Highlights

Rare factory sunroof combined with the desirable Super 90 engine and single-grille T5 body
Restored in 1994–1995, including an engine rebuild, interior re-trim and traditional nitro repaint
In current ownership for approximately 32 years, with only around 5,000 km covered since restoration
Italian revisione valid to March 2028
Bodywork declared sound and original by the restoring body shop, with no panel replacements

The Appeal

From the day it hit the market, the 356 resonated. This rear-engined, monocoque car was a quirky piece of kit, something that seems unthinkable now, in an age where Porsche is a household name. It quickly set up the company's new sports credentials and established one of the most iconic names in sports car design - harmonious in styling, precision-engineered and effortlessly impressive.

The single-grille 356B T5 is widely regarded as one of the sleekest iterations of Porsche's iconic sports car, and the Super 90 variant, with its 90bhp 1,600cc engine, offered impressive performance compared to its stablemates. Finding one equipped with a factory sunroof elevates the proposition further still, making this car a bit of a unicorn.

This particular example was originally delivered new to the United States before making its way to Germany around 1984 and subsequently to Italy in 1990. The current owner acquired it in 1994 and promptly embarked on a thorough restoration. The engine was entrusted to the respected Officina Ballabeni in Mantova, where it was rebuilt with new Mahle cylinders and pistons, independently inspected by a specialist workshop before installation, along with a new flywheel, camshaft and rear suspension compensation bar.

The bodywork, assessed as sound and original with no replacement panels, was repainted in the correct Signal Red using the traditional nitro lacquer method, replicating the factory finish. The interior was retrimmed by Fratelli Ferraresi, a historic car upholstery specialist in Ferrara, and the vendor reports it still presents very well.

Since the restoration was completed in the summer of 1995, the car has covered only around 5,000 kilometres, almost exclusively in regularity rallies, with a trailer used for any event more than 250 kilometres from home. It has been stored throughout in a personal garage, heated during the winter months, and received annual paint treatment with high-quality German wax until 2023.

Carefully restored, thoughtfully maintained and genuinely rare, it's the sort of car that's hard not to get excited about.

History and Paperwork

1960 model year, Italian registered in the province of Venezia (VE)
Originally sold new in the United States
Subsequently sold to Germany circa 1984, then imported to Italy in 1990
Current ownership since 1994, approximately 32 years
Italian revisione valid to March 2028
Service history is limited; the vendor notes that given the very low post-restoration mileage, maintenance has consisted of periodic oil level checks and an initial oil change after the first 600 km
Registered with the ASI

The Condition

Repainted during the 1994–1995 restoration using traditional nitro lacquer method in the correct Lecler "Signal Rot" (Signal Red)
Annual wax treatment with high-quality German wax carried out until 2023
Interior retrimmed by Fratelli Ferraresi, a specialist historic car upholstery workshop in Ferrara
The vendor reports the interior presents very well
Factory sunroof fitted
Stored in a personal garage, heated during winter months
14,486 km showing on the odometer

With its impressive fastback silhouette and bug-eye lights, it's immediate from-the-off that you're looking at the genesis of a legend. The Porsche DNA is immediately clear, and this particular example is a grand ambassador. Tight panel gaps, gleaming paintwork and bright chrome; it's all been very well restored and is still in very handsome order.

Internally, the car's grey upholstery is in fine fettle, with no obvious rips or tears. The retrim looks period-perfect and fits the car's sleek, straightforward presence. All instruments are clean and legible, and the carpets and door cards all look in good condition.

It really is a very handsome car, with the desirable T5 single-grille body and a rare factory sunroof coming together to make for a highly unique Porsche.

The Mechanics

1,600cc Super 90 four-cylinder engine producing 90bhp
Four-speed manual gearbox
Engine rebuilt by Officina Ballabeni in Mantova during the 1994–1995 restoration
New Mahle cylinders and pistons fitted, independently verified by a specialist workshop prior to installation
Flywheel, camshaft and rear suspension compensation bar replaced during restoration
The vendor reports the car drives smoothly
Approximately 5,000 km covered since the engine rebuild, predominantly in regularity rallies

The Super 90 engine, so called for the impressive 90bhp it offered on tap compared to the car's standard contemporaries, is the real highlight for this 356. It's a lovely, well-presented unit that's still in excellent order, with verified parts and a strict program of maintenance keeping everything as it should be.

The vendor reports that only around 5,000km has been covered under the powerplant since the rebuild, and that it's running as it should, perhaps even better than it would have way back in 1960.

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