Porsche’s popular 356 Roadster was introduced for the 1960 model year as a replacement of the one-year-only Convertible D, the Speedster’s more civilized successor. The new T-5 Roadster brought several marked changes in appearance; the front fenders and headlamps were raised, as were both the front and rear bumpers, to better deal with urban parking, and new vertical bumper guards also helped in that respect. New brake-cooling intakes were also added to the nose below the front bumper. There were new cast-aluminum Alfin brake drums with iron liners, and the brakes had improved sealing to repel water.

The new Roadster shared many of the comfort attributes of the Convertible D, including roll-up windows, comfortable seats, and a well-constructed convertible top with a tan-painted frame and wraparound plastic rear window. For those with competition in mind, the windshield could be removed, and Roadsters, like the Speedster and Convertible D, soon became popular in amateur sports car racing around the world.

The Roadster presented here is finished in its original Ivory color, with the correct red interior and black top. It previously belonged to noted Porsche restorers Harvey and Linda Smith for 32 years and features the desirable Super 90 engine. Prior to the Smith’s ownership, it belonged to David Koehn of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who acquired the car in 1975. He advertised it for sale in the Porsche Panorama magazine, where Linda spotted her dream car. Harvey flew to Wisconsin to collect it, though, unfortunately, the engine failed on the way home to Arizona, so Smith fitted a 1962 Super 90 motor, which remains in the car today. Sadly, Linda Smith never did drive her dream; its restoration was unfinished when she passed in 2005.

Thereafter, Smith sold the Roadster to Ibrahim Kuzu in Texas in 2007. Kuzu ultimately found another project to pursue and sold the car to Wisconsin collector Carl Zapffe in 2009. The Roadster was then sent to Terry Worick Restoration in Eagle, Nebraska, where it received a complete bare-metal rotisserie restoration. Zapffe then enjoyed his stunning Porsche for another six years before it was acquired by the current consignor. A stickler for perfection and detail, he engaged Classic Restorations of Denver, Colorado, to repaint the Roadster to rectify any nagging concerns. Today, the paint is excellent and the bodywork exceptionally straight, with outstanding panel fit. As the hood had been initially poorly repaired, it was replaced with a new unit. The interior was also refinished in red leather by Monaco Auto Trim of Englewood, Colorado, which fitted correct red carpet and a black Haartz top. A Derrington wood wheel is included with the original steering wheel. New step plates and door seals were installed and a new windshield fitted. The chassis and drivetrain were detailed to concours standards, while the brakes and Super 90 engine were fully rebuilt during the previous restoration work, and new shocks and tires were fitted.

This well-prepared Roadster will be able to extend the new owner’s motoring enjoyment in spring and fall—by keeping inclement weather outside of the car.