1961 Porsche 356B Super 90 Cabriolet @ Bonhams The Greenwich Auction - 31 May 2026, 12:00 EDT
Coachwork by Reutter
Chassis no. 154893
Engine no. 802389
Estimate: US$200,000 - US$250,000 / £150,000 - £190,000
1,596cc OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin Solex Carburetors
90bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Dual Circuit Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Nicely restored example of a T5 Cabriolet
*Eligible for many tours and events
*Powered by its original, numbers matching top-of-the-line Super 90 engine
*Documented with a copy of its Kardex and Porsche COA
*Beautifully presented in its original color combination of Signal Red over Black leather
THE PORSCHE 356
Porsche's Type 356, introduced in 1948, is acknowledged to be one of the world's great sports cars. Over a 15-year production run, the handsome and durable 356 evolved from a streamlined little aluminum-bodied coupe powered by a VW-derived, 46bhp 1100cc air-cooled flat four to a powerful autobahn burner carrying a complex, two-liter four-cam boxer Carrera engine, producing 130bhp. The cars steady development brought not only coupes, but introduced luxurious cabriolets, speedsters, and roadsters. In all there were more than 76,000 examples built by the time production ceased in 1965.
The 356B, produced from 1960 through 1963, represents the mid-point in this design's progression. In what is known as "T5" form, the B introduced new front and rear sheet-metal, while retaining the curved front trunk lid and rounded fenders of the 356A series. The B also added some features demanded by American customers, such as raised front and rear bumpers with over-riders to better protect the body from parking mishaps. The headlamps were raised, a larger hood handle added, and front vent windows appeared in the doors. Mechanically, the gearbox and drum brakes were upgraded. A new steering wheel and column refreshed the interior, along with redesigned rear seats. A "Super" model with raised compression added an extra 15bhp over the standard version, while the even hotter Super 90 added 30bhp – a full 50% more power than the base car.
The 356 made its final transformation with the Type 6 body in 1963. Designated 356C, it had a new ZF steering gear and added compensating springs at the rear, the latter calming the swing axle suspension. Four-wheel disc brakes were also part of the revision, and a 12-volt electrical system became available. Two 1,600 cc engines were offered, the "C" version with 75DIN (European horsepower, rated 88 by SAE), and the "SC" with higher compression and counterweighted crankshaft making 95DIN (107 SAE).
THE CAR OFFERED
This Porsche Super 90 Cabriolet, one of about 700 built, was completed at the factory on April 4, 1961. Originally finished in Signal Red over Black leather, it was factory optioned with Continental tires. Today, this Cabriolet is finished in the same livery it was delivered with when new. This Porsche was delivered new through AFN Ltd. in England around April of 1961. The Kardex further lists the car returned for service a few times with the last record dated November 8, 1961, with about 9,144km on the odometer.
Appearing to be very well-kept, it has been the recipient of an older, complete restoration, still presenting very well today. The previous long-term owner of this Super 90 Cabriolet was a huge Porsche enthusiast and ensured his Porsche was a great example to begin with and received a full restoration completed to a high standard. Mechanically, the well-detailed Super 90 motor is the same powerplant the car was born with, requisite with the impressive 90 horsepower this car deserved.
This Porsche will be accompanied with a copy of its Kardex report, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, Porsche drivers manual, document file, tool kit and jack. Today, the car is equipped with nice additions including a wood trimmed steering wheel, Blaupunkt radio as well as a rear luggage rack. Surely a very well presented, numbers matching, restored example of Porsche's T5 Cabriolet with the very desirable Super 90 engine. A wonderful opportunity to adorn even the best collections.
A popular car for tours and rallies such as the Copperstate 1000, Going to the Sun, and New England 1000, this Super 90 Cabriolet is sure to provide plenty of top-down fun and smiles.
Text & Image: Bonhams
