General description :
Cabriolets had been manufactured right from the start of Type 356 production, but the first open Porsche to make a significant impact was the Speedster, introduced in 1954 following the successful reception in the USA of a batch of 15 special roadsters. The Reutter-bodied Speedster was dropped in 1958 and replaced by the more civilised Convertible D, which differed principally by virtue of its larger windscreen and winding side windows. Porsche sub-contracted cabriolet body construction to a number of different coachbuilders including Drauz of Heilbronn, d'Ieteren of Brussels and its long-time collaborator and close neighbour, Reutter.
By the time the 356B arrived in September 1959, the car had gained a one-piece rounded windscreen and 15"-diameter wheels, and the newcomer's introduction brought with it further styling revisions. The engine, now standardised at 1,600cc, was available in three different stages of tune, the most powerful - apart from the four-cam Carrera - being the 90bhp unit of the Super 90. The 356B represents significant advances in driveability and comfort over earlier 356 models, and is a pleasingly quick way to enjoy the traditional Porsche values of quality, reliability and mechanical robustness.
This Right-hand drive example was completed at Karosserie Reutter in 1960 for Alan Clark, Politician, historian, diarist and motoring enthusiast. Clark took delivery at his Switzerland home where he was living while writing his first famous book about World War One, 'The Donkeys'. He brought the Porsche over to England in May 1962 shown by the original old-style logbook present in the file . The car was later sold to AFN the UK importer. It is reputedly, only one of eight right-hand examples of its type in the UK.
In 1968 this 356 was purchased by David Carnwath. The car had three subsequent owners prior to its acquisition by Michael Chadwick in 1990. He took the car to Peter Nardelli, who fitted side mouldings and a dashboard clock (both factory options in 1960) together with new 5.5" chromed wheels with 185/70 tyres. Peter also persuaded Michael Chadwick to have the engine fully rebuilt, commenting that Michael's was one of the best 356s he had driven. A full rebuild of the engine and ancillaries was duly carried in mid-1991 by Chris Mannion & Company to very high standard.
In 1993 a full bare-metal repaint was carried out and the car was then put into storage until 1996 when it was acquired by the current owner. The car has been kept garaged since acquisition and is used occasionally, covering no more than 200-300 miles annually, mostly in the dry summer months. It has been regularly serviced, maintained and MoT tested. In the last few months, the car has had a comprehensive refurbishment including full respray, new carpets, new roof and mechanics, etc… Now for sale, this extremely well presented and rare 356 B RHD will be a very sure investment, as rarity is always essential.
Bespoke financial arrangements are available to assist in the purchase of this car.
1960 Porsche 356 is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Chiswick by Landmark Car Company for Not priced.
Car Facts
Car type : CarMake : PorscheModel : 356Engine size : 1.6Model Year : 1960Sub type : ConvertibleLocation : ChiswickVehicle Registration : Undefined