Porsche 356B – Carrera 2 Cabriolet
Completed in 2024
Few vehicles embody the elegance and technical sophistication of the early 1960s as stylishly as the Porsche 356B Carrera 2 Cabriolet. With only 67 examples believed to have been built, this model ranks among the rarest and most exclusive variants of the 356 range. It is powered by a two-litre four-camshaft engine and features the distinctive annular disc brake system.
The history of the example we restored is exceptional: despite more than five decades of inactivity and extensive damage to the bodywork, numerous original components had remarkably survived in very good condition. Our restoration was therefore guided by the ambition to preserve the character the vehicle had acquired over time, while at the same time ensuring that all technical and aesthetic aspects required for reliable road use would meet the standards of its original factory specification.
Current Condition & Restoration Goals
The Cabriolet appears not to have been driven on public roads since the 1970s. During its prolonged period in storage, the vehicle was also exposed to flooding, resulting in severe corrosion damage to the underbody and load-bearing body structure.
On the other hand, its long-term storage had protected many components from direct sunlight. As a result, a remarkable amount of original material had survived: the black genuine leather interior, with its naturally developed patina, the original soft top, as well as numerous chrome, trim and rubber components. Furthermore, the engine, gearbox and doors were confirmed to match the vehicle’s original factory specifications.
During our initial assessment, we identified the following areas requiring attention:
- Evidence of previous accident repairs to both the front and rear of the vehicle
- Extensive corrosion damage to the underbody, battery compartment and inside the longitudinal chassis members
- Damage to sections of the load-bearing body structure
- Refurbishment required for the engine, suspension, braking system and electrical components
- Carpets and insulation materials beyond the possibility of preservation
Together with the client, we decided to pursue a restoration approach that placed the utmost emphasis on preserving the vehicle’s original substance. Replacement parts would only be used where structural damage, safety considerations or functional requirements made renewal unavoidable.
Disassembly & Paint Stripping
To establish the vehicle’s true condition, the Carrera 2 was completely dismantled. Each individual component and assembly was carefully inspected, documented and assessed to determine the appropriate course of action. An endoscopic examination of the longitudinal chassis members confirmed suspicions of severe internal corrosion.
To remove the entire existing paint system, we chose water-jet stripping as a thorough yet gentle method that minimises the impact on the original material. Selected areas were subsequently abrasive-blasted and freed of corrosion. The necessary body repairs were deliberately carried out on a selective basis, with the clear objective of preserving as much of the original substance as possible.
Bodywork & Structural Repairs
Precision and Craftsmanship
Restoring the Reutter coachwork proved to be the greatest challenge of the entire project. In a Cabriolet as rare as this, the surviving original substance is an essential part of its identity. With this in mind, the original floor assembly was carefully drilled out from the body, restored separately and subsequently welded back into place. Corroded sections were replaced using suitable original parts or individually handcrafted repair panels. This approach allowed us to preserve a substantial proportion of the original floor structure.
The same philosophy of selective restoration was applied to the outer body panels. As a result, large sections of the original exterior panels, as well as the original door skins, could be retained. At the same time, traces of previous accident repairs were professionally rectified.
Precise reassembly was carried out on a dedicated body alignment jig, with the correct contours and panel gaps established in the sheet metal itself, in accordance with original Porsche factory specifications. The preservation and restoration of the original bodywork alone required well over 1,000 hours of skilled craftsmanship.
Repainting in the Original Period-Correct Colour
Upon completion of the bodywork, the body was refinished in its original factory colour, 6204 – Ivory. Particular attention was paid to recreating the characteristic paint finish of the period, reflecting the appearance in which Porsche delivered the car in 1962. The high-quality paintwork, with its harmonious surfaces, faithfully reproduced transitions, body creases and contours, enhances the overall appearance while highlighting the clean lines and elegant design language of the 356B Cabriolet.
In accordance with the original factory specification, the interior, luggage compartment and engine bay were finished in black. The original texture and finish of the underbody protection were also carefully recreated in separate stages.
The fully refurbished original Eberspächer auxiliary heater prior to reinstallation.
Mechanical & Technical Restoration
Authenticity & Reliability
All mechanical and electrical components underwent comprehensive refurbishment. The original four-camshaft engine was completely rebuilt and carefully optimised in terms of power output and torque.
The distinctive oil cooling system, featuring two coolers mounted in the front of the vehicle, was restored to full working order. We also overhauled and refurbished the characteristic annular disc brake system of the B-T6 Carrera 2, along with the suspension, axles and transmission components.
Even the original Eberspächer auxiliary heater is fully operational once again. Using parts from our extensive inventory of original components, we were able to completely restore this petrol-powered heating system – a fascinating period feature that is no longer functional and has been decommissioned in many surviving 356 models.
Project Approach: Preserving Originality
Exterior Trim, Design Details & Rubber Components
Numerous chrome and trim components, along with most of the original rubber seals, could be retained and reused. The effort involved in carefully refurbishing these parts while preserving their original material was considerable. Replacing them with newly manufactured reproductions was never an option. It is precisely the abundance of original details that ultimately creates the harmonious overall appearance of this unique vehicle. The preservation of each individual component contributes to the unmistakable charm of authenticity that cannot be recreated.
Where replacement was unavoidable, we gave preference to period-correct original parts or NOS components (New Old Stock).
In this context, originality does not mean leaving every aspect untouched. Rather, it requires a considered distinction between patina worth preserving and restoration work necessary to ensure the vehicle’s technical integrity.
Interior & Soft Top
Particularly noteworthy is the survival of the original black genuine leather upholstery, dating back to the vehicle’s initial delivery. Both the original leather seat covers and even the door panels could be retained, while the seat frames and cushioning were technically refurbished.
Remarkably, despite initial expectations at the outset of the project, we were also able to save and restore the original convertible soft top, using our specialist material expertise to ensure its continued functionality and durability. The cover, which had aged during the vehicle’s prolonged storage, was carefully removed, structurally restored and treated to ensure its long-term preservation before being refitted. Only the underlying padding and rear window required replacement, using period-correct original materials.
Documentation & Valuation
Thanks to the detailed and comprehensive restoration documentation, providing a transparent account of every stage of the process, the subsequent valuation by a certified independent automotive expert proved highly rewarding. The resulting appraisal more than confirmed the total investment made in the vehicle.
The Finished Result
An Authentic Porsche 356B Carrera 2 Cabriolet
After more than five decades out of service, the Porsche 356B Carrera 2 is once again fully operational and ready for long-distance touring.
All systems were thoroughly tested, and the rebuilt engine was fine-tuned on an engine dynamometer. Before the car was handed back to its owner, approximately 500 kilometres of road testing and fine-tuning were completed. The result combines outstanding technical reliability with an exceptional degree of originality.
For us, this Porsche 356B Carrera 2 Cabriolet ranks among the most remarkable restorations we have undertaken to date – precisely because, despite the extensive work required, we succeeded in preserving its historical identity to the greatest extent possible.
Marcel Hapke, Founder & Managing Director
