Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Porsche 356B Super Roadster
s/n 88975 engine no. 604933
Silver with Dark Blue 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 car is a genuine Super that resided in Southern California in the hands of a 356 Registry member for many years before being acquired by its current owner, an enthusiast, race car driver, and collector. The car was restored to very good standards and has covered about 300 miles since the transmission and engine were rebuilt. A big bore kit was fitted during the rebuild, and the car also has Webers, which have been carefully tuned and are free from the flat spot that often affects 356s. A freshly rebuilt set of Solex carburetors is also included. The car has been converted to 12 volt electrical system, and the car also has front disc brakes and enlarged front sway bar. Currently finished in the elegant color combination of silver with dark blue interior, the car’s original color combination of Aetna blue with light grey interior is also desirable.

The car received a high level driver restoration and is in excellent overall condition. The paintwork was done to very good standards and is in excellent shape, with a few chips that have been touched up. The panels are straight and the gaps generally are good across the board. The glass and lights are excellent, as is the top. The chrome is excellent other than a few small marks. The chromed wheels and hubcaps are also excellent.

The interior is excellent overall, with very nice upholstery and generally correct finishes throughout. There are a few marks on the passenger’s door panel from the window winder, but the dark blue upholstery is otherwise excellent, including the dashboard top. The carpets are the correct square weave material and are in very good shape, while the correct rubber floor mats are in place and in excellent shape. The instruments and switches are in very good shape, and the paint on the dashboard is very good but not quite to the standards of the exterior paint. The car is fitted with a wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel which is in excellent shape.

The engine compartment is extremely clean and nicely detailed since the car has seen minimal use since the engine rebuild. It is largely correct in appearance, with the exception of the Weber carburetors and non-original distributor cap. Most of the remaining finishes are correct and the decals for valve clearance and oil filter are present. The engine is period correct but not original to this car. The front compartment is solid and correctly presented with spare wheel, tire retaining strap, and rubber mat.

The car runs and drives very well. The engine is very well-tuned and is exceptionally powerful. It does not smoke or leak excessively, responds promptly to throttle inputs and pulls very well. The brakes work effectively, and the chassis and suspension are well set up and reassuring in feel. The gearbox works well, although the shift effort is higher than normal because the linkage is breaking in following the rebuild.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a subtly upgraded but essentially stock-appearing Roadster. With freshly rebuilt motor and transmission, as well as strong but not perfect cosmetic presentation, this is an excellent example to drive regularly and enjoy, and as a roadster with its more comfortable seats, wind up windows, and more substantial top than the Speedster, the car is ideal to use on longer trips or on tours.

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