356 World: Keeping Bathtubs Alive

Have you ever secretly feared that Porsche would one day abandon its clean, sensible style and follow the glitzier designs of its American competitors? Well, guess what? They already did…in 1960!

Throughout early 356 production, American customers often complained that the little Porsche’s bumpers were too low compared to the majority of cars here in the States. Even the slightest parking error…probably on the part of whomever was piloting the Detroit barge…invariably led to a broken headlight or turn signal.

American dealers had also been clamoring for a “fresh look” for the cars. After all, sellers of American cars got new styling to brag about every year or two, yet the Porsche 356 still basically looked the way it did in 1949!

Porsche responded to these concerns with the introduction of the 356B in 1960. This new body was known as the “T-5” series. Finally, the bumper height now matched that of the Detroit iron. However, this change necessitated the raising of the headlights as well, and the fenders thus became almost straight-lined when compared with the earlier cars. The new front turn signals caused perhaps the greatest shock…they looked like make-believe bullets! Gone were the charming beehive blinkers from the 356A. These new ones were larger and mounted on chrome bases that further emphasized their protrusion. Horn grilles were now aluminum and simpler in design. The bumpers were also completely redesigned because the 356A’s quaint overriders and bows had never been seen as an adequate solution to the bumper height issue. These new bumpers were stronger and capped with very American-looking chrome “bumperettes”. The final touch was a larger hood handle that seemed to come straight from Motown as well. This new handle was intended to add a splash of chrome to an otherwise plain-looking front end.

However, the legions of Porsche enthusiasts were not at all amused with this tinkering. One writer called the changes “a shock to Porsche owners all over the world”. German 356-fans were especially appalled that Zuffenhausen had allowed itself to be so influenced by glitzy American fashion. The factory knew, however, that the key to its financial success was the US market, and if a little flair would help sell cars, then so be it. Besides, the bumper changes were necessary anyway, and the factory agreed with the dealers that a fresh look could only help improve sales.

Mechanical improvements would continue, but by now the basic running gear was quite well proven. The 60hp Normal and the 75hp Super engines were continued as before, but the new kid on the block was the optional “Super-90” engine, which quickly became the enthusiast’s choice due to its aggressive nature. Unfortunately, the famous Carrera four-cam engine was no longer really offered. A few 356B T-5 Carreras were made, but most customers had found the four-cam unsuited to daily use, so those looking for a fast ride were pointed in the direction of the “hot” new S-90.

Despite the mass-hysteria that occurred with the release of the 356B, these cars are now considered to be every bit as beautiful as the earlier cars. Many even prefer the look of later 356’s. Porsche itself liked this new look. The appearance was not significantly changed in 1962 when Porsche launched the T-6 series, and thus some styling elements introduced with the 356B carried over onto the new Model 911. It seems that Porsche had at long last begun to feel at home in the land of bubble gum and rock-and-roll.

The 1960 356B...The SCARIEST Porsche Ever!