Highlights
- Restored in the USA by Van Reed of St Louis around twelve years ago
- Maintained by renowned specialists Design 911, Autofarm and Welsh Specialist Cars as well as the vendor’s own mechanic - a former Ferrari technician
- Presents immensely well inside the engine compartment and the vendor informs us that it has very healthy mechanicals
- Part of an extensive classic car collection and maintained accordingly
The Appeal
If you liked sports cars back in the early 1960s, the United States of America was an exciting place to be. Affluent young Americans couldn’t get enough of the latest imported offerings from the likes of MG, Triumph and of course, Porsche. A convertible 356 was particularly evocative of the era, with star-studded celebrities like James Dean and Steve Mcqueen spotted at the wheel. It threw down the gauntlet to the British sports cars of the day and laid the foundations for the inimitable 911, which reigns supreme to this day.
Here we have a delightful 1960 356 B Roadster with coachwork by Drauz. Combining the roguish attitude of the Speedster with the comfort of the Coupés, this is a particularly fine variant of the 356 and so it’s no wonder that they are immensely sought after by collectors. This one was, like so many, supplied new to the USA where it remained until 2013, whereupon it made its way across the Atlantic. Previously restored and reportedly driving very well indeed, this is a brilliant opportunity to acquire a truly fascinating piece of sports car history.
The History and Paperwork
- Left-hand drive
- Originally supplied to the USA
- Restored while still in America, approximately 12 years ago
- Imported to the UK by the vendor in 2013
- Originally finished in metallic silver / grey colour and now painted red by the previous owner in what we’re informed was one of the launch colours for this car
- The vendor reports that it had few owners through its time in the US although we’re not sure of exactly how many
- The vendor tells us they have recently spent around £5,000 with Autofarm readying the car for sale
- Supplied with a certificate of authenticity
The Interior
- Retrimmed to a high standard
- Immaculate luggage compartment
- Very little wear
- Green numeral VDO instruments
- Nardi wood-rimmed sports steering wheel
- Single sun visor for driver only
As every lightweight sports car should be, this Porsche’s interior is spartan and yet, it doesn’t compromise on comfort. The seats are generous in their width and padding with plenty of support for traversing rougher surfaces at high speed. There’s a general feeling of quality to everything you touch, with tactile switchgear and an especially exquisite Nardi steering wheel. The esoteric offset pedal arrangement will be familiar to air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts and you soon find it is surprisingly conducive to spirited driving.
All the upholstery is in fine condition, with no notable wear to the seats or door cards. We particularly like the Porsche emblemed seat belt buckles and the gold badging on the painted dashboard fascia. All the instrumentation and switchgear presents clearly and we understand all to be in good working order. The carpeting exhibits no obvious wear and nor do any of the controls.
The Exterior
- Drauz coachwork
- Attractive red paintwork applied during previous ownership
- Straight bodywork with neat shut lines and uniform panel gaps
- No evidence of accident damage or corrosion
- In places, the paint finish has micro-blistered although this is only really noticeable close-up
- All the chrome trim is in really nice order
- Steel wheels with chromed hubcaps
- A luggage rack is affixed to the rear decklid
- Black folding roof with cover
Any discussion concerning ‘beautiful’ cars is likely to feature the Porsche 356 at some point. Just look at it. Seldom has such an utterly stunning four-wheeled creation made it beyond the concept stage and the 356 remains loved the world owner for its curvaceous lines.
This example looks great in red - which we’re informed was one of the launch colours for this model. While the paint now exhibits some micro-blistering which to rectify will need re-painting, it presents well overall and holds a lustrous shine. The bodywork has been restored and remains in fine order, as does all the trim, glass and light lenses. We haven’t spotted any accident damage or corrosion, making this an immensely smart example. The roof operates correctly and the fabric is in good order.
The Mechanics
- 1600 cc air-cooled flat-four engine
- Twin-carburettors
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Exceedingly well presented engine compartment
- Judiciously maintained by leading classic Porsche specialists
- Recent work reportedly included the fitment of a new coil and wiper motor, besides other jobs to prepare the car for sale
- Said to be running and driving impeccably with no issues to mention
356s just like this were a common sight on the American sports car racing scene and they took many trophies at venues like Willow Springs Raceway in California. We don’t know if this particular Porsche saw any rack time in its early years but what we do know is that it drives well. There’s plenty of power from that twin-carb flat-four engine and with a low overall mass, it handles really nicely. The vendor reports that everything works exactly as it should, with no apparent issues.
Summary
This is an utterly charming example of the coveted Drauz-bodied Porsche 356 Bs Roadster.
Restored and in fine mechanical order, this is a very usable example and we trust that it will continue to be driven as Porsche intended for years to come.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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