Porsche 356 B 1600 Roadster 1961 for sale

This Porsche 356 B 1600 Roadster was delivered according to the data sheet in June 1961 at the factory. The delivery color was slate gray (color code 6001D) with a light gray synthetic leather interior. The sports car was sold to the Nordrhein GmbH dealership in Düsseldorf, which sold it to its first owner (name known) from Düsseldorf-Benrath. Even today, the car still carries its delivery color in slate gray - to this day a classic and typical Porsche paint - and with the current red leather interior, an extremely elegant combination. The engine and transmission are still the originals with "Matching Numbers". This is not a given for a 356 after over 60 years. Subsequently, the sporty Roadster made its way to France. There, in 2010/2011, it was completely and professionally restored "Frame Off" by the renowned restoration company known beyond the borders of France, Serge Heitz. During the restoration, all mechanics, suspensions, electrics, transmission, and all drivetrain components were completely overhauled. The engine was also overhauled, and thanks to the use of "Big Bore" pistons, the power was increased to about 85 hp. The braking system was renewed, and in 2023 the current owner installed front disc brakes. The underbody was equipped with a protective coating. The body received a complete restoration with perfectly aligned doors and hoods and a new high-quality paint job. All additional components and chrome elements, including the wheels, still convey an impression that is almost like new. The interior was also completely renewed (leather upholstery, door panels, floors) and the instruments were professionally restored. Overall, an excellent quality was achieved, which is still recognizable at first glance and also convinces at a second look. In 2015, the Roadster arrived in Germany and was purchased four years ago by its current owner. With its professional and high-quality restoration, this 356 is a truly exceptional specimen and as a Roadster is still a rather rare presence. The Porsche 356 was launched in 1948 as the first production model of the Zuffenhausen sports car brand and is also known as the "Ur-Porsche". The first series ("Pre-A") was produced until 1955. In October of that year, the 356 A was introduced as a modified successor. The successful series of the Porsche 356 continued until 1965 in the development stages B, C, and SC. The engine has always been an air-cooled four-cylinder boxer. The available body styles were coupe, cabriolet, hardtop coupe (by Karmann), speedster, and for a time convertible D (later roadster). Only in 1963 was the 356 replaced by the Porsche 901/911. The 356 B model was introduced in the fall of 1959 as a further development of the A. The modifications included asymmetric headlights, and the front wheel arches were slightly slimmer. The bumpers were mounted higher to allow air intake at the front for the new lightweight drum brakes and to meet U.S. requirements. Additionally, seats, transmission, brakes, electrics, and engines were revised. The proven stem engine has always had a displacement of 1.6 liters, available in three power levels: 60 hp (1600), 75 hp (1600 S), and 90 hp (1600 Super 90), generated by different compressions and various types of carburetors. Roadster variant: already in the 356 A model, there was the open convertible D from 1958, which sits between the purist speedster and the cabriolet. The Convertible