Key on the right?

Tim Polzin · 05:10 PM

Not sure I understand this one.

Says it is an original car and not a kit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4512786091&category=6428

Tim

das908kind · 04:50 PM

It's real. That would be a roadster dash, from a B series car. Speedsters, roadsters and spyders had keys on the right for some reason (but I've never found out why).

Steering wheel has the flatter type spokes, from a B car, and also note the shifter and linkage tunnel, which is NOT of the VW variety normally found on kit cars.

EDIT: Kit cars also often have a hand-brake leaver between the seats.

There's always a 1% chance it's a REALLY good copy, but too many things are right on this one for it not to be real.

Tim Polzin · 12-17-2004, 09:13 AM

Wow, thanks. I didn't know that. On both my 356's the key was on the left. The 64 Cabrio had the flat dash too.

Tim

das908kind · 12-17-2004, 04:49 PM

The thing that identifies it as a roadster, if you weren't aware, is the "hood" over the instruments (also found on Speedsters). Coupes and cabrios all had the key on the left.

59convertibleD · 12-19-2004, 07:06 PM

The photo shows a 356B Roadster (1960 to 1961 model years) or possible a rare 1962 "twin grill" T6-bodied B Roadster (248 made). Doubt this is a kit car, as gearshift lever looks correct, and there is even a sign of the dash accessory socket at far left which no kit car would have. The radio slung under the dash was an option, as was the cigarette lighter above and to the right of the ignition (which is in the correct location for a Roadster). Hand throttle knob is directly to the right of the ignition. Wiper switch at far left.

Except for the dished steering wheel and radio, this dash looks like my car's dash. The real thing.

Barry

59convertibleD · 12-19-2004, 07:09 PM

Forgot to follow the link to the ebay ad. This is definitely a real 356B Roadster. Engine is pure Porsche, VIN # is correct.

This car is listed for the second time in a month. Not sure why the bidding has not gone higher. If the listing is legitimate, and the car is not rusty it's worth a lot. If I was a potential buyer however, it would concern me that the seller offers essentially zero useful information about such a valuable car. That makes me very suspicious. Also not very many photos, almost no interiors, no underbody. It all looks very very odd.

Barry

aylanco · 12-22-2004, 07:06 PM

Barry,

One quick way to identify the car would be the steering wheel. The T-5 wheel had flatter spokes (as shown in the picture) than the T-6 wheel. Of course they can always be switched!

Also, the ignition was on the right of the cars mentioned above for "Le Mans" style racing starts. They wanted the driver to be able to jump in and close the door and turn the key in one motion. I swear this is true!!!

Sebastian

aylanco · 12-22-2004, 07:11 PM

Oops! I see das908kind already mentioned the flatter spokes on the T-5 wheel. Sorry

Tim Polzin · 12-23-2004, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by aylanco

Also, the ignition was on the right of the cars mentioned above for "Le Mans" style racing starts. They wanted the driver to be able to jump in and close the door and turn the key in one motion. I swear this is true!!!

Sebastian:
Actually I believe the key on the left was from that tradition (and I honestly did not know any "real Porsche" had it on the right).

"The ignition key is on the left, a tradition carried from an era when Le Mans starts required drivers to run across the pit lane to their car, jump in and take off, fastening their harnesses as they headed onto the front straight."

Nice suit of cars. At one time or another, I had all of them all, except my KG was a 60 Coupe with a "B" normal engine.

Go Blue....

Tim