BACKGROUND TO THE 356 ROADSTER
The 356 B T5 Roadster was the direct replacement of the Porsche 356 A Convertible D, which itself replaced the iconic Porsche 356 A Speedster, and was the second convertible variant of the Porsche 356 B T5. Porsche offered the 356B Cabriolet as a high-end touring car with a thick-padded convertible top and expensive options such a leather seats and a Blaupunkt radio. The main differences with the Cabriolet variant were the removable windshield frame, the Speedster-like dashboard, the lighter and less bulky soft-top frame, and the lack of back seat cushions. Produced between 1959 and 1961 and with a production run of approximately 2,600 examples, the T5 Roadster was produced by Drauz, another coachbuilder contracted by Porsche, apart from Reutter (Coupes and Cabriolets) and Karmann (Notchback Coupes). In late 1961, the T5 Roadster was replaced by the very rare Porsche 356 B T6 “Twin Grille” Roadster, which was discontinued shortly after.
