1960 Porsche 356B

Sold for $168,000 at 2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey.
The Porsche 356 'B' was produced from 1960 through 1963, and what is known as 'T5' configuration, wore new front and rear sheet-metal but retained the rounded fenders and curved front trunk lid of the A series. The 'B' added raised bumpers with over-riders, raised headlamps, a larger hood handle, and front vent windows in the doors. The interior housed redesigned rear seats, and a new steering wheel and column. Mechanical improvements included stronger engine internals, transaxle, shifting linkage, and better Alfin brakes. The standard 1.6-liter, air-cooled, flat, four-cylinder could be optioned with the 'Super' specification which raised the compression and boosted output by 15 bhp.

This particular 356 B 1600 Super Coupe is finished in Heron Grey and a sunroof, one of sixteen additional factory options applied. The list included a chrome-plated luggage rack, Coco mats, dual loudspeakers, fog lamps, an exterior mirror, an electric clock, chrome perforated wheels, armrest, headrests, a dimmable interior mirror, decorative trim, Blaupunkt Cologne radio, aerial, and Continental tires. The car was delivered new to the Jacksonville, Florida dealership of Brumos Porsche on October 7th of 1960. By February of 1961, it had accumulated nearly 5,000 miles.

The car remained in Florida for decades, and at some point was refinished in metallic silver over ivory upholstery. Around 2011, it was found in Miami by its previous owner and promptly submitted for a complete restoration to original specifications. The work was completed by late 2013 wearing its original color scheme and fitted with its original factory-specified accessories.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2022