Porsche 356 Roadster, 1960
Chassis No.: 87351 $110,000 | Sold • Odometer: 96,214 miles • Engine: Other • Transmission: Manual • Exterior: Yellow • Interior: Beige • Body: Roadster • 1600cc Flat 4-cylinder engine • 4-speed manual transmission • Yellow exterior • Tan convertible top • Beige interior While the 356 Speedster was a sales and racing success with its light weight, superior balance and racy looks all at a sub-$3,000 price, the car’s spartan passenger accommodations made driving one in poor weather an experience endured only by sheer necessity. Porsche addressed these deficiencies in the summer of 1958 with the Convertible D, with the “D” denoting the car’s body builder, Carrosserie Drauz of Heilbronn, Germany. Essentially a second-generation—but more-comfortable—Speedster, the Convertible D was in turn succeeded for 1960 and 1961 by the 356B Roadster, in T-5 and T-6 bodies, respectively. The Roadster’s roof and windshield were both higher than those of the Speedster, adding a welcome 3.5 inches of additional headroom, as well as improved comfort and visibility with the top up. Roll-up windows replaced the Speedster’s basic side curtains, and additional changes included more complete interior trim and improved seats, similar to those of the 356 Coupe. Regardless of body style, Porsche’s 356, and in particular the refined 356B, produced between September 1959 and July 1963, remain excellent examples of Porsche’s sophisticated engineering and tireless development processes. Driving dynamics were particularly enhanced, and in the pages of Playboy, Ken Purdy wrote that the 356B “… may be the most fun to drive of anything in the world,” adding that “… you can, with small effort, believe that the seat of your trousers is part of the automobile.” Finished in yellow and accented by a tan convertible top and beige interior, this 1960 Porsche 356 Roadster features power by a 1600cc flat 4-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission/rear transaxle. Other choice highlights include VDO gauges, chrome bumpers and trim, a rear luggage rack and chrome wheel covers with the iconic multicolor Porsche crests. https://www.mecum.com/lots/1092410/1960-porsche-356-roadster/
