1961 Porsche

We hesitate to use the word, but iconic, does surely apply to the Porsche 356 and the genesis of Porsche as a manufacturer, the very first 356/1 Roadster emerging from Porsche’s Gmund woodshed in Austria in 1948. History in the making indeed.

That mid-engined roadster, built largely from VW components evolved rapidly, its sports car ethos being literally turned around as mid-engined became rear-engined, to accommodate a more practical machine with rear seats. To this very day, the rear-engined 911 can trace its roots back to the 356.

It was without doubt a quirky thing, but the 356 really captured the imagination of a select group of enthusiasts who valued design, engineering and a certain sophistication over perhaps outright speed. Compared to a lot of homegrown sports cars at the time, the 356s monocoque body/chassis, and its unusual layout, was a distinctly leftfield choice. Or to put it in more modern terms: ‘If you knew, you knew!’

It’s adoption into the American market, and high profile/celeb owners like Steve McQueen, James Dean and even Janis Joplin certainly helped, as did motorsport success in events like Le Mans. And while the 356 was a contemporary rarity in the UK (and very expensive), the likes of MotorSport journalist, Dennis Jenkinson and World Land and Water Speed record holder, Donald Campbell, certainly added to the unusual car’s mystique.

Production and model history of the 356 was fast moving to say the least, with frequent updates and changes, as well as the different coachbuilders and not a subject that we’re going to tackle here. Suffice to say that following Porsche’s relocation back to Stuttgart/Zuffenhausen in 1949, the 356 remained as Porsche’s core/mainstream model up until 1964, and the arrival of the 911. Even then the 356 remained in production until 1966. A remarkable run, by any standard.

A Rear (Ruby Red) Gem

Complicated as model history and production maybe, we are delighted at Paul Stephens to be able to offer this truly outstanding 1961 Porsche 356B T5 Super 90 Cabriolet for sale.

Introduced in 1959 and in production until 1962 the 356B T5 (Technical Programme V!) was recognisable by its curved windscreen, the raised level of its headlights and elevated front bumper and overriders, plus its twin exhausts exiting through the rear bumper overriders and prominent chrome handle on the bonnet.

As Super 90 would suggest, this prime example features a 90bhp version of the 356’s venerable, pushrod flat-four, second only to the exotic Carrera GS in terms of 356 hierarchy.

Interior improvements were made to the seats and dashboard, and the gearlever was shortened by some 40mm.

The Cabriolet was a mainstay of the 356 range from its launch, and Cabriolet bodies were outsourced to various coachbuilders over the years, including Reutter, as with this car.

Finished in Ruby Red, with contrasting grey leather, this example features matching engine and chassis numbers and was originally supplied new to Volkswagen Mexico in 1961 and then imported into the UK from Canada in the late 1980s, passing to London domiciled Mr Christian de Larringa, who must have cut quite a dash in it cruising the Capital with the hood down.

Significantly it was acquired in 2015 by respected 356 specialist Roger Bray, where it underwent a full bodywork and mechanical restoration, with invoices and bills approaching £50,000. To carry out a similar restoration in today’s 356 market would be markedly more costly. The quality of the restoration a decade on, is a testimony to the quality of Roger Brays work.

Upgrades were also carried out to make this particular 356 more usable, including headrests, inertia reel seatbelts and 12-volt electrics.

On The Road

Never driven a 356? Prepared to be beguiled. With 90bhp, this example is plenty powerful enough to keep up with modern traffic, its gutsy pushrod flat-four, chattering away, power delivered in its torquey 4000-4500rpm mid-range, rather than high-revs.

Steering and gearchange are a tactile delight, and you guide the 356 rather than hustle it along. Impressively swift progress can be made, belying its 65-years and the overall feeling is of a machine that is absolutely unburst able.

And of course there is the open-air factor, that makes this 356 and any Cabriolet for that matter, the perfect summer companion.

In Summary

A rare opportunity to purchase an expertly restored 356 that’s ready to be enjoyed. Summer is around the corner. What are you waiting for?