75 bhp, 1,582 cc “1600 Super” flat four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel fin-cooled hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,100 mm (82.7")

• Desirable Drauz-bodied roadster with 1600S type 616/2 T5 engine

• Nut-and-bolt restoration, with service records, original books and tools

• Matching-numbers example showing just 74,000 miles

• Original ivory over red leather color combination

• Rare factory Rudge knock-off wheels

Dr. Ferdinand Porsche and his son “Ferry” oversaw the development of their first production car, the “356,” in the late 1940s. Austrian engineer Erwin Komenda designed its iconic coachwork. A few subtle changes saw Dr. Porsche’s 356 survive 18 years with total production nearing 80,000 cars.

In 1960, Porsche introduced Erwin Komenda’s new T5 body style, designating the model 356B. German coachbuilder Drauz Karosserieswerke built both the Convertible (Drauz) and 356B bodies. Both were successors to the famed Porsche Speedster of the mid-to-late ’50s. The T5 had a distinctly flatter hood and larger, higher bumpers. This “Roadster” replaced the Convertible D and had a relatively short production run of approximately 2,563 units. In 1962 the T5 body was replaced by the T6, produced briefly by Belgian coachbuilders D’Ieteren Frères S.A.

Completed on September 6, 1959, this Roadster is one of just 560 produced in 1959 and is one of the first of the 1960 production model year. In total, approximately 2,653 Drauz Roadsters left the factory between 1960 and 1962. It was delivered to Porsche distributor Max Hoffman in New York on December 22. Hoffman sold the Roadster to a customer in Riverside, California. It retains its original Californian black plates and comes with detailed service and restoration records dating back to the 1980s that confirm just 74,000 original miles and three owners since new.

Options include the higher compression 1600 Super engine, extremely rare factory Rudge knock-off wheels, roadster seats, in-dash cigar lighter, deluxe horn, original books, keys and factory tool kit. A nut-and-bolt restored car, the Roadster comes with a copy of the 1959 delivery order, the owner’s manual, engine and chassis factory service book, battery guarantee book and ultra-rare factory Roadster Operating Instruction Supplement.

356B Roadsters are often described as a refined evolution of the legendary Speedster. This is a beautifully restored and carefully maintained matching-numbers example in its original color combination of ivory (Elfenbein) over red (Rot). With desirable factory options, preserved original documentation and an excellent provenance, this Porsche Roadster would be an outstanding addition to any collection.