1960 Porsche 356 B 1600 Roadster by Drauz

1960 Porsche 356 B 1600 Roadster by Drauz
Sold for $214,500 Including Commission
RM Auction, Amelia Island, Florida 2014
Chassis no. 88777
Engine no. 804635
Transmission no. 41512
90 hp, 1,600 cc OHV air-cooled horizontally opposed Type 616/7 four-cylinder engine, dual Weber carburetors, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with laminated torsion bars, parallel trailing arms, and tubular shock absorbers, independent rear swing axles with torsion bars and tubular shock absorbers, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 82.7 in.

•A fully restored example in very attractive colors
•Uprated with the powerful Super 90 engine
•Porsche Certificate of Authenticity included


Porsche launched its 356 B Roadster for the 1960 model year as a successor to the one-year-only Convertible D. Like the D, the new Roadster offered wind-up windows and a taller removable windshield, which made it ideal for both everyday street use and competition—a theme begun by the immortal lightweight Speedster. The 356 B also reflected Porsche’s continuing effort to improve the line’s mechanical components, with stronger and more efficient engine internals, a stronger transaxle and shifting linkage, and better brakes. The body also displayed some subtle styling changes, with a flatter hood, reshaped front fenders, improved bumpers, and a larger chrome-plated hood handle. Porsche would produce some 2,649 examples of the T5 356 B Roadster over two model years, 1960 and 1961.

This very handsome 356 B Roadster, chassis 88777, was completed November 29, 1960, and it is believed to have been delivered in New York soon thereafter. Chassis 88777 was originally painted 6002 Ruby Red and upholstered in Black Leatherette with a black top, and it was equipped with optional reclining seats, an ashtray, and Continental tires. Kardex data provided by a former owner states that the car was likely first sold to Dr. Carla Victoria Enriquez, of Vineland, New Jersey. Subsequent owners are believed to have included noted Oregon Porsche collector and racer John Audette; Nathan Supnick, of New Jersey; Californian Neil Afromsky; and the current consignor, a Southern California collector.

Along the way, the car’s original 1600 Normal engine, case number 604401, was replaced by a much more desirable and up-rated Super 90 example that had a pair of Weber twin-choke carburetors, which it still retains. The car was also cosmetically restored to a very high standard, which included a color change to the very elegant 6005 Fjord Green and the installation of a fresh tan leather interior, a brown convertible top, and a tan top boot. The paintwork is believed to have been done in Colorado, and the consignor states that this fine 356 was recently given a thorough mechanical inspection by Rusnak Porsche, in Westlake Village, California, who gave it “a strong thumbs-up.”

This immaculate 356 B Roadster is fitted with a factory-optional Deluxe horn ring, a pair of headrests, a Blaupunkt AM/FM radio, a new set of 165HR-15 Vredestein Sprint Classic radial tires on chromed, period-correct steel wheels, Hella amber fog lights, a full and correct tool roll and jack, a compact fire extinguisher, a rarely seen factory-supplied Touring pouch of spare gaskets, and a first-aid kit. This well-detailed little Roadster would make an excellent addition to any Porsche collection.

Robert Myrick Photography