Concours Contender: 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet

(NOTE: Click on the picture to stop the slide show and expand the pictures. Scroll down to see all photographs)

GuysWithRides.com is proud to offer Lot 272, this Signal Red over Black Leather, restored 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet offered by a noted Porsche expert.

Bidding opened Wednesday, October 11, 2023, and closes at 5:15 PM EDT on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

This 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet currently resides as part of a collection in Northern New Jersey.

Our very own Rudy photographed and inspected this 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 For Sale, and here is his impression after driving this car during filming:

“As an avid air-cooled VW enthusiast during my college years, there is a genuine soft spot in my heart for Porsche’s 356.  The seller is a well-respected Porsche 356 enthusiast and Concours judge, so his knowledge of the car and the documentation surrounding it is beyond reproach.  Instead of relying on reproduction parts for the restoration, the seller insisted on sourcing the correct original pieces for the car wherever possible, and the quality of that dedication shows throughout.

As the video highlights, this 1961 356 Porsche Super 90 Cabriolet starts right up when cold and quickly settles to a nice idle. During our drive, I did not hear any squeaks or rattles. The refreshed ZF steering box provided confidence-inspiring control while the aluminum-finned drum brakes stopped the car without any pulling. The power of the C-Based motor is slightly higher than what came from the factory and provides a powerful example that’s able to keep up easily with modern traffic. The fresh tires and four-wheel alignment provided a comfortable ride and handling.”

If you’re looking for a Concours-quality, properly-restored Porsche 356 to add to your collection, this 1961 T-5 Super 90 Cabriolet will make an excellent choice. More important is the fact this 356 is not a trailer queen; it is an excellent choice if you are looking for an example to use on vintage tours.”

The Deets

Year 1961
Make Porsche
Model 356 T-5 Super 90 Cabriolet
Location Kennelon, New Jersey
Mileage 65,350
VIN 154906
Exterior Color Porsche Signal Red
Interior Color Full Black Leather
Engine 1600CC air cooled flat four
Transmission 4-Speed Manual
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Gas

Current Bid: $20,000

In the annals of automotive history, few names are as revered and iconic as Porsche. The German automaker has consistently produced sports cars that blend cutting-edge engineering with timeless design, and one of the most celebrated models in their storied lineage is the 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet. This exquisite automobile epitomizes the spirit of the 1960s, showcasing an elegant and sporty design coupled with a potent engine that made it a true driving enthusiast’s dream.

The 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet is a testament to Porsche’s design philosophy, characterized by simplicity and functionality. Its classic silhouette exudes an understated elegance that continues to captivate car enthusiasts to this day. With its retractable top, the Cabriolet variant adds an extra layer of charm and versatility.

At the front of the car, the round headlights and chrome-trimmed grille create an instantly recognizable Porsche face, while the curvaceous fenders flow gracefully into the body, emphasizing its sporty stance. The sleek and streamlined body lines, devoid of excessive ornamentation, reflect the era’s design ethos. When raised, the Cabriolet’s soft top complements the car’s lines beautifully, and when lowered, it opens up the driving experience to the elements, enhancing the sense of freedom and adventure.

The interior of the 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet is a study of minimalist luxury. The dashboard features a clean and uncluttered layout, with analog gauges providing essential information to the driver. The seats are trimmed in high-quality leather, offering both comfort and support during spirited drives. Everything about the interior is designed with the driver in mind, creating a true cockpit feel that fosters a connection between man and machine.

While the design of the 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet is undeniably alluring, it’s under the hood where this car truly shines. The “Super 90” in its name refers to the 90 horsepower generated by its 1.6-liter air-cooled flat-four engine. In the early 1960s, this was a remarkable amount of power for a car of this size and weight, and it contributed to the Cabriolet’s reputation as a true driver’s car.

The engine’s placement at the car’s rear, a signature Porsche design feature, adds to its distinctive appearance and exceptional handling characteristics. The rear-engine layout allows for a near-perfect weight distribution, enhancing the car’s stability and agility on the road. The 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet is known for its nimble and responsive handling, making it a joy to drive on winding roads or racetracks.

The engine’s air-cooling system, another Porsche hallmark, reduces the need for complex cooling mechanisms, adding to the car’s simplicity and reliability. The Super 90 engine is mated to a manual gearbox, giving the driver full control over gear selection and engagement. The result is a car that looks the part and delivers a thrilling driving experience.

The 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet is more than just a classic car; it’s a collector’s dream. Its limited production numbers and enduring popularity have made it a highly sought-after gem in the world of vintage automobiles. Porsche enthusiasts and collectors alike covet this model for its historical significance and timeless design.

As a testament to its enduring appeal, the 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet has continued to appreciate in value over the years. Its scarcity and the fact that it represents a pivotal era in Porsche’s history have made it a blue-chip investment for those fortunate enough to own one. Restored examples, in particular, command top dollar at auctions, often reaching six-figure sums.

Beyond its financial worth, the Cabriolet holds a special place in the hearts of Porsche aficionados. It symbolizes a bygone era when sports cars were more than just machines; they were expressions of freedom and a love for the open road. Owning a 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet is not just about possessing a vintage car; it’s about being a custodian of automotive history.

The 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet is a timeless classic that continues to capture the imagination of car enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Its elegant and understated design, powerful engine, and superb handling make it a true icon of the 1960s sports car era. Whether you’re drawn to its aesthetic beauty, historical significance, or the thrill of driving it, the Cabriolet represents Porsche’s commitment to excellence in engineering and design.

Over six decades after its introduction, the 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet remains an automotive masterpiece, a reminder of an era when sports cars were created not just for transportation but as works of art that ignited the passion and dreams of those lucky enough to get behind the wheel. It is a testament to Porsche’s enduring legacy and a symbol of the timelessness of great automotive design.

The current caretaker of this 1961 T-5 Super 90 Cabriolet reports that it is a restored example with only 65,350 original miles. The car spent most of its life in California car and thus features unrusted floors and body panels.

The Porsche Certificate of Authority and a copy of the original Kardex confirm this 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet for sale left the Porsche factory equipped with eleven options, including an 80-liter gas tank, an almost impossible-to-find travel kit, and a full black leather interior. While most Porsche 356 examples of the period came equipped with a Blaupunkt radio, the original buyer of this example specified a hard-to-find Becker Europa TR AM/FM unit.

Period correct additions include an authentic (not reproduction) Leitz luggage rack, all straps, 128 Hella fog lights controlled by a lighted dash switch
 
This 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet also features a wood steering wheel, original black Cocoa Mats, tonneau, bra, boot, jack, and a Karmann first aid kit. The car’s original steering wheel will also be included as part of the sale.
 
This 356 received a bare metal restoration with a period correct color change to Porsche Signal Red done by Pebble Beach winner Tony Consola of Karma Auto Body, San Bruno, California.
 
The original engine was replaced at 42,000 miles with an overbuilt C motor by Oscar at German Auto, Alameda, California, that features Solex Carbs and Manifolds and a Super 90 oil filler and detailing.
 
The convertible top, headliner, square weave carpets & interior were all completed at A&A Top in San Francisco, California.  All books, manuals, Kardex matching Service manual, and all service & work receipts dating back to 1982.
 
Even the rust-free undercarriage is Concours-clean, featuring black Wurth Shutz and Koni shocks. The seller reports their 356 features new Continental Pro Contact tires and a 4-wheel alignment at 64,395 miles at Eurotire Fairfield, NJ.  The car received a complete carb, clutch service, oil, filter, and transmission change at Gaswerks 64,455 miles. Most recently, the ZF steering box received a reseal at Gaswerks in August at 65,000 miles.
 
In 2013, this was one of four vintage Porsches featured on display at watchmaker Tag Heuer’s 50th Anniversary Carrera watch launch party held in New York City that year.
 
Other notable awards include 1st place open cars, 2018 356 Registry East Coast Holiday, 1st place NNJR PCA 6-11 2023, and both first place and People’s Choice New at the 2023 New Hope Auto Show.
 
While the car does not feature its original engine, included as part of the sale will be Super 90 motor 802451, with a three-piece matching case, stamped 51/60, cylinder heads, carbs, manifolds, and many engine parts.
 
This is a beautiful, highly optioned, and detailed Cabriolet, ready to either show or tour that will not disappoint.

To help you make informed bids, we’re providing a link to Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the Classic Car market, that provides a summary of other recently sold Porsche 356 B T5 Cabriolets:

If you have any questions about this 1961 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabriolet For Sale, please leave a comment below or feel free to call Rudy directly at 877-468-6497.  Thank you for looking and happy bidding!

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