60 hp, 1,582 cc air-cooled flat four-cylinder engine with twin Solex 32 NDIX carburetors, parallel trailing arm front suspension with laminated torsion bars, rear swing axles with transverse torsion bars, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 82.7 in.

• Matching-numbers roadster; restored in Ruby Red with beige leather

• Fastidiously maintained; single ownership for the past 25 years

• One of 2,653 Drauz roadsters built from 1960–1962

The Porsche 356 Roadster, Cabriolet, and Speedster debate is never-ending. While the Speedster has the dashing profile, the Roadster and Cabriolet are considered more usable and durable; to anyone who lives outside the Sun Belt or has a sense of practicality, a proper top and roll-up windows make more sense. To one desiring a truly weather-proof convertible, the insulated Cabriolet is the best choice, but the Roadster is a handsome intermediate option.

The American fascination with Porsches took off when importer Max Hoffman brought 15 Special Roadsters to the U.S. in 1954. The spartan construction of these Speedsters was intended to make the price appealing, and it certainly did: 4,144 Speedsters were sold in the U.S. between 1954 and 1958. The accompanying Cabriolet offered more creature comforts, and 3,367 found more practical buyers. In 1959, the Reutter-bodied Speedster was replaced by the sophisticated Convertible D, which boasted a taller windshield, windup windows, and a top that fit better and didn’t give the impression of peering out of a mailbox.

Erwin Komenda’s T5 body style arrived in 1960 and was designated the 356B. German coachbuilder Karosseriewerke Drauz built both the convertible and the coupe. They featured 15-inch wheels, heavier and taller bumpers, a revised slope to the hood, and larger chrome-plated hood handle. Steering wheel and knobs were black plastic with a “mushroom” knob for the shifter. Headlights were moved to the top of the fenders, with amber parking lights below them and brake vents below the bumper. In all, 2,653 Drauz Roadsters were built from 1960 to 1962.

The car on offer is a T5 Roadster in Ruby Red, with a beige interior. It’s an impressive restoration of a very solid matching-numbers car and has belonged to the seller for more than 25 years. The paint and bodywork are exceptional, the fit is outstanding, and the panels are straight and rust-free. The chrome is excellent, the brightwork is all new, and the lights and all badges are immaculate. The interior is refinished in beige leather, from previously being black, and it has the correct tan, square-weave carpet. The original radio is in place, the steering wheel has been restored, and the top is very well fitted. The engine compartment features correct equipment and decals, and the original motor and transmission have been rebuilt, with the owner declaring that the car works perfectly and is ready to be driven anywhere.

The Roadster’s improved interior, higher windshield, greater headroom, and roll-up windows enhance their usability in all seasons, while Porsche's rigid structure, supple suspension, and responsive engine make them a thrilling driving experience. Owning and driving a 356 Porsche is an experience every enthusiast should try at least once, and there is no better way than with a Roadster.