DFW Car & Toy Museum Acquires Restored 1960 Porsche 356B Cabriolet for Permanent Collection

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has announced the addition of a 1960 Porsche 356B 1600S Cabriolet to The Ron Sturgeon Collection, marking a significant acquisition for automotive preservation and museum curation. This beautifully restored convertible, finished in Ivory over blue leather, represents one of Porsche's most iconic and beloved classics from Stuttgart's golden era of automotive design.

Originally delivered from the factory in silver, this 356B underwent a comprehensive refurbishment that included refinishing in its current Ivory color prior to 2001. The vehicle features the T5 body introduced for the 1960 model year, which included key design updates such as raised bumpers and headlights, along with a redesigned front trunk lid handle. These subtle changes marked a turning point in the evolution of Porsche's first production model, demonstrating the manufacturer's commitment to continuous improvement while maintaining the vehicle's essential character.

Powering this classic convertible is 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 what enthusiasts describe as a pure and engaging driving experience that remains at the core of the 356's legendary charm. The mechanical specifications reflect Porsche's engineering philosophy of balancing performance with reliability during this formative period in the company's history.

The cabin features striking blue leather upholstery complemented by a Moto-Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel and a Becker-style dashboard layout. Instrumentation includes green-letter VDO gauges with a 120-mph speedometer, 5,000-rpm tachometer, and a combination gauge monitoring fuel level and oil temperature. The five-digit odometer, repaired in 2009, currently shows 14,000 miles, adding to the vehicle's historical significance and preservation story.

Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the cultural importance of this acquisition, stating that "The Porsche 356B 1600S is the kind of car that connects generations—it's part sculpture, part sports car. This cabriolet captures the spirit of open-top European motoring in its most elegant form." As one of the earliest and most collectible Porsche models, the 356B Cabriolet stands as a testament to precision craftsmanship, timeless design, and the enduring passion of Porsche enthusiasts worldwide.

The museum's new facility at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth provides 150,000 square feet of exhibition space with climate-controlled environments suitable for preserving such historically significant vehicles. Visitors can view this Porsche along with other automotive treasures during regular operating hours from Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Additional information about the museum and its collections is available at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.

This acquisition represents more than just adding another vehicle to a collection—it preserves an important chapter in automotive history that demonstrates how design, engineering, and cultural significance converge in classic automobiles. For automotive historians, preservationists, and enthusiasts, the museum's commitment to acquiring and maintaining such vehicles ensures that future generations can experience and appreciate these mechanical works of art in their proper historical context.