The Porsche 356 went through significant changes every year, evolving further away from its original version, the Volkswagen Beetle. These changes were evident in both its mechanical components and design. In 1959, it received a major makeover, and a brand new 356 B was introduced, identified by an internal body index ranging from T2 to T5.
Source: Hemmings
In 1959, Porsche unveiled the new 356 B at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The German sports car had been gaining popularity and sophistication with a fresh design. The brand’s designers raised the car’s front fenders and headlights to cater to the demands of its primary export market, the United States. The updated car received vertical bumpers that provided better parking protection. Upon its debut, the roadster was available in three body styles, including the 2+2 coupe, 2+2 convertible, and roadster. The roadster replaced the 356A Convertible D and came with standard windshield height and door windows. It differed from the convertible with side chrome moldings and no rear seats. Reutter manufactured coupes and convertibles, while the roadsters were built by Drauz.
Source: Airows
At the end of 1959, Porsche introduced an updated version of its Type 5, also known as the 356 B. The latest vehicle featured various technical enhancements and exterior changes, including new bumpers and modified rear lighting. Erwin Komenda, the designer who also created the original 356 Pre-A, led the modernization effort. He paid close attention to the front end of the car to bring it up to American standards. This involved raising the front bumper higher and relocating the headlights to a lesser slope. These changes created a more gentle hood against the backdrop of straightened front fenders. The spare wheel, gas tank, and small luggage compartment remained hidden under the front fenders. The air-cooled engine remained at the rear under a small cover with one ventilation grill. The development of the 356 B in 1961 brought further changes, including a larger front trunk lid with a squared leading edge, a larger, chromed hood handle, an engine cover with two air intake grilles, air intakes in the front apron for the new alloy drum brakes, and a redesigned instrument panel with optimized instrument positions. The fuel tank was also redesigned and moved to the top of the right front fender, providing additional luggage space. The 356 B was available as a coupe, roadster, and cabriolet. The convertibles were equipped with luxurious features such as leather seats and a thickly padded soft top.
Source: MotorTrend
The 1963 version was the final iteration of the famous series, which appeared in 1960. This model was the result of continuous refinements made to the original 356 models that Porsche introduced in 1948, and it featured several notable technical, interior, and exterior updates. One of the most significant technical updates in the 1963 edition was the introduction of a new engine option: the Type 616/16 Super 90 engine. This engine was a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine that produced 90 horsepower, which was a significant increase over the standard 60-horsepower engine that was available in earlier models. The Super 90 engine featured a higher compression ratio, larger carburetors, and improved cooling, resulting in improved performance and drivability. One of the most noticeable changes was the introduction of the twin grille decklid, which replaced the single grille decklid that was used in earlier models. This change was made to improve engine cooling and ventilation. The 1963 release also saw the introduction of the T6 body style, which featured larger windows and a revised roofline. Inside the car, the 1963 Porsche 356 B featured several updates as well. The dashboard was redesigned, with a new instrument cluster that featured a central tachometer and a separate oil temperature gauge. The seats were also updated, with improved padding and upholstery options.
Source: Premier Financial Services
Janis Joplin, a renowned rock singer famous for songs like “Piece of My Heart” and “Me and Bobby McGee,” was among the prominent owners of the last version of the iconic roadster. Her vehicle stood out with its unique psychedelic paintwork, adorned with images of flowers and butterflies, and it went on to become a symbol of the 1960s counterculture.
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