The evolution of Porsche’s most sporting open 356 models took an unexpected turn in early 1961. Production demands had long dictated where the company’s cabriolet variants were built, shaping not only their construction but also their identity. Just as capacity constraints at Reutter had prompted Porsche to move Speedster production to Drauz in Heilbronn—giving rise to the Convertible D in 1958—a major contract for Ford truck bodies forced Drauz to step away from Roadster production just two years later.
Porsche’s solution was D’Ieteren Frères, the renowned Belgian coachbuilder that had served as the marque’s exclusive importer in Belgium since 1950. With decades of coachbuilding experience dating to the 1930s, D’Ieteren assumed responsibility for assembling the final series of 356 B Roadsters. Although the partnership proved brief, it produced approximately 248 examples before the Roadster was discontinued. Distinguished by the T-6 body’s twin-grille engine lid, these cars became known simply as the “Twin Grille” Roadsters. Their limited production, distinctive coachwork, and place at the end of the 356 Roadster lineage have made them among the most coveted open Porsche 356 models.
According to its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this example was completed on December 14, 1961, finished in Champagne Yellow over a black leatherette interior. Documentation accompanying the car includes its original sales contract, showing that it changed hands on September 6, 1963, when first owner Robert Freels of New Egypt, New Jersey, sold it to his friend Hans Arvidson, a serviceman with the 38th Transport Squadron at McGuire Air Force Base.
Arvidson would remain the Roadster’s caretaker for the next 43 years, bringing it with him through relocations to Colorado in 1966 and Louisiana by 1974. In July 1991, he commissioned Bill Edwards’ Restoration Services of Golden, Colorado, to perform a comprehensive mechanical refurbishment, including a complete engine rebuild and cosmetic restoration. Nearly $20,000 in restoration invoices document the work.
Following Mr. Arvidson’s passing in 2006, ownership transferred to his son, Erik, of Eagan, Minnesota. After spending roughly seven years in storage, the Roadster was carefully recommissioned for the road. Between 2008 and 2011, Johnson Autosport of Shakopee, Minnesota, carried out additional engine work, including magnaflux inspection of the crankshaft and installation of new pistons and main bearings.
The Roadster entered its next chapter in December 2011 when it was acquired by Southern California Porsche enthusiast Ed Wyche, who commissioned a concours-quality restoration. Much of the mechanical restoration and final assembly was entrusted to the award-winning specialists at Liberty Motorsports in Costa Mesa, California. K&H European Auto Upholstery faithfully restored the interior, while North Hollywood Speedometer completely refurbished the car’s original instruments. Completed in early 2013, the restoration returned the Roadster to its factory-correct Champagne Yellow finish. Over the past decade, it has remained part of a respected private collection, benefiting from regular use and careful maintenance.
Today, this exceptionally restored Porsche 356 B Twin Grille Roadster is offered with its tool kit, jack, original manuals, extensive restoration receipts, and photographic documentation. Combining rare D’Ieteren coachwork, remarkably limited production, and an enviable ownership history, it represents one of the most desirable open 356 variants and is ideally suited for concours presentation or Porsche Club of America events, where its rarity and authenticity are certain to be appreciated by discerning enthusiasts.
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