1961 Porsche 356B Roadster

Description 1961 Porsche 356 Roadster Chassis No. – 88367Engine No. – 603642Gearbox No. – 43782Aetna Blue with Red Leatherette Interior -Professionally restored in stunning original colors-Matching numbers per Kardex and Porsche CoA-Uprated engine dyno tested at 75hp Porsche 356 History For more than half a century, enthusiasts have continuously favored the iconic and agile Porsche 356. The attractive combination of modest mechanicals and pure design were perfectly captured in the 356, delivering a novel car that challenged former ideas of what a sports car could be. Initially brought to market as an update of the “A” model in 1959, the “B” series cars offered refinements and improvements to these capable rear engine sports cars. Thoughtfully designed, stylish, and sporty, the 356B brought customers the high quality, value, reliability, and mechanical robustness that Porsche would become so well known for in the coming decades. History of this Porsche 356 Roadster According to both the Kardex and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity included with this car, this Porsche 356 Roadster was completed in March 1961 and delivered to the selling dealer Porsche Car Import, Northbrook, IL. Finished at the Porsche factory, the Drauz roadster body was painted Aetna Blue (6003) and trimmed with Red Leatherette interior. Engine number 603642 and gearbox number 39493 were installed as shown on the Kardex and Porsche CoA. According to the current owner, after the original purchase, the car spent time in Costa Mesa, CA, eventually retiring from road use in 1978 when it was stored indoors. The car was transferred to another owner in the late 1990s and subsequently sold in 2023 to the current owner. The current owner, an expert in Porsche restorations, reports that the body was disassembled to the bare tub, stripped to bare steel, and new floors and battery box were installed. The prep and final finish was performed by Dink Farmer using the correct 6003 Aetna Blue Porsche color per Kardex and CoA. All chrome was redone including the windshield surround, windshield rubber and weatherstripping. While the body work and paint were being done, the front torsion arms were completely disassembled, bearings removed, honed and all new components installed. The rear torsion bars were also disassembled cleaned and greased. New Koni shocks were installed front and rear, new brakes including new wheel cylinders, new master cylinder, new hard and soft brake lines, new shoes, and new Pirelli tires were purchased and prepped for reinstallation. The front suspension was fully disassembled, crack checked, tested for straightness using a factory jig, new seals installed, and new spindles lathed with dial calipers also to ensure straightness. All new suspension rubber was installed and a replacement gearbox (number 43782) was rebuilt with new bearings, new synchros and seals by Jacques Lafriant, a new clutch, pressure plate, and surfaced flywheel were reinstalled along with a Willhoit 17mm sway bar. The matching number engine was rebuilt by Ron Chuck with rods balanced to .5 grams, the crankshaft redone by CCR Armando Ayala, heads flowed, correct NOS rod and main bearings fitted, all new valves and guides, new JE pistons, resurfaced rocker arms, and the original barrels honed by “AA”. A hotter than stock turned lifter cam by Dima Elgin was installed, while a pair of Zenith carburetors were rebuilt by Carb Rescue (set and equaled) and an RB18 distributor by Abe Tiederman with the correct cap was installed. The completed engine was dyno tested resulting in 75hp and has been run about 60 miles since the rebuild was completed. In addition to the mechanical restoration, the entire electrical system was redone including a new wiring harness (with a pigtail behind the front wheel for a battery tender), a hard-wired electric fuel pump hidden under the dash, rebuilt horns, and a new battery. Of note, this 356 is fitted with a spring-loaded knob of the dashboard that primes the carburetors for easier cold starts. This is thoughtfully wired so that it can only be activated with the ignition in the on position, preventing unwanted activation. For the finishing touches, the interior was reupholstered by K&H, Garden Grove, CA using correct materials, German square weave carpet, correct black canvas convertible top, and all gauges mechanically rebuilt and cosmetically restored by experts at Palo Alto Speedometer. Condition and Features Today this Porsche 356 roadster presents as a correct and beautifully restored example, prepared with excellent finishes, proper components, and high-quality materials. During the restoration, numerous original parts were used whenever possible including the original body, the original front storage lid and original engine lid, both of which are stamped with the correct two-digit matching chassis numbers, and the original doors. The Aetna Blue paint displays uniform gloss and excellent finish throughout the car. The fit and finish of all opening features is excellent as well, with the doors shutting properly and tightly, excellent engine lid and hood fit with tight closures. The Drauz-built roadster body contains the correct side emblem and matching Drauz door jamb plate. The exterior is finished with painted bumpers which properly follow the curvaceous body, adorned with chrome plated overriders front and rear, the latter of which contain twin exhaust tips exiting the lower portion of the chrome overriders. The headlights, teardrop taillights with correct etched markings, single engine grille, and emblems are in excellent condition, including the gold script letters on the decklid. A set of chrome plated wheels and matching wheel covers are shod with Pirelli Cinturato 165 HR15 tires. Overall, the striking visual exterior presentation is highly satisfying for a car that can be driven, enjoyed, and confidently shown at local Porsche club events. The interior has been restored accurately with correct components