1960 Porsche 356B 1600 Super 90 Roadster, Coachwork by Drauz

1960 Porsche 356B 1600 Super 90 Roadster
Coachwork by Drauz
Chassis no. 88106
Engine no. 801723 (see text)
1,582cc DOHC Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Twin-choke Solex Carburetors
90bhb at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Desirable Super 90 Roadster with coachwork by Drauz
*Multiple Award-winning example with documented history
*Complete with large history file, original tools, manuals, and Porsche COA
*Expertly restored to factory specifications

THE PORSCHE 356

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, 46bhp 1100cc air-cooled flat four to a powerful autobahn burner carrying a complex, two-liter four-cam boxer Carrera engine, producing 130bhp. The cars steady development brought not only coupes, but introduced luxurious cabriolets, speedsters, and roadsters. In all there were more than 76,000 examples built 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, while the even hotter Super 90 added 30bhp – a full 50% more power than the base car.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The vehicle on offer is Porsche's desirable Roadster variant of the venerable 356, in the top-of-the line, Super 90 specification. Distinguished by being quite stripped down and rakish-looking, these Roadsters have a very sporting aesthetic feel. Roadster body shell features altered shapes to the cowl, rear quarters and beltline from that of the contemporary Cabriolet, and they share a similar ethos to the earlier Speedsters. A smaller windscreen, simplified dash, and lack of rear seats make for a much more driver focused experience. This exceptional example was completed at the Porsche factory in June of 1960 in the Super 90 tune, and was slotted for North American delivery through famed Jacksonville, Florida-based Porsche agency; Brumos Porsche Car Corp. This 356 benefits from a well-documented provenance. The original bill of sale from Ellwood Motor Cars of Daytona Beach, Florida state that the vehicle was delivered to Robert H. Diamond on August 1st, 1960 and arrived optioned with Ivory paint, red upholstery, Michelin "X" tires, and reclining seats. After 10 years of ownership, the Roadster was purchased by Baker Radiologic Associates, and subsequently changed hands several more times throughout the early 1970's and according to photos on file, competed in club level local competition during this time. Judy Buchler took ownership in 1974 and held onto the car until selling it to the consignor. The car received two restorations with the most recent occurring in 2015, bringing the 356 back to its original ivory paint and red interior. It should be noted, that the engine installed in the car is not the original matching numbers unit, but a correct 356B Super 90 unit, just with a later number in the same series and production year. The transaxle is indeed the original, matching number unit. Thoroughly comprehensive, the recent restoration touched every component of the car from the soft top and chrome to the engine and transmission. Adding credence to the claim, is a class win at the Biltmore, Best in Show Cinco de Mayo '16 and '17, and a Best of Concours at the Phoenix Flight 38 in 2015. In addition, a full collection of receipts documenting the restoration is available, along with the Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity and a copy of the original Kardex. Complete tool kit, owner's manual and service book, this splendid Super 90 Roadster is ready for further concours judging or driving events. This powerful 356 is sure to provide plenty of open top thrills, so not miss the opportunity to take home such fine and rare example of this German classic.