Chassis No. 89026
Engine No. 716978
Transmission No. 46822

In the spring of 1961, Porsche expanded the small circle of firms entrusted with production body construction for the 356 Roadster. Joining Reutter, Karmann, Drauz, Beutler, Gläser, and Heuer was the Brussels-based Anciens Etablissements D'Ieteren Frères SA, which assumed responsibility for Roadster bodies following Drauz's departure. Founded in 1805, D'Ieteren was among Europe's oldest coachbuilders, its origins dating back to a time when, as Christophorus later noted, “coaches were already made in the days before their shafts were sawn off, leaving the horses without a job.” Although the company was concurrently building and retailing Volkswagens and Studebakers, its involvement with Porsche stood apart, with Belgian-built Roadsters treated as a point of pride rather than ordinary contract production.

This Roadster, chassis number 89026, was built at the very beginning of D'Ieteren Roadster production during Porsche's 356 B T5 era in April 1961. The factory-issued warranty card for this rare Roadster reveals its original build specification, originally finished in Reihergrau (Heron Grey) over a Red-upholstered interior and optioned with reclining seats and an ashtray. Destined to be delivered to the United States through the famous Max Hoffman distributor, it is fairly likely that first owner, an M. Leiken of Brooklyn, New York, took delivery of the Roadster from Hoffman's Frank Lloyd Wright-designed dealership on Manhattan's affluent Upper East Side.

Today, the Roadster continues to wear a red-upholstered interior with charcoal square-weave carpeting as new. Its body-color dashboard is set with three VDO gauges framed by a wood-rimmed, three-spoke Nardi steering wheel. The exterior has been refinished in the refreshing shade of Aetna Blue, a period-correct color offered in 1960 and 1961 and paired with a matching blue soft top. It is fitted with an air-cooled flat-four Type 616/15 from a 1965 model year 1600 C offering a 15-horsepower boost over the original unit along with a four-speed transmission from the same era.

Few automobiles so clearly justify the decision to take the long way home. For the owner who appreciates early Porsche character and understands when, and how, to enjoy it, the 356 Roadster promises moments that linger long after the drive has ended.