Listed for sale on Bring a Trailer, this 1962 Porsche 356B Roadster represents one of the most distinctive transitional variants in the evolution of Porsche’s legendary 356. Produced by Belgian coachbuilder D’Ieteren Frères, the “Twin-Grille” Roadster bridged the gap between the earlier Drauz-bodied Roadsters and the forthcoming 356 C Cabriolet. With only 249 examples reportedly built, these cars have become particularly desirable among collectors who value their rarity and historical significance.
The D’Ieteren Roadster is immediately recognizable through several unique design elements, including its squared-off hood, fuel filler positioned on the right front fender, and signature engine lid featuring two ventilation grilles. As the final genuine Roadster variant of the 356 lineage, its limited production further enhances its appeal.
This example underwent an extensive rotisserie refurbishment between 2005 and 2008, reportedly carried out by Willhoit Auto Restoration in Long Beach, California. The original Champagne Yellow body was stripped to bare metal before being repainted in its factory color. Exterior equipment includes a black soft top, removable windshield frame, chrome driver-side mirror, windshield washer system, fog lights, and D’Ieteren badging. The car rides on 15-inch TecnoMagnesio alloy wheels.
Inside, the front bucket seats and rear jump seats have been retrimmed in green leather, complemented by Coco floor mats, lap belts, a cabin heater, and a body-color dashboard. A wood-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of green-letter VDO gauges, including a 120-mph speedometer, a tachometer with a 5,500-rpm redline, and a combination oil-temperature/fuel-level gauge.
Mechanical work during the refurbishment included rebuilding the flat-four engine and increasing its displacement to 1,925cc. A Precision Matters billet-aluminum full-flow oil-pump cover with a spin-on filter adapter was also fitted. The electrical system was upgraded to 12 volts, while an electric fuel pump was added for improved functionality. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a replacement four-speed manual transaxle, retaining the classic rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive character that defines the Porsche 356.
Source: Bring a Trailer
