Beautifully presented T5 Roadster in stunning colors and updated with Super 90 powerplant.1960 Porsche 356B T-5 Roadsters/n 88777, Engine no. 804635Fjord Green with Camel Beige Leather InteriorFor more than half a century, enthusiasts and collectors have continuously favored the iconic and agile Porsche 356. The attractive combination of modest mechanicals and pure design were perfectly captured in the 356, delivering a novel car that challenged former ideas of what a truly enjoyable sports car could be. Initially brought to market as an update of the “A” model in 1959, the “B” series cars offered refinements and improvements to these capable rear engine sports cars. Thoughtfully designed, stylish, and sporty, the 356B brought customers the high quality, value, reliability, and mechanical robustness that Porsche would become so well known for in the coming decades. Offered with a range of engines, the T-5 series could be purchased with the top engine, the Super 90. Outfitted with twin Solex carburetors and paired with a higher lift camshaft, the 9.0 compression engine delivered 90hp, living up to the Super 90 name.Purchased at the 2014 Gooding & Co. Auction by the current owner, and formerly owned by a longtime North American vintage Porsche collector, this Porsche 356 roadster is one of 1,529 built and is believed to have been delivered new to the first owner in New York. According to the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this 356 Drauz-bodied roadster was completed November 29, 1960, finished in Ruby red with black leatherette interior. Optional equipment when delivered new included reclining seats, an ashtray, and Continental tires. Although information surrounding early years of ownership is yet to be uncovered, under prior ownership this roadster received a comprehensive restoration, including the installation of new floor pans. Originally delivered from the factory with a 1600cc normal spec. engine, this roadster has been upgraded with the desirable and more powerful Super 90 engine. And while just 2,600 356 models were equipped from the factory with Super 90 engines, this favorable performance upgrade presents as a wonderful addition to this roadster. The added power of the Super has been further enhanced with the addition of twin dual-throat Weber carburetors. This combination adds a notable increase in performance while maintaining the essence of the original 356 design. In March 2022, experts at Bob Smith Coachworks, Gainesville, TX performed $20,000 worth of service on the car including removing the carburetors, cleaning and tuning the Weber carburetors, installing four new brake wheel cylinders, machine turning the brake drums, installing a new master cylinder, and repairing the brake light switch wire. New spark plugs, new rotor, a new ignition wire set, new distributor cap, and a new battery were also installed as well as new axle boots for the half shafts, oil and filter change, brake bleeding, transaxle fluid check, refinishing for the fuel tank, and installation of a new fuel sender unit. Today this Porsche 356B roadster presents as a wonderfully restored example, prepared with correct finishes, proper components, and high-quality materials. The former owner reports that NOS or OEM parts were used whenever possible during the restoration. The Fjord Green paint displays uniform gloss and excellent finish throughout the car, showing only minor imperfections on forward facing surfaces acquired via typical road use. The fit and finish of all opening features is excellent as well, with the doors shutting properly and tightly, acceptable hood fit, and tight closure to the matching number engine lid which bears the stamping 777 that corresponds to the last three digits of the serial number. The Drauz-built roadster body contains the correct side emblem and matching Drauz door jamb plate. The exterior is finished with painted bumpers which properly follow the curvaceous body contours, adorned with chrome plated overriders front and rear, the latter of which contain twin exhaust tips exiting the lower portion of the chrome overriders. The headlights, teardrop taillights, single engine grille, and emblems are in excellent condition, including the gold script letters on the decklid announcing the Super 90 engine upgrade. During the restoration, a set of original style yellow-lens fog lamps and correctly contoured body side trim were added to enhance the look of the car. A set of chrome plated wheels and matching wheel covers are shod with Vredestein Sprint Classic tires. Overall, the striking visual exterior presentation is highly satisfying for a car that can be driven, enjoyed, and confidently shown at local Porsche club events.The interior has been restored accurately with correct components finished in a wonderful color combination. The interior is authentically finished using Camel Beige leather and oatmeal carpets. The correctly finished bucket seats are outfitted with a pair of period correct headrests, properly mounted to the seatbacks. Important to note that the seat bottom cushions have been purposefully “cupped” on the bottom bolsters to allow better comfort and grip when driving, a detail often missed by less astute upholsters. The carpet is of high quality and correct square weave design showing no evidence of use, preserved by a set of four coco mats installed over the protective black rubber floor mat. Even the inner door panel map pockets have been correctly stitched in matching camel beige leather. The original style instruments are in beautiful condition, reflecting the unique green numbers, high contrast dials, and clear glass. 29,875 miles is indicated on the odometer, though this is not expected to be accurate from new. A period-correct Blaupunkt AM/FM radio has been installed without cutting the dash, in a matching painted metal under-dash enclosure. A beautifully finished wood rimmed Porsche steering wheel with chrome plated horn ring and Porsche crest center emblem adds to the beauty of the interior presentation. The beige canvas top is in excellent condition, appearing essentially new with tight fit to the windshield header and a clear plastic rear window. The mechanical top armature moves freely and nests smoothly into the rear compartment, which can be covered using the rear tonneau cover. When in position, the headliner and correctly painted top bows reveal further exceptional workmanship and attention to detail. The front storage area is authentically presented with a correct leather strap for the Vredestein spare tire, correct 6V battery, factory type jack, proper tools, and tool roll. Overall, the interior of the car is wonderfully trimmed, generating a cohesive appearance to the entire cabin, particularly due to the combination of a very fine restoration and exceptional color choices. The engine compartment is very well detailed and correctly restored using largely original parts and finishes. Having been faithfully restored, the Super 90 engine is a great upgrade to this roadster, particularly as it is outfitted with Weber carburetors which adds to the performance character of this 356. Care and attention have been given to proper fasteners, correct engine components, a correct Fram oil filter housing with correct decal, Bosch electrical features, proper wiring, and correct finishes. Underside inspection reveals a very tidy car that has been properly cared for showing a nicely refinished replacement floor pan, clean and properly detailed suspension, and correct drum brakes. The suspension, various components, engine, and gearbox casings are all in excellent condition showing only minor evidence of use since the restoration was completed. The car starts reliably and idles smoothly. The gearbox operates wonderfully up and down with smooth synchros, warm or cold. The car travels nicely along smooth roadways with no excessive chatter when encountering bumps in the road. Acceleration is brisk as the engine winds up into the higher RPMs without hesitation, with the twin Weber carburetors adding a nice punch to the higher horsepower offered with the Super 90 engine. Braking is very good overall benefitting from new wheel cylinders and recently turned drums. This 356 Porsche roadster comes with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, a tool roll, tools, rare air-pressure gauge, Porsche branded towel, and jack, as well as a rare roadside service kit, seldom included or found as a complete set. Exceptional color combination, dynamic open roadster configuration, and a beautiful restoration combine to make this 356B T-5 roadster an ideal Porsche for the enthusiast who enjoys both showing and driving a beautifully prepared example of the iconic 356 roadster.
Please note that the title for this automobile is in transit at this time.