Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Porsche 356B D’Ieteren Roadster

Chassis No. – 89330
Engine No. – KD*P*820534*
Gearbox No. - 56074
Exterior Color – Slate Gray
Interior Color – Red
Engine – 1600 Air cooled 4-cylinder
Transmission – 4-speed manual
Current Miles – 84,000 miles (TMU)

Highlights for this car

Rare one of 473 Belgian D’leteren single grille roadsters built
Per Kardex San Francisco, California delivery roadster
Beautifully finished and handsomely detailed

General Overview

With its unique profile, nimble driving manners, and race-inspired lineage, the legendary Porsche 356 remains today one of the most sought-after vintage sports cars among collectors and enthusiasts alike. Introduced in 1948, the 356 benefited from continual refinements including the eventual cabriolet variant which would see the phasing out of the roadster platform by the early 1960s. Many of the technical and engineering advances developed in the 356 would continue into production for the 911, but the purity and simplicity of the 356 remains today as an enduring reminder of the original concept behind the Porsche name.

History of this Porsche 356

This example is one of 473 examples constructed in single grille configuration by the Belgian Coachbuilding house of D’Ieteren Freres. Contracted by Porsche to build the remaining roadsters as the cabriolet became more prevalent, D’Ieteren completed these exclusive roadsters on a dedicated production line in both single and twin grille configuration. According to a copy of the Porsche Kardex, this car was completed August 24, 1961, in the final series production of the single grille variant. Finished in Aetna Blue with red interior, reclining seats, and Goodyear tires, this 356 Roadster was shipped to Porsche Car Pacific, San Francisco, CA and subsequently delivered to the first owner, a resident of Portola Valley, CA.

The current owner, a multiple vintage Porsche enthusiast and well versed in the restoration of these specific Roadsters, purchased this car in 2002. At that time, the car was very complete only needing paint and light cosmetic finishing to the original body panels. The current owner commissioned a bare metal respray in Porsche Slate Gray performed by Clausen Auto Body, Everett, WA which included painting all inside surfaces, door jambs, and inner body panels as well as the dashboard. During the restoration, the interior was removed and comprehensively reupholstered using the correct red material, square weave carpets, and a new black canvas top. As a handsome finishing touch, the Porsche steering wheel was restored with a wood rim by Porsche specialist Jack Arct, Portland, OR. Under current ownership, the engine was replaced approximately 3,00 miles ago with a Super 90 engine and the gearbox upgraded with a unit rebuilt by Ron’s Transaxle in Richmond,CA with a Speedster third gear. While the engine was out, a new clutch and a new muffler were also installed.

Current Condition

Today, this beautifully restored D’Ieteren Roadster exhibits all the hallmarks of a high-quality restoration performed by knowledgeable Porsche enthusiasts. The beautifully applied Slate Grey paint is glossy throughout with excellent coverage applied over the original body panels. The engine lid number matches the VIN and the doors, hood, and engine lid all exhibit excellent panel gaps, and tight closures. The delicate polished side trim, emblems, and chrome plating all present in excellent condition. The glass and lenses are also in excellent condition including the windshield which shows no excessive chips or cracks. The chrome plated wheels are in excellent condition and are believed to be the original set delivered with the car with corresponding date codes to match the assembly date on the Kardex. A set of polished hubcaps and Vredestein 165 HR15 tires complete the uniquely hunkered down stance of the 356.

The red interior presents beautifully with taut fit over properly bolstered seats showing excellent surface finishes and properly contoured seat piping. The quality and presentation of the interior further exemplifies the experienced Porsche restoration skills applied to this car. The dashboard and beautifully restored instrumentation present a stunning array of color and contrast, supported by a sporty wood rimmed steering wheel with polished aluminum spokes and Porsche center emblem. A Blaupunkt AM/FM radio is installed above the 4-speed manual transmission shifter. Carpeting, headliner, top bows, and matching red door panels with excellent chrome handles complete the interior with confidence.

Under the hood, the engine bay and engine present in excellent condition. Having been rebuilt 3,000 miles ago, the replacement Super 90 engine and components were restored using correct finishes, proper coatings, original specification hardware, and accurate fasteners. The front storage compartment further supports the excellent workmanship and attention to detail. A date coded spare tire rim and properly finished components create a handsome visual harmony underlying the original body and long-term ownership. During the restoration the original floor pans were retained and remain in excellent condition owing much of their originality to California delivery, mild weather, and subsequent enthusiast ownership.

The car starts easily without hesitation and idles smoothly as the engine warms to operating temperature. The clutch and gearbox are nicely paired with smooth engagement offering progressive acceleration even under moderate traffic conditions. Once on the open road, the added Super 90 power impressively climbs to higher revs in all gears. Handling is nimble while carving mountain roads with smooth driving manners on longer highway stretches.

Items Included with the Car

This wonderfully restored Porsche is accompanied by a copy of the Porsche Kardex, a pair of matching red coco mats, a black tonneau cover, Porsche tire jack, driver’s manual with red folded plastic case, and a set of tools with a blue wrap tool roll and Messko tire pressure gauge.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608