Fantasy Junction

Description

1960 Porsche 356 B Roadster
s/n 86856 engine no. 600185
Aetna Blue with Grey Interior

Among Porsche enthusiasts, there is an ongoing debate about which model is the ultimate open 356. The Speedster has long been regarded as the most collectible, and does enjoy a purity of line that is very attractive, however the later Convertible D and B Roadster enjoy functional and mechanical updates that make the cars more pleasurable to use in the real world. Thus, enthusiasts wishing to enjoy their cars will be attracted to the 356B Roadster, whose low and rakish lines, more functional top and wind up windows represent the perfect compromise between the unmistakably sporty lines first embodied by the Speedster and the civilized refinement of the Cabriolet. Coupled with the mechanical updates on all 356B’s (including more substantial oil pump, more effective bumpers, improved ZF gearboxes and shift linkages, improved brakes, and stronger connecting rods).

This particular example is a wonderful longtime black plate California car that has been owned by its current owner for nearly 24 years. Prior to that, it was owned by a Larry Foster, who owned the car since at least 1964 per a stack of old registration cards included with the car, and is believed to be the original owner of the car. A 1991 letter from Porsche AG indicates not only that the car was sold new at Reynold Johnson, the Volkswagen Porsche distributor in San Francisco, but that the car retains its original engine, transmission, and color combination. The car has been in California continuously since 1964, and likely since new. The car showed just over 40,000 miles when purchased by the current owner in 1990, and the car has covered less than 4000 miles since. The owner believes that the indicated mileage of just under 44,000 is from new.

Under the current ownership, the car has been maintained by well-known 356 expert Ted Blake. The transmission was overhauled and the floor pans replaced, which the owner reports was done for cosmetic reasons rather than because of rust. The owner also reports that Ted Blake inspected the car and believes it has never been involved in an accident, and the car has been used as a reference when restoring other 356s. The car was repainted and reupholstered in approximately 1985 and the top was replaced in the early 1990s.

The car is in excellent shape, with an outstanding body. The panels are dead straight, with excellent gaps and fit of all panels. The paint is in excellent shape, despite having been redone in the 1980s. It is a high quality job, and shows very little wear, just a handful of small chips on the front of the car from road use. The chrome is very good to excellent throughout, with light pitting in some areas, and almost none in others. The lights and glass are excellent throughout other than some wiper marks on the front windscreen. The top is a high quality replacement that fits properly and has no rips, tears, or holes, although it displays light fading. The rear window is clear.

The interior was redone to high standards and shows very well. The carpets are correct German square weave material in excellent shape, and the seats are correctly patterned and in excellent shape, but appear to have been done with a slightly incorrect material. The correct rubber floor mats are in place. The dashboard and instruments are excellent as well, as are the door panels. The steering wheel is the correct unit with very nice horn button, although the black finish is rubbing off the rim of the wheel in areas. The car has a full tonneau cover. Under the dash is a switch for a rotary type electric fuel pump which primes the carburetors so that it does not have to be done by cranking the engine to actuate the mechanical pump, a particularly useful feature for a car that is used only occasionally.

The engine compartment is well-detailed and extraordinarily clean. The motor is dry and has correct detailing such as Knecht air filters and decals throughout. The front compartment is correct in appearance and structurally excellent. It is in good cosmetic condition other than some aging on the fuel cap and some marks on the fuel tank paint from fuel spillage. The spare tire is date coded July of 1959, as are the four road wheels. The correct jack and leather spare tire retaining strap are both in place as well. The undercarriage is in excellent order, with beautifully redone floor pans and an extremely clean engine.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a lovely matching numbers roadster finished in its desirable original color combination. With few long term California owners and still wearing its black plates, this car has exceptional history and is unusually complete with books and tools. The books are particularly impressive; the car has in addition to its owner’s manual, a book entitled “operating instructions for opening and closing of the convertible top”, as well as a book entitled “maintenance instructions for Porsche bodies” which outlines proper care for coachwork. It also has a variety of extra parts including the original mechanical tachometer (an electric one is currently installed), visors, front license plate, touch up paint, and spare tail light chrome trims.

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.

Inquire About This Car

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