Vehicle Description
1961 Porsche 356B T5 Super-90 Cabriolet
This particular cabriolet is a mid-production T-5 356 and featuring
the early type 356B body, which retains the smaller trunk opening,
single-engine grille, and fuel filler under the front trunk. Out of
1,616 T5 Cabriolets built this is the 66th from the last off the
production line in December of 1960, titled as a 1961. The Super-90
engine no. 801923 is matching per Porsche Kardex; the date of
completion was December 22, 1960. The original handler was Porsche
Zentrum Fulda Kahrmann in Fulda, Germany, and sold to the first
owner, Mr. Edward P. May who was based in Paris, France. A few
months later, the car was shipped into the US to Hoffman Motor cars
in February of 1961.
European Collectibles sold this 356 July of 2003 to one of its past
clients who lives in Central California and has enjoyed the 356 for
the past 17 years. The last major service done by the owner was
September of 2019 which included an oil change, valve adjustment,
brake inspection, the link, the kingpins were rebuilt, and a front
disc brake upgrade was installed; $3,092 was spent. European
Collectibles has done the most recent service and installed five
new tires. This 356 performs flawlessly and has plenty of
horsepower (90HP). The 741 manual 4-speed shifts through the gears
smoothly and the four-wheel drum braking system has been upgraded
with the front disc brake conversion.
The original color combination was Silver Metallic with a blue
interior. Currently, the 356 is finished in Black with a tan
interior, black soft top, and black boot cover. There were three
options of engine types available; Normal, 60HP (standard engine
and the most common), Super, with 75HP (an upgrade), and the
Super-90, with 90 HP (top of the line).
Looking into the front trunk you will see the original sound
deadening (insulation) along with the original fuel tank and
sending unit with a chrome spare wheel and leather tire strap.
Under the engine deck lid, the original sound deadening is also
still intact along with a nicely detailed engine. Options include:
Chrome wheels with Super hub caps, new Vredestein 165/15 tires,
black soft top, black boot cover, owner's manual, and a spare tire
with a leather strap. One of the most desirable 356s with a factory
Super 90 engine; they are getting very difficult to find in this
condition and even harder to find a SUPER-90 Cabriolet.
History of the 1960-1961 Porsche 356B T5
For the 1960 model year, the 356A model was out and replaced by the
356B, which was known internally as the T5. It looked similar on
the outside, but there were numerous small and important changes to
the body. The front bumper had enlarged rim guards that were
positioned higher and the headlights were slightly raised as well.
The front indicators stuck out further and the front lid handle was
new. In the back, the lights for the license plate were integrated
into the now raised rear bumper, and the reverse light was
lowered.
During its continued evolution, the Porsche 356 had grown in both
stature and price, but it still had no direct competition. MGs, ACs
and Jags all combined some elements of the 356's appeal but were
not as refined and sophisticated in their execution, at least
according to Porsche loyalists. The 356B further solidified
Porsche's reputation for building high quality, fun and quick
little sports cars. Plus, it allowed the company to continue the
slow, methodical growth that allowed it to become one of the
world's premier specialist car manufacturers.
