Makes and Models: 356B

The 356 B was more than just a performance vehicle – it was a work of art. The graceful curves of the body, the subtle accents on the exterior, and the attention to detail in the interior all combined to create a truly stunning vehicle. And with various customization options available, no two 356 Bs were ever quite the same.

Source: Stuttcars.com

The roar of the engine, the sleek lines of the body, and the unmistakable badge on the front – the Porsche 356 B was indeed a marvel of engineering and design. Born out of a passion for speed and precision, this iconic vehicle left an indelible mark on automotive history, capturing the hearts of car enthusiasts around the world. It was the second iteration of the Porsche 356, and it built upon the success of its predecessor in every way imaginable. With improvements to the suspension, braking, and handling, this automobile was a valid driver’s dream, capable of pushing the limits of what was possible on both the road and the track.

The origins

Source: European Collectibles

Before the war, the Porsche father and son duo had been designing sports cars and gaining experience constructing speedy and robust roadsters. However, during the war, their archives were destroyed due to a bombing near Stuttgart, causing them to lose twelve years’ worth of work. In 1944, their surviving equipment was moved to Gmund, a village in Austria. The post-war era was difficult for talented engineers. Following the end of World War II, Ferdinand, and Ferry was arrested by the French in Baden-Baden on accusations of colluding with the Nazis. Ferry was cleared of the charges in March 1946, while Ferdinand was only removed in 1947. For an additional year, Ferdinand was restricted to the French zone of occupation. Pieri Dusio, an Italian businessman, facilitated Ferry’s release by paying off the French authorities. Dusio had his interests, wanting to create a racing vehicle and needing the support of the best auto designers, which included father and son Porsche. Ferry applied many of his father’s approaches that were tried on Auto Union cars before the war. With Dusio’s money, he built a successful prototype vehicle, hired a lawyer for his father, who was still in custody and began organizing the production of a personal sports car. All the vehicles in this series utilized the Volkswagen Beetle platform: they were rear-engined with rear-wheel drive and featured the same suspension. The body had smooth lines that were easily recognizable, and its aerodynamic characteristics were surprisingly good. Initially, the company offered 2 + 2 coupe and convertible bodies but eventually began manufacturing a more stylish 2-seater Speedster roadster. In 1948, a total of 52 cars with aluminum coupe and convertible bodies were built in Gmund.

The 1950 model year

Source: Premier Financial Services

The model of 1950 was a significant step forward in terms of both design and engineering, compared to its predecessors. As one of the earliest models in the Porsche 356 lineup, it laid the foundation for many of the design features and technical innovations that would become synonymous with the brand in the years to come. In terms of its technical specifications, the 1950 edition featured a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a 4-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produced 40 horsepower. It also came equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, which allowed for greater control and precision on the road. The suspension was improved compared to the previous model year, and the brakes were upgraded with more giant drums for better stopping power. On the exterior, the 1950 release had a sleek and aerodynamic body design that was recognizable as a Porsche from the front grille to the rear bumper. The overall profile of the car was low and wide, with smooth lines that flowed seamlessly from front to back. The headlights were integrated into the fenders, while the taillights were positioned high on the rear fenders. Inside the cabin, the 1950 version of the model had a simple yet functional design, with a focus on the driver’s experience. The seats were comfortable and supportive, and the dashboard featured a clear and easy-to-read instrument cluster. The steering wheel was thin-rimmed and sporty, providing excellent grip and feedback for the driver. Overall, the interior of the 1950 release was designed to be both practical and stylish. Compared to the previous model year, the 1950 version had several notable improvements. The suspension was revised to provide better handling and stability on the road, while the brakes were made more potent for better stopping performance. The engine was also improved, with a higher compression ratio and better breathing, which helped to boost horsepower and torque.

Did you know?

Source: Auto Vercity

The 1950 version of the model had seats made out of burlap. This was because Porsche, a relatively small company at the time, was looking for cost-effective ways to manufacture their cars, and burlap was a cheap and durable material that could be easily sourced. The seats were covered in leather or vinyl, but the burlap provided the underlying structure for the cushioning. As the company grew and became more successful, it eventually switched to more traditional materials for the seats.

Contact us if you have this or another classic car to sell.

The sporty Porsche 356 was produced by the notorious German automaker from 1948 to 1965. It went through several revisions during its production, resulting in the 356, 356A, and 356B versions. Particularly, the last one received an improved suspension system, which provided a smoother ride and better handling. 

Source: Carscoops

The 356th was a groundbreaking sports vehicle that evolved to become more refined and powerful. The A and B were some of the most desirable versions due to their improvements over the original 356. Introduced in 1959 and produced until 1963 the B version featured several significant changes over the A, including a new T5 body style, improved brakes, and a more powerful engine. It was also available in coupe and convertible versions, as well as a “Super 90” variant that featured a more powerful engine.

The origins

Source: Richmonds

In the early 1960s, the Porsche 356 had been in production for almost a decade. While the sports vehicle had become an icon in its own right, the engineers knew that they could do better. That’s when they set out to create the Porsche 356B, the successor to the original 356. The development of the B version began in 1959 when the German company’s engineers started to work on a new version of the legendary model. The team was led by Erwin Komenda was responsible for the design of the original 356. The son of the company’s founder Ferry Porsche joined Komenda and was heavily involved in the development of the new model. The team started by improving the chassis of the 356, making it more rigid and better able to handle the power of the engine. They also worked on the automobile’s suspension, making it more responsive and better able to handle corners at high speeds. In addition to the mechanical improvements, the team also focused on the design. They wanted to create a more streamlined and modern look for the 356B, while still maintaining the classic Porsche style. To achieve this, they made subtle changes to the vehicle’s bodywork, including a redesigned front hood and a new rear bumper. One of the biggest changes made to the B version was the introduction of a new engine. While the original automobile had a 1.6-liter flat-four engine, the new model featured a 1.6-liter flat-four engine that had been updated with new technology. This new engine was capable of producing 75 horsepower, which was a significant increase from the original 356’s 60 horsepower. After months of development and testing, the 356B was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1960. The new car was an instant hit, with critics and enthusiasts alike praising its improved performance and sleek new design. Over the next few years, the company continued to refine the 356B, releasing several different versions. In 1962, the company introduced the 356B Carrera 2, which featured an upgraded engine and a new four-wheel disc brake system. The Carrera 2 was an even bigger success than the original 356B, cementing Porsche’s reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance sports cars.

The 1960 model year

Source: MotoAuto

The 1960 marked the introduction of several key changes and updates. Visually, the 1960 release remained very similar to its predecessor, but there were a few key differences. The most notable change was the addition of twin grilles above the engine compartment lid, which provided better engine cooling. The headlights were also slightly larger than those on the 356A, and the bumpers were redesigned to better absorb impacts. The interior of the 1960 edition was also updated, with a new steering wheel and a revised dashboard that featured a single large gauge for the speedometer and a smaller gauge for the tachometer. The seats also featured a new, more comfortable design. Under the hood, the 1960 version saw some significant changes as well. The base engine was a 1.6-liter flat-four that produced 60 horsepower, which was an increase over the 356A’s 1.5-liter engine. The transmission was also updated to a more robust four-speed unit, which provided smoother shifting and better performance. The suspension was also revised to provide a more comfortable ride. In addition, the 1960 release was available in several different models, including the Coupe, Cabriolet, and Roadster. The Coupe was the most popular model, with a total of 11,640 units produced, while the Cabriolet and Roadster each had a production run of around 2,500 units.

Did you know?

Source: Road Scholars

The 1960 release became the pioneer Porsche model to include an electric sunroof option known as the “Electromatic Sunroof.” This innovative sunroof was controlled by a switch placed on the dashboard and was accessible in both the Coupe and Cabriolet models. The sunroof allowed drivers to view the sky and featured a tinted glass panel that enabled regulation of the amount of light penetrating the car. Today, this uncommon feature is highly desirable and scarcely found in the market.

Contact us if you have this or another classic car to sell.

Throughout its production, the Porsche 356 evolved significantly, distancing itself from its ancestor, the Volkswagen Beetle. These changes were evident in the car’s mechanical components and its design. The 356 underwent a major restyling in 1959, which included the introduction of a new model, the 356 B, with an internal body index ranging from T2 to T5.

Source: Elferspot

In 1959, the company unveiled the new 356B at the Frankfurt Motor Show, showcasing a refreshed design. The vehicle’s front fenders and headlights were raised to meet the demands of the important American market, resulting in a new profile. The introduction of vertical bumpers provided better parking protection. The 356 B was available in three body styles – 2+2 coupe, 2+2 convertible, and roadster. The roadster was the successor to the 356A Convertible D and had standard windshield height and side windows in the doors, distinguishing it from the convertible which had rear seats and side chrome moldings. The coupes and convertibles were built at Reutter, while the roadsters were produced at Drauz. Over time, the 356th continued to gain sophistication and become increasingly sought-after by collectors.

The origins

Source: Road Scholars

In 1959, the world was introduced to the Porsche 356B, which would go on to become an automotive legend. The story of its creation was one of innovation, persistence, and a deep love of craftsmanship. It all began in the late 1940s when Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of Porsche AG, set out to design a sports vehicle that would capture the imagination of drivers around the world. He drew on his years of experience in the automotive industry and his passion for performance to create a  vehicle that would push the boundaries of what was possible. In 1948, the brand released the first version of the 356, which was widely praised for its speed, agility, and aesthetic appeal. However, the brand was determined to make improvements to the automobile over time, leading to a series of refinements. As the 1950s came to a close, it was clear that the 356 needed a significant overhaul to remain competitive. Recognizing this, the German manufacturer focused his attention on creating a new model that would surpass previous versions in terms of sophistication and popularity. Working alongside a team of talented designers and engineers, Porsche poured his heart and soul into the creation of the 356B. He knew that every detail mattered, from the car’s profile to its headlights to its bumpers, and he was determined to get everything just right. Finally, in 1959, the world got its first look at the new 356B. The vehicle was a triumph of design and engineering, with a sleek, aerodynamic profile that was unlike anything else on the road. The response was overwhelming. Drivers around the world fell in love with the 356B’s combination of style, speed, and precision, and the car quickly became a cultural icon. 

The 1962 model year

Source: Barrett-Jackson

The 1962 model year represented a continuation of the evolution of this classic sports vehicle, with several updates and refinements from previous models. On the technical side, the 1962 edition featured several significant improvements. One of the most notable was the addition of disc brakes, which improved stopping power and overall safety. Additionally, the engine underwent a few updates, including the addition of a new Solex carburetor that boosted horsepower to 75 at 5,000 rpm. The interior of the 1962 version was refined as well. The dashboard was updated to feature clearer gauges, and a new heating system was added that allowed for better temperature control inside the cabin. Other interior upgrades included new door panels and updated seating materials. From an exterior perspective, the 1962 release featured several changes that set it apart from previous model years. One of the most notable was the addition of a new T6 body style, which featured larger windows and a revised shape that gave the automobile a more modern look. The T6 body style was available in both coupe and cabriolet versions. Another key change to the exterior of the 1962 edition was the addition of new front and rear bumpers that provided better protection in case of a collision. These bumpers were more robust than previous models and featured a sleeker design that complemented the car’s overall aesthetic.

Did you know?

Source: Sara Norris

The 1962 edition of the model appeared in numerous films over the years. The long list includes “The Graduate” (1967), “Bullitt” (1968), “Love Story” (1970), “Risky Business” (1983), “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1999), “Spy Game” (2001), and many more.

Contact us if you have this or another classic car to sell.

Every year, the Porsche 356 changed dramatically, moving further from its progenitor, the Volkswagen Beetle, and this was manifested both in mechanical components and design. In 1959, it underwent a significant restyling, accompanied by an introduction of a completely new 356 B model with an internal body index from T2 to T5.

Source: Hexagon Classics

At the 1959 Frankfurt Motor Show, Porsche introduced the new 356 B. The German sports car, becoming increasingly sophisticated and sought-after, received a new design. Porsche designers changed the vehicle’s profile by raising the front fenders and headlights to meet the needs of the most important export market in the USA. The new vertical bumpers offered better parking protection. After its debut, it went on sale in three body styles: 2+2 coupe, 2+2 convertible, and roadster. The latter was the successor to the 356A Convertible D, not the Speedster, so it had a standard windshield height and side windows in the doors. It differed from the convertible only in the side chrome moldings and the absence of rear seats. Coupes and convertibles were built at Reutter, and roadsters at Drauz.

The origins

Source: Richmonds

A new version of the “three hundred and fifty-sixth,” or “Type 5,” was shown to the world at the end of 1959. The updated car had several technical improvements and changes in the exterior (new bumpers, modified rear lighting). The modernization was led by designer Erwin Komenda, who also designed the original Porsche 356 Pre-A. Looking back at the work of his Detroit colleagues, he paid particular attention to the front end of the car to bring it up to American standards. To do this, it was necessary to raise the front bumper higher so that a part of the body could be seen under it and, together with it, move the headlights above, placing them at a lesser slope. As a result, the hood became more gentle against the backdrop of straightened front fenders. As before, a spare wheel, a gas tank, and a small luggage compartment were hidden under them.

The air-cooled engine was located at the back under a small cover with one ventilation grill, on which, if necessary, an external trunk was attached. Further changes were incorporated during the development of the 356 B model in 1961. The new design brought a larger front trunk lid with a squared leading edge, a more oversized, 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 the optimized position of the instruments. In addition, the interior mirror had been improved. With the redesign of the fuel tank, the 356 B also gained luggage space. The tank also moved to the top of the right front fender and was given an external filler neck with a fuel filler cap flap. The 356B was offered as a coupe, roadster, and cabriolet. The convertibles were luxurious, as they came standard with leather seats and a thickly padded soft top. 

The 1961 model year

Source: Auto Vercity

The Super 90 benefited from a higher lift cam, a 9.1 compression ratio, and two larger 40 Solex PII carburetors. Lubrication had been improved for longer engine life, and a more substantial Hausermann clutch pack had also been used. With this engine design and an unladen weight of fewer than 900 kilograms, the top speed of the Super 90 was an impressive 180 km/h. The large aluminum drum brakes with additional cooling fins provided more than enough braking deceleration. Fuel consumption was rated at 27 mpg (miles per gallon), which equated to 8.7 liters per 100 km.

Did you know?

Source: Hemmings

Being a car with a stunning design, this model was featured in such movies and TV series as Car Crazy (2001-2022), The November Man (2014), Samantha Who? (2007-2009), Fifth Gear (2002-2022), and many more.

Contact us if you have this or another classic vehicle to sell.