The 356 Roadster is highly prized by collectors because it combines the performance of the earlier Speedster model with the creature comforts or a Cabriolet. There were only 561 Roadsters made in 1960 with one third being powered by the more powerful Super 90 engine. This particular car was delivered new to the west coast and has spent its entire life a warm and dry climate. Never in an accident and always garaged it was in exceptional condition and the perfect candidate to restore and show.
The car was entrusted to 356 expert Andy Anderson who performed a total “nut and bolt” restoration over a three year period starting in 1994. The body and chassis were pristine and only needed to be striped and refinished. Every component of the car was rebuilt and restored to factory fresh specification. The attention to detail, fit and finish, and period correct specification is second to none. During the restoration the car was upgraded to European specification with the addition of a KM Speedometer and European head and taillights. The car is in 100-point concours condition and drives like it is brand new.
Show Record
1998 356 West Coast Holiday, Sexiest 356 Award
1998 Carlson PCA Concours, first in class.
2001 Palo Alto Concours, first in class
2001 Hillsbourgh Concours, First in Class
Canepa Design has recently performed a full inspection of the car, performed all services and road tested the car to ensure that it performs as well as it looks. This is a stunning example of one of the most collectable 356s available today.
The basics of the 356 remained the same throughout its lifespan, with evolutionary, functional improvements rather than yearly superficial styling changes. Nevertheless a variety of models in both coupe and convertible form were produced from 1948 through 1965.
Background History
The basics of the 356 remained the same throughout its lifespan, with evolutionary, functional improvements rather than yearly superficial styling changes. Nevertheless a variety of models in both coupe and convertible form were produced from 1948 through 1965.
The best-known convertible model is the 356 “Speedster”. Production of the Speedster peaked at 1,171 cars in 1957 and then started to decline, and it was replaced in late 1958 by the “Convertible D” model. It featured a taller, more practical windshield, glass side windows, and more comfortable seats. The following year, the 356B “Roadster” convertible replaced the D model, but the sports car market’s love affair with top-down motoring was fading: soft-top 356 model sales declined significantly in the early 60’s. Convertibles were offered from the 356’s inception, and in the early 1950’s sometimes comprised over 50% of total production.
In 1960 the 356B offered the S90, or ‘Super 90’ motor as an available option. The vehicle also had a counterweighted crank, sodium-filled valves and Solex P40-II carburetors and produced 90 horsepower compared to 60 horsepower for the 1600N.
