The Slate Grey paintwork is in exceptional condition, complemented by polished trim and brightwork. The soft top has been recently reupholstered in black with a new pad and headliner with a matching black boot cover. The red upholstery is well-preserved, featuring a VDM steering wheel, VDO instrumentation, and a Blaupunkt radio with two loudspeakers. The 15” x 4 ½” ventilated steel wheels with Super hubcaps are mounted on Vredestein 165 15 tires. The undercarriage benefits from a recent comprehensive undercarriage detail with no signs of rust.
According to Mr. Littlefield, the second owner, this 356B Cabriolet was originally purchased by his father and gifted to him on his 18th birthday as a graduation present. After a decade of use, the 356 remained in long-term storage for several years before undergoing a complete cosmetic and mechanical overhaul. On May 1, 2007, Bruce Baker Enterprises was engaged to execute a comprehensive engine rebuild, while Competition Engineering undertook the reconditioning of the cylinder heads. Subsequently, on May 8, 2007, Wills Werks, LLC completed the transmission rebuild, utilizing all new synchros, gaskets, and seals.
During the rebuild of the engine and transmission, the 356 received extensive mechanical enhancements at Baker’s, including new shift coupler, transmission hoop with new mounts, rebuilding the link and kingpin assemblies, replacement of the rear trailing arms, rebuilding the front spindles, installing a front disc brake kit and a complete rebuild of the rear drum braking system, upgrade to a 12-volt electrical system, repainting the steel wheels, a dual master cylinder, a 12-volt high-torque starter, and new Koni shocks.
It is mechanically powered by its matching 1600cc flat-four engine paired with a manual 4-speed transmission (Type 741). Complete with Certificate of Authenticity, spare wheel, boot cover, and 17 years of service history. An exceptional opportunity to acquire a numbers-matching 356B Cabriolet, presented in its original factory color combination.
