1962 Porsche 356B Cabriolet

Offered is a 1962 Porsche 356B Cabriolet, a desirable late-production T6 example featuring Reutter coachwork and the distinctive twin-grille engine lid that identifies this final evolution of the 356B body. Chassis number 158353 is presented showing 11,600 miles, although the true mileage is unknown. The T6 revision introduced several notable refinements to the 356B, including the twin engine-lid grilles, squared-off front luggage lid, and relocated fuel filler on the right front fender. Cabriolets of this period combined the 356’s elegant proportions with a folding soft top, wind-up side windows, and the engaging rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that helped establish Porsche’s reputation for lightweight sports cars.

 

According to the seller, this example retains its original steering wheel and clock, along with factory-optioned ventilated chrome wheels. Of particular interest is its unusual powertrain: rather than the expected 1.6-liter 356B engine, it is fitted with engine number P-70-805, identified by the seller as a very early Porsche 1,488-cc pushrod flat-four dating from approximately 1950–1952. The engine is said to be paired with a factory-original four-speed manual transmission, identified as number 97-741-2A. The seller does not know whether the engine has been rebuilt, but reports no known mechanical issues, no significant fluid leakage, and a clean drip tray. The tires are described as very good, appearing nearly new, although their date codes have not been confirmed. The seller is also unaware of any accident repairs or bodywork and reports no known scratches, dents, paint chips, or touch-ups.  

 

The cabin is reported to retain its interior equipment and functionality, with no major cracks, discoloration, rips, burns, or tears noted by the seller, while the car is equipped without air conditioning as expected for this era. The seller reports that all interior equipment is present and functional and that, to the best of their knowledge, the mechanical systems operate as designed.  As an early example of the T6 356B Cabriolet, this Porsche offers an appealing combination of Reutter-built open-air coachwork, period-correct design details, a four-speed manual transmission, and the unusual character of an exceptionally early Porsche flat-four engine.