FOR SALE: 1960 Porsche 356 B T5

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.

By the time the 356B arrived in September 1959, the car had gained a one-piece rounded windscreen and 15″-diameter wheels, and the newcomer’s introduction brought with it further styling revisions.

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, produced from 1960 through 1963, represents the 356’s midpoint. The initial ‘T5’ series introduced new front and rear sheet-metal, retaining the curved front trunk lid and rounded fenders of the 356A.

The B also added some features demanded by American customers, such as raised bumpers with over-riders to better protect the body from parking mishaps. The headlamps were raised, a larger hood handle added, and front vent windows appeared in the doors.

Mechanically, the gearbox and drum brakes were upgraded, along with some subtle interior refinements.

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