1960 Porsche 356B 1600S Cabriolet Joins DFW Car & Toy Museum Collection

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a significant piece of automotive history to its collection with the acquisition of a 1960 Porsche 356B 1600S Cabriolet, now part of The Ron Sturgeon Collection. This beautifully restored convertible, finished in elegant Ivory over blue leather, represents the perfect blend of refined styling and spirited performance from Porsche's golden era. The vehicle's inclusion in the museum matters because it preserves a tangible example of automotive craftsmanship that influenced generations of sports car design and engineering.

Originally delivered from the factory in silver, this 356B underwent a comprehensive refurbishment that included refinishing in Ivory prior to 2001. Its T5 body, introduced for the 1960 model year, features key updates such as raised bumpers and headlights, and a redesigned front trunk lid handle. These subtle changes marked a turning point in the evolution of Porsche's first production model, demonstrating the company's commitment to continuous improvement while maintaining design integrity. The museum's acquisition ensures that these evolutionary design elements remain accessible for public appreciation and study.

Under the rear decklid resides a 1.6-liter air-cooled flat-four engine, fitted with dual Zenith carburetors and factory-rated for the higher-output "S" specification. Paired with a four-speed manual transaxle, this drivetrain delivers a pure and engaging driving experience that remains at the core of the 356's legendary charm. The preservation of such mechanically significant vehicles matters because it maintains living examples of engineering approaches that have shaped modern automotive performance standards. The cabin features striking blue leather upholstery, a Moto-Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel, a Becker-style dash layout, and green-letter VDO gauges including a 120-mph speedometer, 5,000-rpm tachometer, and combination gauge for fuel level and oil temperature.

Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the vehicle's significance by stating that the Porsche 356B 1600S connects generations as both sculpture and sports car. This cabriolet captures the spirit of open-top European motoring in its most elegant form, serving as a testament to precision craftsmanship, timeless design, and the enduring passion of Porsche enthusiasts worldwide. The museum's role in preserving such vehicles extends beyond mere display; it creates educational opportunities for understanding automotive history and design evolution. As one of the earliest and most collectible Porsche models, the 356B Cabriolet represents more than just transportation—it embodies an era of automotive philosophy where form and function achieved remarkable harmony.

The DFW Car & Toy Museum, now located in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, provides a 150,000-square-foot facility with free parking and admission. The museum's commitment to automotive preservation is further demonstrated through its secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities for events. This acquisition strengthens the institution's position as a destination for automotive enthusiasts and historians alike, offering public access to vehicles that might otherwise remain in private collections. The museum's website at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com provides additional information about its collections and visiting hours, which are Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.