 A was replaced by the completely redesigned 356 B (T5). Its power spectrum ranged from 60 hp in the 356 B 1600 to 140 hp in the 356 B 2000 GS-GT Carrera 2. The key visual differences between the B series and the previous model included the front bumper with enlarged rim guards, which was positioned approx. ten centimetres higher, and the headlights, which were also positioned much higher. The horn grilles next to the further-protruding front indicators were flatter and featured two chrome-plated slats. The front lid handle was also wider at the bottom. The two lamps for the number plate lighting were integrated in the higher-positioned rear bumper, while the reversing light was mounted below the bumper.

This Porsche 356B Roadster is a numbers matching very desirable Super 90. It was purchased nearly 30 years ago by an owner who just recently passed away. This T5 Roadster body is badged by D'Leteren and is one of the last single grille models built which can be distinguished by the rounded hood. We have the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity which confirms the original 90 horsepower motor and transmission is still in this car. The color was originally Herron grey (now silver) but retains the blue leather interior. This Roadster had a mild outlaw treatment with bumperettes installed, (we have the original bumpers), widened chrome wheels & tires, finned aluminum Alfin type brake drums, Nardi wood steering wheel, fog lamps, and Abarth stainless steel performance exhaust system. It also has the blue Hartz cloth fabric top and full tonneau cover. This Roadster retains nearly 90 % of its factory undercoating while having only the battery box replaced. The body and paint is excellent local show quality with only minor blemishes while the interior is in nearly new condition. The car drives as new with tight suspension & steering characteristics along with strong engine acceleration and performance.