1962 Porsche 356B Roadster

The Porsche 356 B Roadster was the final evolution of the Speedster, which was replaced by the Drauz-built Convertible D in 1959. Drauz later handed over some of the Roadster production to Porsche's Belgian distributor, D'Ieteren Freres. The cars produced by D'Ieteren are identified by their pair of engine cover cooling grilles.

This Porsche is one of 58 Super 90 'T6' D'Ieteren roadsters produced. It was completed on December 14th of 1961 and shipped to the Islinger Porsche Agency in Mannheim, West Germany, where it was delivered to Californian Werrner Ehrenpreis. It was ordered in a special-order color of Black 9701) over red leatherette with a black canvas folding top. This car was optioned with armrests, headrests, fog lamps, seat belts, a cigarette lighter, a radio/speaker/antenna package, canvas tonneau, sun visors with passenger-side mirror, additional soundproofing, touch-up paint, chromed wheels, and a luggage rack. Additionally, it came with the more robust 'Super 90' engine offering more than a hundred horsepower.

This car was later acquired by Gary Dixon, also of California, who had it repainted red and given a black interior. In March of 1993, it was offered for sale by Sam Cabiglio of southern California, by which time it showed some 108,000 miles. By this point in history, its engine had recently been partially overhauled for Alex Bivens of Huntington Beach.

David Heller acquired the car in 1994 and soon resold it to Patrick Patterson, who commissioned a full restoration to its original color scheme by Bob Campbell. In 1996 and 1997, it claimed 1st-place awards at the Porsche 356 Club Concours at Monterey. In 2001, it was acquired by Michael Hackney. In 2007, it was purchased by Alex Dearborn, who had the engine rebuilt in 2010 by George Nelson at 115,480 miles. During this time, the displacement size was increased to 1,776 and the engine bay was carefully detailed. Also during 2007, the transaxle was overhauled, and a taller fourth gear was installed. In 2011, a new windshield and top were installed. In 2014, this Roadster earned a Best of Show at the 356 Registry meet in Florida. A year later, it was runner-up at the Boca Raton Concours.

The current owner has added more sound insulation, a hidden third brake lamp, LED rear lamp bulbs, halogen headlights, and newer 5.5 × 15-in. chromed steel wheels. Currently the car has 130,863 miles on the odometer.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2019