1960 Porsche 356B Roadster 2.8L Custom by Larry Chmura
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1960
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 356 B Roadster
- VIN: 87598
- Mileage Shown: 24,648mi (TMU)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Red
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Location: Spokane, WA 99224
- Dealer Fees: None
- Lot #: V-0037525
Manufactured between 1960 and 1963, the Porsche 356B marks a pivotal phase in the model's evolution. Referred to as the "T5" variant, the B underwent a redesign featuring updated sheet metal configurations, all the while preserving the distinctive curved front bonnet and rounded arches reminiscent of the earlier A series. This 1962 Roadster is one of 2,653 examples bodied by the coachbuilders Karosseriewerke Drauz from 1960 to 1962. Before the selling dealer’s acquisition, this 356B had been cared for by its previous owner since the early 1970s. In 1978, owner and racing driver Larry Chmura upgraded the engine to a 2.8-liter 911 flat-six and paired it with a Type 911/01 5-speed manual transaxle. The car also received 911 disc brakes and rear suspension, widened rear fenders, a custom twin-grille decklid, sport bucket seats, Fuchs alloy wheels, and more. Having garnered recognition in various magazines and press literature, this 356B Roadster is now being offered for auction out of Washington.
Designed by Erwin Komenda, the T5 body style incorporates changes requested by American customers, including raised front and rear bumpers for improved parking protection. It also features elevated headlights and a larger bonnet handle. As a Roadster version, this example is distinguished by wind-up windows and a sporty removable windscreen. It was refinished in the current red paint color some time ago and has been modified with widened rear fenders crafted from Porsche 930 front fenders, a rear vent mounted above the bumper, and an upgraded rear decklid grille incorporating a twin grille & additional cooling fins. It has been further modified with a blue convertible top, Talbot mirrors, and Fuchs alloy wheels. The seller notes a small rub mark ahead of the front wheel arch, detailed images are provided in the gallery.
Inside, the driver is situated in a black vinyl and cloth interior featuring aftermarket sport seats and seatbelts. Additionally, a set of upgraded 911-derived VDO instrumentation has been fitted and tilted for a performance-focused driving experience. The seller notes some wear on the dash pad, and all gauges, electronics, and accessories are reported to be working properly.
Power comes from a replacement flat-six engine which was rebuilt and enlarged to 2.8 liters paired to a type 911/01 5-speed manual transmission. This 356 was further upgraded with 1970 911-derived front & rear disc brakes, reinforced front lower torsion arms, and a 911 alloy “banana arm” rear suspension system. This vehicle is reported to have been meticulously maintained under the previous owner, and no outstanding maintenance items have been reported.
This sale will include a clean title, a spare tire, and literature that this example has been featured in.
The seller would like you to know: “Thanks for looking at this rare and truly fantastic 356b Roadster by Drauz.
Where to start: I am honored to have been chosen to represent this amazing Porsche for my good friend Larry Chmura who built the car. This is NOT the first time Larry found a need to install a 911 engine into a 356, in fact, this Roadster is actually the 4th 356 with a 911 transplant that Larry built. The first was a 1956 356a coupe affectionately known as "Dusty" that is still in the possession of the gentleman who bought the car from Larry some 35 years ago. This 356 Roadster was completed in 1978 well before anyone else had attempted the 911 exchange, even well before the Emorys started with their "outlaw" cars (good cars by the way). I am confident in saying that Larry was the first to do this, if anyone should know differently, please let me know. This very cool roadster has been featured in many magazines and books which are provided with the sale. A couple of years ago I sat down with Larry and we talked about his roadster, have a look here https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=515870932584496. In today's collector car world, there may be those who scoff at the work Larry performed on his ultra-rare Roadster. "Blasphemous" may be the term used today, but, please keep in mind that when Larry acquired this car, its value was most likely somewhere in the $10 - $15,000 range, if that! It was never Larry's intent to build a Pebble Beach winner or a rarely-driven garage queen. The car was built to be driven and enjoyed, period. Larry, now in his 80s is driving the car less these days, trust me though, he's still quite fast.... so is the car! Larry was a pretty darn good racer back in the day as well and raced a Porsche 911 in the IMSA GTU class with some success, he even managed an overall pole with his 911 at Sears Point one year in the rain! On a dry track the next day, all bets were off but, still, quite an accomplishment. The same engine that powered that car to a pole is in the roadster today. In 2000 Larry took his 911-powered roadster to the BBB 2000 hill climb in Idaho and competed against some very fast and far more modern/contemporary cars - he beat them all and quite handily. The simple fact that this car is a 1960 356 roadster makes it uber rare, add the fact that it is a Drauz-bodied 356 and the rarity climbs a bit higher. Now, add that this is most likely the first and only time that a 911 engine has made its way into a 356 roadster AND that it is the first time this has ever been done by anyone and you have something truly unique. Oh, it is also really, really fun! Happy bidding.”
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $100,356
- Auction End: Dec 18, 2023 07:30:00PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 29
Comments (77)
Conjo frito!
Bid in the amount of $100,356
Bid in the amount of $47,000
Bid in the amount of $45,250
Bid in the amount of $45,000
Why are the gauges upside down / sideways?
Why aren't the gauges installed properly?
@porscheklaus Smoke puffs probably valve stem seals or worn valve guides.
Sure would be nice to know anything about that engine- how long ago was it rebuilt and what was used to put it back together; how much time or miles are on the engine& 901 box.
@Jet2jeff2 No none. The car can be stored in doors and in a heated garage space (larry has a few Porsche's) no rush
@Jet2jeff2 Thanks Jet.... again, I apologize for some lack of knowledge. I have however, driven the car now on a couple of occasions and can tell you this from first hand experience: The car will puff a little oil smoke on occasion, only on cold start, pretty typical of older 911 engines. My 3.0 liter does as well. The gearbox shifts great and does not exhibit the "somewhat normal" syncro grind of a typical 901 transmission. Driven properly and NOT like a NASCAR driver [sic] it shifts beautifully. Brake application is excellent as well with great pedal feel and modulation, typical Porsche. Steering is precise with no play and the car tracks dead straight. I have not seen an oil drop under the car. I am not certain what was done to bring the car to its 2.8 liter configuration or what year 911 the engine came from, sorry. Given the position of the engine in the car, the engine # cannot be read, so again, not sure. Should I receive any additional information is the short time left, I'll post it.
Any problem leaving the car there for a few weeks?
Bid in the amount of $42,000
@millersport The car has not been damaged.
Has it been crashed or damaged? If so how hard and what panel? Thanks
@Ferry Yes, clean title 1960 Porsche 356. Thanks
how is she registered? As a Porsche 356?
Bid in the amount of $40,400
Seller:
Thanks for your efforts responding to important questions.
I really must apologize, I have been trying to get a few questions answered that I can not answer ...
Bid in the amount of $40,150
Bid in the amount of $38,500
@Dwjrfish the bid has been retracted you can re enter the correct amount.
Interesting car, eager to see how this plays out (once they reset the bidding)…
Bid was supposed to be $35,600
Bid in the amount of $38,000
Bid in the amount of $35,000
Can you talk thru the engine rebuild and estimate condition of the engine? How many race hours on engine and trans? How do you get to a 2.8 out of a 2.7( longer stroke or bigger cyl’s)? How are the syncros in the 901 trans?
I will bid on this.
Love it as is …
Bid in the amount of $33,500
@Jet2jeff2 In today's collector world, I think a few may agree with you, it is a very rare Porsche, However, we must again remember that this wonderfully quick Roadster was done nearly 50 years ago and at the time was really nothing more than a used 356. Not lauding myself here, I did race sportscars inclusive of Porsche's for many years and must admit that prior to driving the car I thought the handling characteristics might find me wanting. Not the case, the car does everything well. There is a video embedded in my "diddy" about the car ... have a look.
Be alot of work, but I think if I owned this, I would bring it back to stock configuration.
I once bought a ‘56 Speedster with a 911T engine
Hanging on the back. I still get bad dreams from that car.
Bid in the amount of $33,000
@Olered originally a rust free California car. Sure there is, top down 😁
:
Great looking driver! I hope it brings enough for you! How solid is the body on the car? I am assuming there isn’t any air conditioning?
Does the car have heat??
@JayC67 195/50/15 205/50/15
The wheels are genuine Fuch's
Thanks
Interesting. What size tires is this 356 running?
Bid in the amount of $32,000
Bid in the amount of $30,000
Bid in the amount of $28,500
Bid in the amount of $24,850
Bid in the amount of $24,600
Bid in the amount of $22,777
Bid in the amount of $22,000
@seller Thank you for your comment. I would like to suggest better photos of the underside of the vehicle and engine compartment. This would be helpful for your auction so us bidders understanding what the vehicle is. Thank you
@EpicGT Unfortnately there is no lift available where the car is located. It is however a rust fee Car, originally out of ca. Thanks
@Seller Could you get the car on a lift and show photographs of the installation and condition of the undercarriage. I would also like to see the underside of the fenders. How does the car handle with the weight on the backend?
I own a 356C Coop with a 911 drivetrain. My car has a frame under it.
Bid in the amount of $21,000
Bid in the amount of $20,000
Bid in the amount of $18,750
Bid in the amount of $18,500
@kfee I can think of a particular 356 that would do very nicely on that stretch of tarmac ! :)
Thanks for the link
@kfee no modifications to the rear seat area were required. In my little "ditty" I made note that Larry acquired the car in the early 70's. I'm certain he didn't pay much for it back then, $10-$12k? I think today people like our friend below would most likely never consider doing anything like this (well, the Emory's perhaps) and I understand that. But..... keep in mind this was about 40 years ago. A very nice 911S could be had for about $10 grand. I know someone personally who bought a '73 rs lightweight for less than $30k back then, worth well over $1 million today. Apparently our friend never listened to his mother... "if you have nothing nice to say".......... I hope you all are enjoying the auction, it's getting lots of looks, much appreciated!
Lieber Klaus,
I guess this build leaves no one indifferent. Either you love it or you hate it. Was the rear-seat area modified to fit the flat 6 engine? I am asking to know if you can re-install the seats for the kids.
If you don't know it already, give yourself a treat and look up the Klausenpass!
https://roads.porsche.com/content/en/routes/klausenpass
@VaheA Thanks Vahea ! I appreciate the kind words.
This car is a hot rod using the correct engine
I just purchased a 1955 Porsche 550
Spider replica
If I had not this car would ve been a great addition to my collection
Try to build a car like this and soon you will find out how quickly it will add up to tens of thousands of dollar
Great build
@A1959356D Wow and THANKS for your kind comment. I would expect this kind of nonsense from those who "troll" BaT. We expect a bit more from those who visit pcar as they are generally a far more classy bunch. Thanks again.
This is a wonderful car but it is truly a daily driver. For an investment, it needs original (motor,wheels, suspension, interior, transmission, etc.)
A 356 is a 356, if you want a 911 power, buy a 911.
Bid in the amount of $16,500
Bid in the amount of $16,000
Bid in the amount of $15,750
@lastone23 stay tuned. Please email me in this site. Thanks
Hi, I sold my wild Convertible D to Larry in the 70's. It was built by Marj and Tom Green of Automotion and sold to Ned McDaniels who put at 4 Cam in it, with little success. I would love to send Larry some photos, can you connect us?
Cheers
Tim Clark
@Sbani123 good call on the drive :) terrible place to drive a Porsche :)
Bid in the amount of $12,911
Gorgeous car with special sounds and beauty!
Video looks like you're on Hwy 90 heading east across arm of Lake Couer d'Alene! Great drive.
GLWTA!
I have added some additional photos. The temp in North Idaho this morning was in the 20's. As I lowered the top the easing glass made some noise I wasn't comfortable with so in the cold I didn't want to force the issue. Yes, top "can" be removed though I am not sure why one would want to do so. Chassis and engine pictures are hard, the car sits very low making underside photos difficult. Jack points are a give away on these cars, they are solid. I did try a couple of new videos but, the site won't allow me to load them :(
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Bid in the amount of $12,500
@jimdemar It does operate properly. As You may or may not be aware, the roadster tops are not much fun, there was actually a separate owners manual that came with those cars on top operation alone. I shot the car last week and had planed a few more photos and then we got a pretty good snow fall ending that. I'm taking a few more photos later today.... I'll see what I can do about taking the top down.... though I really don't want to :) Stay tuned ....
Does the soft top operate properly? Can it be fully removed? Any photos of the car with the top down/removed? Thanks. GLWTA.
Bid in the amount of $10,000
@Medaltech yes, plan on that tomorrow. The tank is a 100 liter tank. I'll have additional photos tomorrow. Stay tuned, thanks.
3 photos of the gas tank, only one of the motor, no underneath photos, like to see engine and trans, and pan. Suspension. Thank you
Thanks for looking, this really is a very special car with unique history. I raced sports cars and taught high performance driving skills for a number of years. Talk about sleeper ! Oh MY GOODNESS !