Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 89180
Engine No. 803014
Transmission No. 46575
The 356 B Roadster evolved from the famed Speedster and single-year
Convertible D as the sporting open-topped 356. While the Speedster
was spartan, the Roadsters had become nearly as civilized as the
Cabriolet with a taller windshield and roll-upside windows. Initial
body production of the Roadster was handled by Drauz, who also
built the Convertible D before switching to D'Ieteren Freres S.A.
of Brussels, Belgium. Only available from 1960 through 1962, a
total of 2,900 356 Roadsters were produced, surely a small
percentage of roads for production with the high highest powered
Super 90 variant, making them a truly rare sight today.
The Kardex for this Roadster records a build date of 11 July 1961,
finished in Ivory over a Red leatherette interior. The original
owner, Robert D. Engel, a Californian serviceman based in
Kaiserslautern, Germany selected the potent high-compression Super
90 engine rated at 90 horsepower. Additionally, the car was
selected with an intriguing suite of options that included an
ashtray, reclining seats, rear seat cushion, antenna, FM suppressor
windshield wiper, cigar lighter, sun visor with makeup mirror, and
two loudspeakers. The car was delivered as a U.S.-market example
through the Georg Rittersbacher dealership based in Kaiserslautern.
The Kardex records servicing by them while under warranty through
September 1962.
The Super 90 is thought to have lived in California for much of its
life, where it was previously restored some 25+ years ago. The
bodywork was refinished during the restoration in its specified
Ivory with a matching Red leatherette interior. The original
numbers matching Super 90 engine received a top end overhaul.
During restoration, a later twin grille engine lid was installed
for improved engine cooling and its desirable aesthetic, yet should
the new owner wish to return it to the single grille configuration,
a correct engine lid is included in the sale. Most recently, in
October 2024, the engine's health was verified with a compression
check that revealed readings of 127-134 psi across all
cylinders.
Rarely seen today, this charming Super 90 Roadster offers a
compelling case to enjoy the sporting nature of the earlier 356
Speedster with the added benefit of refined luxury as well as
considerably more power. This delightful 356 is furnished with its
Kardex, a tool roll, owner's manual with Roadster supplement,
single grille engine cover, and a selection of service invoices.
Rare to find in any condition, it is nearly impossible to find a
factory Super 90 Roadster retaining its all important original
drivetrain. It is surely a unicorn among 356s.
