Super Porsche Roadster

The 1960 Porsche 356B Super Roadster was not as dashing as the Speedster it replaced but it proved to be far more durable and practical

by Jim Schrager

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Porsche 356B Super Roadster

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When Porsche introduced the improved 356B in 1960, the Speedster was succeeded by the Roadster. This was a change in name, even though both cars, and the interim Convertible D in between, remained at the bottom of the Porsche price schedule.

In addition to the new name, the 356B delivered meaningful changes to the chassis, body, engine, and transmission. Larger Alfin brake drums were standard, there was a new transmission and shift lever design, and the 356B bodies had raised headlights with more serious bumpers. Engines were both improved in reliability and power, with a new pushrod variant, the 90-hp "Super-90" joining the 60-hp "Normal" and the 75-hp "Super."

The Roadster offered here has recently undergone a two-year comprehensive restoration that began with the dismantling and examination of all the parts and components. The car was then stripped to bare metal and installed on a rotisserie. Doors and lids were fitted to the body panels, epoxy-sealed, painted, color-sanded and polished. All rubbers, seals, and gaskets were replaced. Trim was replaced or replated while new floors, battery pan, and longitudinals were also installed. The engine and transmission were rebuilt utilizing new German hardware and the exhaust system was replaced.

The interior received the same attention as well, with all electrical components restored or replaced, including the fitting of a new wiring loom. All instrumentation was rebuilt. The interior features correct German carpeting, vinyl, and leather. The seat frames are powder-coated and match other interior trim pieces. The silver paintwork and red interior are both in overall excellent condition. The engine and bay are very tidy, as is the underbody and front compartment. All in all, this is an exceptionally restored example that could not be duplicated at its offered price.

The Roadster is one of the rarest body styles, with 2,902 built from 1960 to 1962. This particular Roadster serves as a perfect example of the marque.

The SCM Analysis

This 356B Roadster sold for $88,000 at RM's Vintage Motor Car sale at Amelia Island, FL, on March 10, 2007.

This sale represents either a solid value in the fast-appreciating open 356 market, or a sign that the market is settling down a bit. It is neither a fantastic bargain nor a world record, but if the market continues to appreciate, this will be a good purchase in about a year. If not, the downside should be modest.

Among the 1960-61 356B cars (known as the T-5 body style), the Roadster has emerged as one of the most desirable. Don't confuse Roadsters with Cabriolets, as both are open cars, but the Roadster has a host of small changes that end up making a big difference in the way the cars appear. The easy way to tell them apart is at the windshield, which is chrome-framed and removable for the Roadster (and for the Speedster and Convertible D), but stamped out of steel and painted body color for all Cabriolets. All 356s with chrome-framed windshields have different doors, rear cowls, tops, and interiors from the Cabriolets. These distinctions have made the sportier open cars more desirable than the heavier, all-weather, and somewhat less handsome Cabriolets.

Roadster versus Speedster debate continues

The Roadster versus Speedster debate is never ending. While some favor the recklessly dashing profile of the Speedster, the Roadster is a far more usable and durable car. So if you are a bit more practical or live outside the Sun Belt, the Roadster, with its real top and roll-up windows, makes more sense. The continual mechanical upgrades that came in large measure at the introduction of the 356B series also help to make the Roadster the better car to drive. Nonetheless, the market has long chosen the Speedster, in spite of nearly twice as many being produced, as the more valuable car. This relationship has caused Roadsters, nothwithstanding their excellent road manners and improved mechanical durability, to be available for about 30% less than similar Speedsters.