Chassis No. 89718

Engine No. 606967

As chronicled in the September 1961 issue of Christophorus, by the spring of that year a new coachbuilder had joined the select few as builders of Porsche production car bodies that included Reutter, Karmann, Drauz, Beutler, Gläser, and Heuer. "The House Organ of Porsche" announced that the Brussels, Belgium-based Anciens Etablissements D'Ieteren Frères SA, founded in 1805, had assumed control of Roadster body construction from Drauz. D'Ieteren was one of Europe's oldest coachbuilders with the magazine noting they were formed when "coaches were already made in the days before their shafts were sawn off, leaving the horses without a job!" Interestingly, at the same time, D'Ieteren built and sold Volkswagens and Studebakers as well, yet it must be said those Porsches constructed in Belgium were a passion project that those within the company were proud to help shape.

D'Ieteren began Roadster construction during Porsche's 356 B T5 era in 1961, ultimately producing 472 examples of the model that replaced the Speedster in 1959. By September 1961, construction of the updated 356 B known as the T6 commenced. According to Porsche's chassis number records, D'Ieteren produced just 248 examples of their T6 Roadster which featured the iconic addition of an enlarged engine lid with two vertical ventilation grilles-the "twin grille." Other noteworthy changes included a widened front hood towards the leading edge and a fuel door added to the front-right fender. It is this final 356 Roadster evolution that Porsche enthusiasts find most desirable and collectible with only 248 produced according to Porsche's chassis number records.

Destined for the United States, this Twin Grille Roadster, chassis number 89718, is one of these rare 248 Belgian-built examples. It was ordered in Ivory over a Black leather interior with a single option of Liegesitze, or reclining seats, and first sold to R.B. Codding of San Francisco, California. By 1981, the Roadster was in the hands of John A. MacIntyre of Sparks, Nevada, a noted historic racer. A Classic Sport Racing Group (CSRG) Log book that accompanies the car reveals the Roadster was raced throughout the mid-1990s at Reno, Thunderhill, Coronado, and at the Monterey Historic Automobile Races and Pre-Historics at Laguna Seca. Its log book contains photos showing the Roadster wearing "nerf bars" and start number 162, with a last race entry is noted in the year 2000. It is also noted that the original matching-numbers Roadster 1600 Normal engine always stayed with the car and has been upgraded to desirable Super 90 specification. Likely as the result of escalating collectability and value, the Twin Grille Roadster was then stored by its second owner.

Recently, the car returned to Europe for the first time since 1962 undergoing a restoration that included a bare metal respray in period-correct Fjord Green by Roy van Lier in the Netherlands. This rarely-seen color perfectly complements the curvaceous Roadster body. It is said to feature excellent door gaps and panel fit, with original floors and sills showing a lack of corrosion or welding repairs during the photo-documented bare metal respray-thanks to its life in the mild, dry climates of Southern California and Nevada. Once stripped the Roadster, now in bare metal, revealed numerous matching partial chassis numbers stamped across the car-another sign of the Twin Grille's high degree of originality. Exterior restorative work also included restored chrome and brightwork, a pair of correct Hella 128 fog lights, and a set of date-stamped silver-painted wheels shod with Michelin Classic tires. Inside, preservation where possible was the guiding ethos with new black square-weave carpeting, reupholstered seats, with revised metric VDO gauges.

Perhaps even more important than the stunning Fjord Green livery or originality of the interior is the technical restoration. The original matching-numbers Type 616/1 engine features all three original stamped pieces and remains upgraded to the desirable Super 90 specification with Solex 40 PII-4 carburetors. The original carburetors and air filters have been retained and are offered as part of the sale. A brand new black soft top has been fitted and the Roadster's matching-numbers four-speed transmission features a recent 2025 rebuild as well. Additionally, the braking system, a noted specialty of Porsche cars, has been overhauled in preparation for consignment. As a result of the restoration and passionate care, this rare and collectible Twin Grille Roadster is said to offer a superb drive with its engine performance, shifting, braking, steering, and roadholding receiving high marks.

With just two private owners from new, this exceptionally original 1962 Porsche 356 B Twin Grille Roadster is among the rarest and most desirable 356s on offer today. Refinished in spectacular Fjord Green, it's supported by restoration photos, its original U.S. title, and EU taxes paid offered thoughtful preservation and spirited use-just as Porsche intended.