Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sotheby's Santa
Monica event, June 24, 2017.
Estimate:
$175,000 - $210,000 US
Matching-numbers engine
Brilliantly restored in original Ruby Red
Late production removable chrome windshield B
Even in their best years, production of the true open 356s�the
Roadster, D, and Speedster�was a matter of a few cars per day. As
the Porsche 356 Registry points out, by the sixties, America's love
of roofless driving was waning, to the point that, after 1966,
Porsche didn't offer a convertible at all. In 1960, they were still
available, but only 1,528 Roadsters were built out of more than
7,500 total 356s.
The Drauz-built Roadster was the third and final iteration of a
lineage of open Porsche 356s, which began with the 1954 Speedster
and 1958 Convertible D. Like the D, the Roadster enjoyed improved
daily usability over the stripped down and track-oriented
Speedster, as it had roll-up windows and a real top. Unlike the D,
it got the flat front of the new T-5 chassis B model, along with
all the other improvements of the new series, with the most notable
being the outstanding Alfin brakes. With little practice, the 356B
is immediately recognizable, thanks to the now-classic look of the
rounded front hood with a large chromed handle.
According to the included Porsche Certificate of Authenticity,
chassis 88222 was completed late in the production run on July 14,
1960, and the chassis, engine, and transmission numbers all conform
to the CoA. Unlike so many cars, it was never subjected to
ill-considered performance modifications nor raced. Prior to 2013,
it was still roadworthy and in complete and rust-free condition.
Then, a proper and professional restoration by Porsche specialists
began, with a bare metal repaint in the correct Ruby Red, which was
among the most popular of all 356 colors. It is matched by a Light
Brown interior, which is included on the seats and headrests, and
tan and black coco floor mats, which add a whimsical and
period-correct accent to the car. A Blaupunkt AM/FM radio is found
in the 356's optional underdash shroud. Drivers will appreciate
gripping the wood-rimmed steering wheel and the usability of the
fog lamps and a driver's side outside mirror. This interior is
matched by the soft top and boot, completing the car's touring
appeal. It is substantially dressed up with a set of reproduction
knockoff wheels, which can be removed through the utilization of
the included tool kit. The car sits upon high-speed-rated blackwall
radials, which highlight its mission to be a show-quality driver,
but for authenticity, or perhaps show use, a set of correct steel
wheels are also included with the car.
The 1960 models were a landmark in the history of the 356 Porsche,
and for many, the combination of a new face with hints of the past
makes this the perfect 356.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/.
