1962 Porsche 356B Twin Grill Roadster, Coachwork by D'Ieteren Freres

1962 Porsche 356B Twin Grill Roadster
Coachwork by D'Ieteren Freres
Chassis no. 89720
Engine no. 810895 (see text)
Approximately 1,650cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
2 Twin-choke Solex Carburetors
Approximately 95bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*One of the rare and desirable D'Ieteren-bodied Twin Grill Roadsters
*Outstanding award-winning restoration in the original livery
*Long-term ownership by PCA member and Porsche enthusiast
*Offered with COA, owner's manual, tools and restoration records

THE TWIN GRILL 356 ROADSTER

For 1960, Porsche introduced the new T-5 body style, designating the model 356B. The T-5 had a flatter hood and front sheet metal, and larger, higher bumpers. The next transition was for the Convertible D to be discontinued, and replaced by the Roadster, but still built by Drauz. During the lifetime of the model, bodywork production for the Roadster was transferred to D'Ieteren in Belgium, who would produce the very final cars.

Jean Joseph D'Ieteren had founded his small workshop close to the center of Brussels in 1805, when Belgium was still part of France. D'Ieteren had specialized himself in the production of chariot wheels, but soon started to manufacture complete chariots. In 1897, they built their first body for a motorcar, and soon focused solely on manufacturing automobile coachworks. Chassis from over a hundred brands, such as Impéria, Minerva, Panhard, Renault, Peugeot, Porsche, Delahaye, Mercedes and Hispano Suiza, were bodied by D'Ieteren. After WW II, D'Ieteren managed to obtain the sales rights for Volkswagen and so they became the official Belgian distributer of that German manufacturer from 1948 until this day.

The D'Ieteren designed and constructed 356 Roadsters were updated along the process and designated the T-6 body type for that final year. The revision included an air vent on the scuttle, the arrival of the gas tank cover on the right front fender, and twin grilles on the engine cover. This final derivation of the Roadster is one of the rarest ever built, with just about 248 constructed. Not surprisingly for their desirable late specification and rarity, they have become highly collectible.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to the Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity, this rare Twin Grill Roadster was constructed at the D'Ieteren coachbuilding works in Brussels, Belgium during the latter part of 1961. The car received its trim and drivetrain at the Zuffenhausen-based Porsche plant, and was finally completed here in December of 1961. The Roadster was finished much as it appears today, in the elegant Ivory exterior color over a black interior.

The Twin Grill Roadster is believed to have been delivered to the North American market from new. Allegedly, the car had just two owners before it came into the ownership of the late Portland, Oregon-based lifelong Porsche enthusiast and PCA member, Mr. Jorgenson. Mr. Jorgenson owned some of the finest 356 models ever produced - all in absolute exceptional condition – and this rare D'Ieteren Twin Grill Roadster was one of his prized possessions. The car is today being offered by the Jorgenson family. A documented, nut-and-bolt restoration was carried out between 2008 and 2014, and the result is nothing short of breathtaking. Both mechanical and cosmetic aspects of the car was attended to, and many receipts and photos of the work is available. The Porsche was finished in the factory livery, while a 356SC engine was installed with larger 1,650cc capacity, and Super 90-type suspension and disc brakes fitted. Metal work was performed during the restoration, and some panels were replaced, but the last three digits of the chassis number - 720 - can still be found stamped in the Twin Grill engine lid. The interior was done by Autobahn Interiors, and is neatly topped by a wood rimmed steering wheel. Accompanied by a large history file containing many restoration records and the Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity, as well as a jack, tools and owner's manual, this rare Twin Grill Roadster took 2nd Place at Forest Grove Concours in 2013. Proudly owned by a lifelong Porsche enthusiast and PCA member, this beautiful 356 stands out. With just about 248 of these desirable, D'Ieteren-built Twin Grill Roadsters ever constructed, this 356 is indeed a highly collectible example of the legendary model range.