Porsche 356 B Cabriolet Super 90

Model history

The B-model of the Porsche 356 was produced from autumn 1959 to 1961 as a coupé, convertible/hardtop and roadster. A distinction is made between the T5 and T6 models.

From 1960 Karmann also produced the «hardtop» in Osnabrück with a permanently welded roof, which differed from the «classic» Porsche Coupé in that it had a stepped roof line (almost like a notchback), narrow B-pillars and a large rear window, and was similar to the convertible hardtop .

The 356 B stood out from the A model primarily through its higher headlights and a line of fenders that was less rounded at the front. The bumpers were also placed higher, which enabled air inlets for the new light metal drum brakes in the front apron. The Porsche crest was embossed on the hubcaps. The Super 90 and Carrera were given a compensating spring on the rear axle to reduce oversteer and counteract the rear of the car breaking out when cornering quickly. It was a single leaf spring that supported itself in the middle against the differential and both ends of which were attached to the axle tubes via tie rods and rubber elements. 

For the 1962 model year, the 356 B (now T6) underwent the following changes, among other things: engine cover with two air inlet grilles, front or trunk lid with an almost straight end, tank filler neck outside under a flap on the right front fender, flatter tank in favour of a larger trunk. 

Model details

According to the AMAG data sheet, the car was delivered to Schinznach-Bad on September 21, 1960. Color heron grey with blue leather. The history of the first few years is not known.

The car came to Geneva in 1978 – from then on the story can be traced. In the summer of 1981 there was a change of owner, the car remained in the Geneva region. The new owner, D. Thalman, had a major restoration carried out at a company known for Porsche in eastern Switzerland.

In the middle of May 1989 I discovered an advertisement for the car in the good old and once loved «Automobile Revue». The seller was the very same Mr. Thalman who wanted to part with the car. Advantageous for me: The car was in Wohlen (AG) at a gas station for inspection. 

The car was painted white with a black interior. One phone call to Geneva and the car was bought. I drove the car for a good ten years until it slowly became apparent that the restoration carried out in 1982/83 was not of the highest quality. In any case, the condition did not meet my expectations. Sell or restore? The former technical manager of the traffic office in Pfäffikon (SZ) advised me not to sell – lucky! Rather, he recommended Siegfried Oehmke to me in Küssnacht am Rigi as a specialist for Porsche 356 and advised me to talk to him about it. I not only liked Siegfried Oehmke right away, he convinced me with his professionalism. In retrospect, the decision to give the car into his hands was absolutely correct.

After «garnishing» and removing the layers of paint, my fears were confirmed and it led to a complete rebuilding of the car. In plain language: there was a total restoration down to every imaginable detail. The first cost estimate was, of course, far exceeded, but from today’s perspective it was absolutely the right thing to have done. What Siegfried Oehme achieved was terrific. Today, after 20 years and a mileage of around 8,500 kilometers, the car is still in perfect condition.