1960 Porsche 356 B T5

no reserve
19 Bids 31 Following Highest bidder - Dins78
Ends 8:45 PM, 18 Dec 2025
Current Bid

€7,100

no reserve
Dins78

Freddie's review

Freddie Woodd - Consignment Specialist Message Freddie

“ Built To Fast-Road Spec. the car’s builders and restorers look to have been meticulous in their attention to detail. ”

This is a fine homage to a car that made a name for itself and its crew on the 1962 Acropolis Rally.

Background

One of the all-time great sports cars, the 356 was the work of Ferry Porsche, who had been inspired by the FIAT-based Cisitalias of Piero Dusio. 

Ferry's 356 was based on the Volkswagen designed by his father, and like the immortal 'Beetle' employed a platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and all-independent torsion bar suspension. 

Introduced in 1948, the Porsche 356 set a new standard for small sports cars and proved adaptable to all forms of motor sport including circuit racing and rallying. 

In 1951 a works car finished first in the 1,100cc class at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race, thus beginning the marque's long and illustrious association with La Sarthe.

By the time the 356B arrived in September 1959, the car had gained a one-piece rounded windscreen and 15"-diameter wheels, and the newcomer's introduction brought with it further styling revisions. 

The engine, now standardised at 1,600cc, was available in three different stages of tune, the most powerful - apart from the four-cam Carrera - being the 90bhp unit of the Super 90. 

The 356B, produced from 1960 through 1963, represents the 356’s midpoint. The initial ‘T5’ series introduced new front and rear sheet-metal, retaining the curved front trunk lid and rounded fenders of the 356A. 

The B also added some features demanded by American customers, such as raised 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, along with some subtle interior refinements. 

Key Facts

  • Delivered New To The USA
  • Numerous Mechanical Upgrades
  • Successfully Campaigned in Historic Racing
  • 114372
  • 3024 kms
  • 1600cc
  • manual
  • Blue
  • Black
  • Right-hand drive
  • Petrol
Vehicle location
Athens, Greece

Background

One of the all-time great sports cars, the 356 was the work of Ferry Porsche, who had been inspired by the FIAT-based Cisitalias of Piero Dusio. 

Ferry's 356 was based on the Volkswagen designed by his father, and like the immortal 'Beetle' employed a platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and all-independent torsion bar suspension. 

Introduced in 1948, the Porsche 356 set a new standard for small sports cars and proved adaptable to all forms of motor sport including circuit racing and rallying. 

In 1951 a works car finished first in the 1,100cc class at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race, thus beginning the marque's long and illustrious association with La Sarthe.

By the time the 356B arrived in September 1959, the car had gained a one-piece rounded windscreen and 15"-diameter wheels, and the newcomer's introduction brought with it further styling revisions. 

The engine, now standardised at 1,600cc, was available in three different stages of tune, the most powerful - apart from the four-cam Carrera - being the 90bhp unit of the Super 90. 

The 356B, produced from 1960 through 1963, represents the 356’s midpoint. The initial ‘T5’ series introduced new front and rear sheet-metal, retaining the curved front trunk lid and rounded fenders of the 356A. 

The B also added some features demanded by American customers, such as raised 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, along with some subtle interior refinements. 

Overview

The car is being sold as part of a large private collection. It has been on static display as a museum exhibit for a number of years so, consequently, our assessment of it is made purely on the grounds of its appearance. 

It will require recommissioning and is sold strictly as seen. The only history or paperwork available is displayed in the photo gallery.  In most cases the papers shown are photocopies, unless otherwise stated. 

The cars, while located in Greece, may be subject to your local rate of import VAT. 

Please contact freddie.woodd@bonhams.com should you have further questions.

 

In 1962, a Porsche 356B won fourth place overall at the 10th Acropolis Rally.

Its crew was Germany’s H. Walter (driver) and J. Schottler (co-driver).

This example has been restored and reimagined in Greece to emulate that 1962 Acropolis Rally car.

A Porsche COA confirms that the car is a 1961 356B Coupe, originally Aetna Blue with a Red leatherette Interior, supplied new to Porsche America Inc, although the Porsche Archive has corrected the year of manufacture to 1960.

While in the US the car was rally-prepped by specialist firm Beal Hardy of Atlanta. 

During the 1992 the car led the HSR Vintage Series between April and November, finishing 2nd overall in its class. 

We know that the car moved to the UK in 2000 (when it was recorded as being Silver in colour), before being sold at auction in 2006 and beginning a new life in Greece. 

The car today has been built to fast-road spec and is equipped to compete in any events for which it is eligible.

Exterior

The car presents very well from every angle and there are no dinks, dents or creases of consequence on the bodywork, as far as we can tell.

The shut-lines and panels gaps look consistent and true.

The car’s classic lines are shown-off to optimum effect by the Gulf racing colours.

Looking at images of the 1962 Acropolis Rally car, it’s clear that this is a meticulously faithful recreation of that car’s exterior trim and spec. 

The wheels, slim metal bumpers, headlamp cages, entrant number (12), and decals all match those seen on the original car.

Interior

The spartan, focussed interior is what you would expect to find in a purpose-built rally car.

The car is fully equipped with the requisite FIA-compliant safety equipment - roll cage, bucket seats, Sparco harnesses, cut-out switches, fire suppression system, etc – and everything looks to be in very good condition.

Having neither started nor driven the car, we can’t vouch for the efficacy of any controls, switches, gauges, dials or other mechanical or electrical systems and components.

Mechanical

The engine and engine bay are clean, dry and orderly, with everything in its right and proper place. 

The ‘frunk’ contains a competition-spec fuel tank.

History

The documentation includes copies of Greek and UK registration documents, Porsche authenticity certification documents, an itemised list of work carried out in Greece to prep and upgrade the car, copies of UK MoT certificates and tax discs, numerous photographs of the work in the progress, and an HPI report. 

Summary

This is a fine homage to a car that made a name for itself and its crew on the 1962 Acropolis Rally.

From what we can see, the car’s builders and restorers have been meticulous in their attention to detail and desire to match the original car as closely as possible.

If the car drives as well as it looks, and we’ve no reason to doubt that it will, it could open up an exciting new chapter of rallying, racing and events for its next owner.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of €45,000 - €55,000

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Athens, Greece. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

About this auction

Estimated value

€45,000 - €55,000

Seller

Private: hmm
Buyer's Premium
7% of the winning bid (minimum €800), plus 20% VAT on the Premium only.


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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