Beautiful Ground-Up Restoration on Rare d'Ieteren-Bodied Roadster.
1961 Porsche 356B Super Roadster
s/n 89262 Engine No. P*810432*
Bali Blue with Red Leather Interior
Among Porsche enthusiasts, there is a never ending debate about which model is the ultimate open 356. The Speedster has long been regarded as the most collectible, and does enjoy a certain 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 more civilized refinement of the Cabriolet. Additionally, thanks to 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), the B Roadster is also a superior driving car.
This particular car is one of the 473 examples built by d’Ieteren in Belgium. It was an original European delivery car and comes with its Certificate of Authenticity, which indicates that this is an original Super. The current owner purchased the car in 2007, and it was ready for restoration at that time. The car was fitted with an SC engine when the owner acquired it, which has been rebuilt with old (private stock) NPR big bore kit (1722cc) and makes over 100hp. The bodywork was done by David Worm with Glasurit paint in Bali blue, a period Porsche color. The interior was done by Dan Acker in full red leather with beige carpeting with red edging. He also did the top, and full/split tonneau kit, all from Autos International. The instruments were redone by Palo Alto Speedometer, and Harry Bieker, considered the master of Solex carburetors, did the carburetors. Ron’s Transaxles in San Pablo rebuilt the transmission, and Zuffenhausen in San Rafael replaced the clutch. The brakes and running gear were done by Alan Klingen at The Stable in SF. The car retains its 6V electrical system and has all of Joe Leoni’s relays and upgrades, and always starts immediately. It has also been discreetly fitted with LED tail and stop lights, including additional stop and turn lights under the grill. The car also has H4 headlights and twin master cylinders. Other equipment includes Koni shocks, retractable 3 point safety belts and new Vredstein 175 tires. The car is in stunning condition and won a people's choice award at the 356 North-South in San Luis Obispo.
Cosmetically, the car is exceptional. The body is excellent, with exceptional fit and gaps. The paint is extremely nice and shows no signs of wear since its application. Extremely close inspection reveals a few imperfections in the finish, though the overall impression is outstanding. The chrome is also very nice and recent in appearance, and the car has no overriders, which gives it a clean and sleek appearance. The wheels and hubcaps were also redone and are excellent, and throughout the car, there are signs of excellent attention to detail. For example, the car has yellow \"year of manufacture\" California license plates, new lights and lenses throughout (European turn signal lenses), patina-ed ADAC sticker in the windscreen, and beautifully restored vintage engine lid grille badges. The glass, lights, and trim are excellent throughout as well, as is the top and full tonneau cover.
The interior is equally stunning in full red leather over beige correct square weave carpets with red edging and heel pad, all in like new condition. The car is currently fitted with a lovely wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel, and the original is also included. The dashboard, instruments, and various controls were also included in the restoration and absolutely sparkle.
The trunk is also very nice is well detailed. The spare wheel is held down by the correct leather strap, and the heaters, bottles, fuses, and various components are all in wonderful condition. The car retains its jack and the correct washer bag is also in place. The engine is equally nice impressive, having been cosmetically refinished during the restoration. It is well-detailed with the correct decals and small details like the correct Knecht air cleaners. The undercarriage is solid and rust free throughout, with all body and chassis rust having been properly addressed during the restoration.
This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a rare d'Ieteren bodied Roadster. Featuring a sparkling restoration, some thoughtful upgrades, and an exceptional level of mechanical sorting, this is an outstanding car to casually show or regularly enjoy. Additionally, it is complete with receipts from the restoration, reproduction tool roll, reproduction manual, Super supplement, spare keys, jack, and spare. Additionally, the car comes with a box of parts including the original steering wheel, various spares, and Blaupunkt radio.
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.
Fantasy Junction • 510-653-7555 • 1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608