1962 Porsche 356B 1600 Cabriolet © 2002-2010 Bonhams 1793 Ltd

Chassis no. 156115 - Sold for $78,000

One of the all-time great sports cars, the 356 was the work of Ferry Porsche, who had been inspired by the FIAT-based Cisitalias of Piero Dusio. Ferry's 356 was based on the Volkswagen designed by his father, and like the immortal 'Beetle' employed a platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and all-independent torsion bar suspension. Introduced in 1948, the Porsche 356 set a new standard for small sports cars and proved adaptable to all forms of motor sport including circuit racing and rallying. In 1951 a works car finished first in the 1,100cc class at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race, thus beginning the marque's long and illustrious association with La Sarthe.

© 2002-2010 Bonhams 1793 Ltd

The first phase of development saw the 356's engine grow to 1.3 and then to 1.5 litres; the original split windscreen replaced by a one-piece; and a Porsche synchromesh gearbox adopted. 1955 marked the arrival of the restyled 356A, the newcomer being readily distinguished by its curved windscreen and 15" - down from 16" - wheels. Numerous further styling revisions differentiated the 356B of 1959 from its immediate predecessor while the engine - now standardised at 1,600cc - was available in three different stages of tune, the most powerful - apart from the four-cam Carrera - being the 90bhp unit of the Super 90.
The 356B represents significant advances in driveability and comfort over earlier 356 models, and is a pleasingly quick way to enjoy the traditional Porsche values of quality, reliability and mechanical robustness.

© 2002-2010 Bonhams 1793 Ltd

The left-hand drive 356B Cabriolet offered here is presented in very good condition having been cherished by a Porsche enthusiast and used only during summertime. Indeed, the car has hardly seen rain since its restoration, which is documented by invoices on file. A lively performer, the 1,600cc engine has been expertly modified, including conversion to run on unleaded fuel, and produces a Super 90-rivalling 82bhp (the standard version manages only 60 horsepower) which is documented by a dynamometer printout. In addition, the entire electrical system has been renewed recently (invoices available) and since acquisition by the current vendor (in 2008) the car has benefited from a major service that included overhauling the brake drums and steering box.