An open roof, a wooden steering wheel and the unmistakable sound of an air cooled Porsche behind you. A Sunday morning really needs very little else. This Porsche 356 B Roadster offers a particularly appealing combination: elegant early Porsche styling, thoughtfully chosen mechanical upgrades and a comprehensive engine rebuild completed by Porsche Centre Liège in 2025. A classic that gives you every reason to take the long way home. The 356 was the sports car that established Porsche’s reputation. Light, compact and built around a wonderfully effective philosophy: driving pleasure starts with balance. The Roadster brings another dimension to that experience. Its low windscreen, neat folding roof and graceful silhouette have lost none of their appeal. Approximately 2,649 examples of the 356 B T5 Roadster were built across 1960 and 1961, encompassing the different engine specifications. A rare sight, with a special place in the Porsche story.
This example, chassis number 88871, features coachwork by Drauz and was dispatched from the factory to Brumos Porsche in Florida on 29 December 1960. Its Kardex records Alma and Luke Rader of Miami as its first owners and confirms its original blue exterior with a light grey interior. Inside, beautiful sporting Porsche bucket seats and a wooden steering wheel bring a touch of real class.
A little extra power makes this 356 an even more appealing companion on today’s roads. It comes courtesy of a later air cooled Porsche 912 engine, a fitting upgrade from the same engineering family. Building on the familiar 356 architecture, this engine offered approximately 90 hp in standard form. Weber 40 carburettors provide considerable scope for careful tuning, while K&N air filters and a sports exhaust complement its sporting character. A full conversion to 12 volt electrics adds everyday practicality, benefiting the lighting and electrical equipment. Koni dampers allow the suspension damping to be tailored to the car, while the bucket seats provide welcome support through the corners. Thoughtful choices, entirely in keeping with a Porsche intended to be enjoyed on the road.
That focus on driving is backed by an extensive history file, with its European life exceptionally well documented since its arrival in 1993. Invoices, registration records, inspection reports, correspondence and restoration photographs cover more than three decades. The principal invoices since 2015 document more than €67,000 in expenditure, giving a clear picture of the care invested in this Roadster. The most recent major investment was made at Porsche Centre Liège, where a comprehensive engine rebuild was completed in March 2025. The engine was fully dismantled and rebuilt, with work including crankshaft machining, new bearings, new pistons and cylinders, and cylinder head refurbishment. The fuel supply, charging system and carburettor adjustment also received attention. The total invoice exceeded €19,000. Substantial work that makes this Roadster a particularly compelling choice for an enthusiast who wants to drive.
The accompanying history file includes a copy of the factory Kardex, historical registration documents, restoration photographs, specialist invoices and inspection reports, providing a detailed account of its ownership, restoration and continued maintenance. The car also comes with its soft top cover, spare wheel, jack, tool kit and owner’s manual.
This 356 Roadster combines rarity, beautiful styling and an extensively documented maintenance history with mechanical improvements chosen to enhance its usability. A Porsche for someone looking for a truly special driving experience, ready for the open road.
