Porsche 356B: red version

In late 1959 significant styling and technical refinements gave rise to the 356 B (a T5 body type). The mid-1962 356 B model was changed to the T6 body type (twin grilles on the engine compartment cover, an external fuel filler in the right front wing/fender and a larger rear window in the coupé).

Porsche did not draw attention to these (quite visible) changes, initially keeping the same model designation. However, when the T6 got disc brakes, with no other visible alterations, they called it the model C, or the SC when it had the optional, more powerful engine.

A unique “Karmann hardtop” or “notchback” 356 B model was produced in 1961 and 1962. The 1961 production run (T5) was essentially a cabriolet body with the optional steel cabriolet hardtop welded in place.

The 1962 line (T6 production) was a very different design in that the new T6 notchback coupé body did not start life as a cabriolet, but with its own production design. In essence, it had the cabriolet rear end design, the T6 coupé windshield frame and a unique hard top. Both years of these models have taken the name “Karmann notchback”.

Engine:

1.6 L Type 616/1 B4 (1600)
1.6 L Type 616/2 B4 (1600 S, 1960–1962)
1.6 L Type 616/7 B4 (1600 Super 90)
1.6 L Type 616/12 B4 (1600 S, 1962–1963)
1.6 L Type 692/3 B4 (1600 Carrera GS GT, 1960)
1.6 L Type 692/3A B4 (1600 Carrera GS GT, 1961)
2.0 L Type 587/1 B4 (Carrera 2 GS

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