In the autumn of 1959, Porsche unveiled the completely revamped 356B, known internally as the T5 or ‘Technical Programme V.’ The Porsche 356B was available in four distinct body styles: Coupe, Cabriolet, Hardtop Coupe, and Roadster.
Reutter in Stuttgart was responsible for manufacturing the Cabriolet and Coupe bodies, while Karmann in Osnabrück produced the Hardtop Coupe bodies with welded-on tops. Roadsters were crafted by Drauz Karosserie until production ceased in February 1961 at Drauz’s Heilbronn facility, after which it was taken over by D’Ieteren Freres in Brussels, Belgium.
For the 1960 model year, Porsche introduced the 356B Roadster, succeeding the one-year-only Convertible D. Similar to the D, the new Roadster shared characteristics with the Speedster, featuring wind-up windows and a taller removable windshield, catering to both everyday driving and competitive racing, in line with the tradition established by the legendary lightweight Speedster.
The 356B demonstrated Porsche’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the mechanical components of the lineup, including more robust and efficient engines, a stronger transaxle and shifting linkage, as well as improved brakes. The body received subtle styling updates, such as a flatter hood, redesigned front fenders, enhanced bumpers, and a larger chrome-plated hood handle. Porsche produced approximately 2,649 units of the T5 356B Roadster during the 1960 and 1961 model years.
Source: Bonhams Cars
