The immortal Porsche 356 Speedster was succeeded in late 1958 by the more refined 356 Convertible D. With the “D” standing for their coachbuilder Drauz, these new open 356s maintained much of the Speedster’s racing feel, but with the enhanced practicality of a taller windshield, wind-up door glass, and a proper-fitting convertible top. With the dawn of the 356 B and its T-5 body type, Porsche continued outsourcing production to Drauz as the Roadster replaced the Convertible D.

In 1962, Porsche refined the 356 yet again with the debut of the T-6 body type. To not overwhelm Drauz, and to clear production lines for the upcoming 356 C, which would no longer feature a Roadster, Porsche commissioned the Belgium coachbuilder D’Ieteren to complete the T-6 Roadsters. Easily distinguishable by their squared hood, right front fender fuel filler, and engine lids with twin ventilation grilles, this final Roadster ranks among the rarest Porsches ever made at approximately 250 total examples. Of these, a smaller subset was equipped with the robust, 75-horsepower 1600 Super engine.

Per a copy of its Kardex build record on file, this 356 “Twin Grille” Roadster, chassis 89750, was completed in Zuffenhausen on 9 February 1962 finished as it presents today in the elegant livery of Osloblau (6203 D) over Grau trim. Factory-equipped with the 1600 Super engine this Roadster was shipped to John von Neumann’s pivotal sports car dealership, Competition Motors in Hollywood, California, where it was sold to its first owner, John F. Bryan of Beverly Hills, on 5 June 1962.

Now displaying the hallmarks of a full restoration, and refinished in its charming factory livery, this Roadster sports the ever-important distinction of retaining its matching-numbers 1600 Super engine and gearbox, and as well as its twin-grille engine lid. Owing to its superb finishes and numbers matching-drivetrain components, this highly practical derivative of the 356 Speedster wants nothing except its next passionate caretaker.