1960 Porsche 356B Roadster Reappears at Bring a Trailer Auction

A 1960 Porsche 356B Roadster returns to Bring a Trailer auction with a $100,000 bid, rare T5 body by Drauz, replacement engine and original unit included. Follow the listing.

A 1960 Porsche 356B Roadster has returned to the Bring a Trailer auction platform, drawing attention after previously failing to sell despite bids reaching $164,000 in 2020 and $145,000 in 2025. The current bid stands at $100,000, making this listing notable in comparison to its own auction history.

The car represents a rare T5-bodied 356B Roadster, produced between 1959 and 1961. These early 356B models featured revised styling with higher-mounted headlights and bumpers. This particular example is further distinguished by its Drauz-built body, as the German coachbuilder was responsible for producing Roadster variants during this period. Approximately 2,600 units were built, making the model significantly less common than contemporary coupes and cabriolets.

Originally finished in Ruby Red, the car was repainted black in the mid-2000s and now features a tan leather interior that was reupholstered at the same time. The design retains period-correct elements such as a soft top, rear luggage rack, chrome trim, and the single rear grille associated with T5 models.

The most significant deviation from factory specification lies in the powertrain. A replacement 1.75-liter flat-four engine, reportedly fitted with Porsche 912 cylinder heads and upgraded components, has been installed. However, the original 1.6-liter engine, stamped 600186, is included in the sale. Its number is confirmed by a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, and additional factory data is supported by a copy of the Kardex.

Recent servicing included rebuilding the carburetors and fuel pump, replacing the fuel tank, filter, and hoses, and servicing the transmission. The seller notes that the original engine is currently undergoing inspection at an independent workshop, with results not yet available.

This configuration, combining mechanical upgrades such as disc brakes and a 12-volt electrical system, makes the car more usable in modern driving conditions. At the same time, the presence of the original engine and documentation preserves the possibility of returning the vehicle to a more authentic factory specification.

The broader historical context reinforces the car’s appeal. The Porsche 356 was the brand’s first production model and established core engineering principles that continued into later vehicles. The 356B marked a transitional phase before the introduction of the 911, while the Roadster variant offered a lighter and simpler open-top alternative, particularly popular in the United States.

The car’s return to auction with a lower current bid highlights how values in this segment are closely tied to originality, condition, and completeness. In this case, the final result will likely depend on how buyers weigh the balance between usability-focused modifications and preserved historical components.