1961 Porsche 356B 'Super 90' Cabriolet

Widely acknowledged as Porsche's first venture into motor manufacturing, the 356 was a lightweight and nimble rear engined, rear-wheel-drive, two-door sporting car available in hardtop coupé and open configurations. Over a 15-year production period, the 356 evolved from an aluminium bodied coupé with an 1100cc air-cooled flat-four engine, to a proper sports car with a 2,000cc four-cam Carrera engine producing 130 bhp.

The 356 "B" was produced from 1960 to 1963 and saw body changes that included a curved bonnet lid, more rounded wings compared to that of the 356A and new front and rear sheet metal. To comply with US-Federal requirements, the front, and rear bumpers were raised and over-riders added. Other key changes were raised headlamps, larger door handles, upgraded brakes and some improvements to the cabin including a new deep dish steering wheel and deeper front seats. New to the model was the Type 616/7 'Super 90' engine which was an indirect replacement for the Carrera de Luxe models. The engine was fully revised with a new intake manifold, a larger Solex 40 PII-4 carburettor, and 'Carrera' air filters. Other detail changes included 9.0:1 pistons, stronger valve springs, and a different crankshaft with 55mm main bearings.

In August of 1961, Porsche revealed the updated T6 body with larger windows for the Coupé and twin engine grilles on the rear deck. The T6 had a much revised front boot with a different petrol tank that was accessed under a filler cap on the wing.

Offered here is a rare Porsche 356B Cabriolet 'Super 90' supplied originally to California USA in 1961. There it stayed until 1987 when it was imported to the UK and purchased by our vendor some thirty years ago. At the time, we are informed that the odometer showed 18,000 miles, although this cannot be substantiated as there is no early history. It now indicates some 22,000 miles and has obviously been used sparingly by our present owner. This pretty, Signal Red Cabriolet has been subject to an earlier restoration, which was carried out with the clear brief of preserving the integrity of this special Porsche. Today it presents as a very usable 356B with honest originality. The long-term UK ownership is a particularly endearing feature and the car will be known to thousands of people having, for many years, been buzzing around the suburbs of Highgate with occasional trips out to the home counties.

An icon of the sixties, and a benchmark Porsche that continues to rise steadily in value.