The autumn of 1959 welcomed Porsche’s fully redesigned 356B; known internally as the T5, as in ‘Technical Programme V.’ The Porsche 356B was available in four body types: Coupe, Cabriolet, Hardtop Coupe and Roadster. The Cabriolet and Coupe bodies were built by Reutter in Stuttgart, while the Hardtop Coupe bodies with their welded on tops came from Karmann in Osnabrück, and the Roadsters (like this exceptional example) were built by Drauz in Heilbronn. Roadster production at Drauz of Heilbronn ended in February 1961 and continued thereafter at D’Ieteren in Brussels, Belgium.

Porsche launched its 356B Roadster for the 1960 model year as a successor to the one-year-only Convertible D. Like the D, the new Roadster offered wind-up windows and a taller removable windshield, which made it ideal for both everyday street use and competition—a theme begun by the immortal lightweight Speedster. The 356B also reflected Porsche’s continuing effort to improve the line’s mechanical components, with stronger and more efficient engine internal components, a stronger transaxle and shifting linkage, along with better brakes. The body also displayed some subtle styling changes, with a flatter hood, reshaped front fenders, improved bumpers, and a larger chrome-plated hood handle. Porsche would produce some 2,649 examples of the T5 356B Roadster over two model years, 1960 and 1961.

This very handsome 356B Roadster, chassis 86983, has received a complete ground-up restoration with the engine being rebuilt by a Porsche 356 specialist in 2012. Resplendent in red with a black soft-top (plus boot) and black interior, this 356B is powered by a 1,582-cc, 75-hp horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that is paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The Roadster is reported to have its correct running gear and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from the factory. The Porsche is equipped with period-correct chromed steel wheels with badged hubcaps, a Nardi wood-rimmed steering wheel, luggage rack, radio with speakers behind the seats, VDO instrumentation, padded upper dash, passenger grab bar, spare tire and Drauz tags on the driver’s side door jamb and right front quarter panel. The Porsche has been dutifully cared for and is housed in a climate controlled garage in Palm Springs, and it has over $18,000 in maintenance receipts.

Road & Track magazine touted the “extraordinarily high standards of finish and workmanship” from Porsche in the era this car was originally built. These qualities continue to be reflected on this exceptional German sports classic. The Porsche brand has always prided itself on being ahead of its time; few sports cars of the period could approach its excellent riding qualities and few could match its inherent cornering ability. The charm of this automobile is the commensurate ease in which it can negotiate winding roads. This is a great opportunity to begin your own travelling adventures; courtesy of Porsche.