Factory finished in Ruby Red over black leather, this 1960 Porsche 356B Cabriolet was purchased new by a U.S. service member stationed in Germany before it was brought back to their home in Wisconsin. The car changed hands after a short time and was eventually acquired by the third owner who kept it for another 40 years while installing a host of custom accessories and enhancements including an upgraded 356C motor and disc brakes. This 356B was acquired by the seller from its longtime previous owner in 2019 and has since been professionally serviced by an air-cooled Porsche specialist. Enthusiastically maintained and modified, this 356B is now being offered for auction by its owner out of Wisconsin.
This 356B is said to have been refinished in its factory original color of Ruby Red under the care of its prior owner about 40 years ago. Some period accessories were also added including chrome nerf bars, headlight grilles, and 15” Fuchs wheels. A black tonneau cover hides the retractable soft top when stowed. The car rides on a set of Vredestein Sprint Classic tires sized 185/70 with date codes from 2019. Some paint chips are noted as well as signs of wear and fading on the cabriolet top, although the seller states the roof does not leak and that the plastic rear window remains intact. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
The black interior is lined with original square weave carpeting and features a pair of bucket seats reupholstered in black leather. Accessories include a three-spoke steering wheel with a Porsche-crested horn button, an original Blaupunkt AM/FM radio, front lap belts, and a painted dashboard with a locking glovebox. The seller reports that both the horn and radio stopped functioning recently, the carpeting is worn, and a tear is present on the original rubber mat by the accelerator pedal. A rebuilt speedometer/tachometer and cable were installed in May 2020.
Under prior ownership, this 356B was equipped with a newer 1,600cc engine derived from a Porsche 356C which was then upgraded with a big bore kit and Bursch exhaust for increased power. The rear wheels are driven by way of a 4-speed manual gearbox and stopping power comes from upgraded disc brakes installed by the previous owner. The car has been professionally maintained by an air-cooled Porsche specialist since the current owner’s purchase in 2019 including safety inspections, rebuilt brake calipers, rebuilt carburetors, a rebuilt distributor, and valve adjustments. The last routine service was completed by a classic-certified technician at a Porsche dealership in the Fall of 2021.
This sale will include some documentation, owner’s manuals, and a copy of the original sales order.
Comments (45)
Congratulations, Avanti911.
Ruby is a sweet girl who won't disappoint.
Sold for $93,000
Lifted the reserve.
Bid in the amount of $93,000
Excruciatingly close.
Good luck David. Nice car. Great seller!
Bid in the amount of $92,000
Bid in the amount of $90,000
Bid in the amount of $87,500
Bid in the amount of $87,000
About 10 minutes to go. Exciting.
Ruby is, "Not your Father's Oldsmobile." A lowered, sassy topless Tub with benefits...numbers-matching engine in addition to the hotter 'Big Bore' motor behind the back seat. A set of chrome wheels in addition to the 'Deep Six' 15" Fuchs on the car. Disc brakes. 6-volt battery charger. Custom car cover. A car featured in both Porsche Panorama and Porsche 356Registry. Sure her carpet is a little thin and the top is faded, but Ruby is a character and has the story to prove it.
Thanks for bidding.
Bid in the amount of $85,000
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Bid in the amount of $77,356
Bid in the amount of $72,000
Bid in the amount of $69,250
Bid in the amount of $69,000
Bid in the amount of $65,000
Bid in the amount of $62,606
Bid in the amount of $62,356
Bid in the amount of $60,500
Bid in the amount of $60,250
Bid in the amount of $60,000
Bid in the amount of $51,100
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Hello.
In response to several inquiries, I've asked PCAR to add approximately 30 images of the bottom, the pan, and various suspension parts on Ruby. Although the bottom views are not as comely as the top views, you will see that Ruby is a solid citizen, top or bottom.
PCAR did add the image of the numbers-matching engine stamp and the chrome wheels/spare.
Thank you.
David
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
@JR5416873 Yesterday, I've asked PCAR to add the image of the numbers-matching motor to the gallery. Because of the holiday, this requested update may be delayed. I will send the image to your email if you wish, or you can simply wait.
Presently, I am out of state; consequently, I cannot immediately provide images of the suspension parts, etc. I can get those images to PCAR on Tuesday, September 6.
Thank you.
David
@davidmathews Please add matching number engine on pallet, undercarriage of floorpans and suspension pictures
@mdsmds Good morning.
Before purchasing the car, I asked the third owner about the pan. He told me the pan had not been repaired or replaced. I pulled the carpet/rubber up away from the floor…what I saw confirmed his statement.
I looked into each of the wheel wells and again saw no evidence of rust.
Can you say something about the rust situation? Has the pan been patched or replaced?
Thank you for your comments and your bidding.
I just wanted to emphasize that this sale will include the original bumpers/over riders, a set of chrome wheels w/Michelin XZX tires, miscellaneous parts, and the NUMBERS MATCHING motor, presently on a pallet in storage. I’ve asked PCAR to add an image of that motor’s number that reflects the number shown on the Kardex.
Also, an image of the chrome wheels will be added to the gallery.
It doesn’t get any better…a hotter engine with the numbers-matching engine on a pallet, and a set of great tires/chrome wheels to change the look if the $3,000 ‘deep six’ 15” Fuchs aren’t your cup of tea.
@witz Hello.
The best I can do today is refer you to image 79 in the gallery. I'm out of state right now and cannot take additional photos for the next couple of days.
Also, image 80 is an invoice dated 05/2019 that reflects brake work (adjusting calipers, etc) Pads were not mentioned/replaced because they were in good condition. Roughly 3,500 miles were put on the car since that time. No track/autocross time since :)
Thanks for your interest.
David
Can you post some photos of the pan and brakes?
Bid in the amount of $48,000
Bid in the amount of $44,444
Bid in the amount of $42,000
Bid in the amount of $40,000
@artichoke Truthfully, I don't know the actual mileage. I estimate that I've put 4,000-4,500 miles on Ruby since I bought her, the majority during my road trip to SC and GA.
During the time I've owned Ruby, I've not had a lick of trouble (other than a flat tire in Atlanta, GA, near PECATL, on a Friday during rush hour. ICK! Changing the tire with cars wizzing by was exhilarating.)
I've driven it to a goodly number of PCA events and Midwest 356 events, the latest being a winding trip to Road America for the SVRA Vintage Festival in May, 2022.
Thanks for your interest.
David
Any idea of the actual mileage, (on the new motor)?
Any sense of its reliability for regular PCA activities.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Bid in the amount of $35,000
Hello and thank you for considering purchasing Ruby, my 1960 356B cabriolet. Her looks still sparkle and she dances with the best of them.
Together, Ruby and I have enjoyed cross-country road trips, weekend jaunts, visits to Road America, and quickies to the local PDQ for a loaf of bread.
The C motor, slightly modified with a 'big bore' kit speaks loudly through a Bursch exhaust. Disc brakes provide better stopping power. Her lowered stance and wider Fuchs five-petal wheels provide that, "Hey, look at me!" attitude.
Her roof is faded and worn, but she doesn't leak, nor is the zip down plastic window cracked or marred. But then again, many 60-year olds+ have the same issue. Besides, Ruby lives for summer driving when no darn top is necessary. The carpet is worn as well, but I've included a fancy set of red/black CocoMats in the purchase.
A huge plus with your purchase is the numbers-matching motor (on a pallet), the original bumpers, and a set of chrome (Porsche) 15" wheels and Michelin XZX tires.
I will answer questions you may have as promptly as I can. (In the process of a home remodel.)
Meanwhile, if you wish to learn more about Ruby and my love affair with the old girl, please visit my website: www.dhmathews.com. Click the dropdown menu 'Published Works" and look for Ruby.
Enjoy, and again, thank you.