1962 Porsche 356 B 'Twin Grille' Roadster

The development of one of Porsche’s most sporting 356 body styles – the Roadster, itself an evolution of the venerable Speedster – took a fortuitous turn in early 1961. Production demands had long influenced where Porsche’s open 356 models were built and, consequently, the character of their construction. Just as capacity constraints at Reutter had prompted Porsche to shift Speedster production to Drauz in Heilbronn, Germany, resulting in the aptly named Convertible D of 1958, a substantial contract for Ford truck bodies at Drauz around 1960 once again forced Porsche to seek an alternative coachbuilder for Roadster production.

The solution was found in D’Ieteren Frères, the respected Belgian coachbuilder and long-standing Porsche importer that had held exclusive distribution rights for the marque in Belgium since 1950. Engaged in automobile coachbuilding beginning in the 1930s, D’Ieteren proved to be an ideal, albeit short-lived, partner for roadster assembly. The Belgian company went on to build approximately 248 examples of the 356 B Roadster during its stint as Porsche’s coachbuilder of choice before the body style was phased out altogether. Featuring the classic twin-grille engine panel of the T-6 coupe design, the rare model has come to be known worldwide as the “Twin Grille” Roadster. Given its brief period of production and unique character, the D’Ieteren-bodied 356 B Roadster has become one of today’s most prized open 356 models.

According to its Porsche Certificate of Authenticity on file, this “Twin Grille” Roadster completed assembly on December 14, 1961, and was finished in Champagne Yellow paint with a black leatherette interior. As reflected by an original sales contract included with the car’s considerable documentation, this 356 B was sold on September 6, 1963, by its original owner, Robert Freels of New Egypt, New Jersey, to his friend, Hans Arvidson, a serviceman with the 38th Transport Squadron at McGuire Air Force Base. Mr. Arvidson retained the rare Twin Grille Roadster for the next 43 years. The Porsche accompanied him during moves to Colorado in 1966, and Louisiana by 1974.

In July 1991, Mr. Arvidson retained Bill Edwards’ Restoration Services of Golden, Colorado, to conduct a partial mechanical restoration, including an engine rebuild and cosmetic overhaul, as demonstrated by nearly $20,000 in receipts on file. Following Mr. Arvidson’s passing in 2006, the Twin Grille Roadster was inherited by his son, Erik, a resident of Eagan, Minnesota. As the Porsche had spent the preceding seven years in storage, the younger Mr. Arvidson undertook some minor measures to return the car to the road. Engine work by Johnson Autosport of Shakopee, Minnesota, followed between 2008 and 2011, including magnafluxing the crankshaft and the installation of new pistons and main bearings.

In December 2011, the rare Roadster was acquired by Ed Wyche, a Porsche enthusiast based in Southern California who oversaw an extensive, concours-level restoration. Award-winning 356 specialists Liberty Motorsports of Costa Mesa, California, were entrusted to conduct much of the mechanical work and assembly, while K&H European Auto Upholstery correctly re-trimmed the interior, and North Hollywood Speedometer fully refurbished the distinctive Roadster gauges. When the restoration was completed in early 2013, the Twin Grille was refinished in its factory-specified shade of Champagne Yellow. For over a decade, the Roadster has been a part of the consignor’s esteemed private collection and has seen regular use and maintenance.

This beautiful Porsche 356 B is accompanied by a tool kit, jack, original manuals, and restoration receipts and photo-documentation. Such a finely restored, low-ownership Twin Grille Roadster would be ideal for presentation at finer concours and PCA events, where the rare D’Ieteren coachwork will doubtlessly draw the favor of knowledgeable enthusiasts.