1960 Porsche 356B Cabriolet

First came the popular 356A Speedster, then the Convertible D in 1958 to be replaced by the Roadster a year later in 1959. Within a year or so, demand for open top 356s was slowing fast and that early love affair with 'wind in the hair' was virtually non-existent at the launch of the 911 in 1965.

This Porsche 356 B 1600 Roadster by Drauz was restored over a two-year period starting in 2007. It was completed at Zuffenhausen on March 31st of 1960 and received special-order Royal Blue over a grey leatherette interior. According to its Kardex report, its specification included Continental tires and reclining seats. It was delivered new to Dave Rasmussen Volkswagen-Porsche of Burlingame, California. The vehicle's Les Leston steering wheel and lap belts are believed to have been fitted by the originating dealer when new.

This Roadster was purchased by a gentleman as a surprise college graduation gift for his daughter. The Porsche served as her daily transportation for the next several decades before it was placed into dry storage in 1995. Following her father's passing, the car was removed from storage in early 2007 and given a complete restoration by specialist shops within Santa Clara County. Upon completion of its restoration in March 2009, this Roadster claimed best-in-class honors at the Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance.

After 49 years of single-family ownership, the car was purchased by an active 356 enthusiast and PCA member from Folsom, California. It would go on to claim many more awards at PCA regional exhibitions throughout Central California. Several years later it was purchased by the Canepa Collection who completely disassembled the car and sorted it, returning it to its factory-correct details and concours-winning standards. Over 500-plus hours were reportedly spent on the work, including a bare metal respray in its original special-order Royal Blue paint.