1960 – Porsche 356 B 1600 Roadster Drauz, Chassis No. 87875 French

“One of the rarest and most elegant 356 Roadsters, shown here in concours condition!” The Porsche 356 ‘Drauz’ Roadster refers to the very first Roadster models (356 B generation), built by the German coachbuilder Drauz in Heilbronn between 1959 and 1961. Recognisable by their distinctive badge on the front wing, this model – of which around 2,600 were produced – defined the Roadster’s style: a low-slung silhouette, a windscreen with a chrome surround, and a higher level of comfort than the Speedster thanks to its rising windows and an easy-to-fit soft top. Towards the end of 1961, production moved to the D’Ieteren coachbuilder in Belgium, making the Drauz versions the pioneers of this legendary line and a true rarity on the market. Our example is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the finest we have ever had the pleasure of presenting at auction. Purchased in 2014 from a specialist dealer, it underwent a complete restoration in late 2018 at Porsche Classic in Brest at a cost of over €60,000. It has, of course, retained its original specification: Silver Metallic paintwork with a red leather interior and a light beige soft top. The quality of the work is beyond reproach; the paintwork is perfectly smooth and the alignment of the various components is impeccable. All the ancillary components, such as the alloy wheels, spare wheel, lights, soft top, tonneau cover and luggage rack, are genuine and have also been fully restored. Sold with its original engine (no. 602664), which is complete and in good condition, it is now fitted with a fully restored 912 engine. Coupled with a 4-speed gearbox with fully synchronised gears, it ensures excellent performance. It is a delight to drive, with precise steering and a smooth, lively ride. Perfectly balanced, much of this Roadster’s charm lies in its chassis, its four independent wheels and its rear-mounted engine, which is one of the key elements of its character. Braking is provided by four drum brakes, which were also refurbished during the restoration. As the successor to the Speedster and the Convertible D, the 356 B Roadster carries on their spirit with a more welcoming design. Here, the interior is superb, with the optional reclining seats reupholstered in leather, and the floor panels and rear footwells fitted with tone-on-tone carpets. All the dashboard components are complete, functional and true to the original, with the exception of the beautiful steering wheel, which has been taken from a later Super 75 model. The soft-top frame has been redesigned and ensures it folds away easily with a single movement beneath its tonneau cover, which matches the colour of the interior. It is a ‘Matching Numbers’ car, as confirmed by its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity; its file contains a record of every stage of its restoration, all the relevant invoices, as well as those relating to its regular servicing. Rare and in what can only be described as ‘concours’ condition, this 356 B 1600 Roadster Drauz is a major milestone in the history of the Stuttgart-based marque, presented here with a very attractive estimate!

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