Vehicle Description
1962 Porsche 356B Twin-Grille Roadster
VIN: 89736
The second owner, Robert Wilson of Seattle, WA purchased this rare twin-grill in July of 1969. He kept the car for many years, and planned on doing a restoration when he was finished building his new home. The car was moved into the basement of the new home, but the time for the restoration never materialized. After Mr. Wilson's passing the car was purchased by Jim Newton of Automobile Associates of Canton in April of 2002.
Newton had planned on restoring the numbers-matching car for himself at his award winning shop, but before he was able to get started a good customer inquired about a numbers-matching twin-grille, and purchased the project just as it had begun. The customer wanted to build a concours-winning car with no expenses spared. The restoration officially began in summer of 2003 and would take a full three years to complete.
Without having a fixed deadline or a budget cap to worry about Newton and his team took their time addressing every element of the car down to the finest detail. Stripped down to its tub the twin-grille was discovered to be accident free and with all of its original body panels. The car was to be restored with an eye on correctness and drivability so it was painted in its original gray and the interior was finished in its original green. To increase the cars drivability the original engine was increased in size to 1750cc and given an SC cam. . It retains its dealer installed Les Leston steering wheel and has correct date coded wheels.
After taking delivery of the car in 2006 the new owner stored the car in his collection in New York driving it infrequently. He would have it sent back to Automobile Associates every year for an oil change and servicing.
D'Ieteren Freres only built 248 of these rare roadsters, making it one of the most prized open 356 models. This beautifully restored numbers-matching twin-grille has been fully serviced and concours detailed during its stay at Canepa, and is ready for the road or the rigors of competition.
