DFW Car & Toy Museum Acquires Historic 1960 Porsche 356B Cabriolet

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has enhanced its automotive collection with the acquisition of a 1960 Porsche 356B 1600S Cabriolet, a vehicle that represents a pivotal moment in Porsche's design evolution and engineering legacy. This Ivory-over-blue-leather convertible, part of The Ron Sturgeon Collection, showcases the refined styling and spirited performance that defined early Porsche production models, serving as a testament to the enduring appeal of air-cooled engineering.

Originally delivered in silver, the 356B underwent comprehensive refurbishment before 2001, resulting in its current Ivory finish. The T5 body introduced for the 1960 model year featured key design updates including raised bumpers and headlights along with a redesigned front trunk lid handle. These subtle changes marked an important turning point in Porsche's first production model, bridging early 356 designs with later developments that would influence the brand's future direction.

Powering this elegant convertible is a 1.6-liter air-cooled flat-four engine fitted with dual Zenith carburetors, factory-rated for the higher-output "S" specification. Paired with a four-speed manual transaxle, the drivetrain delivers the pure and engaging driving experience that remains central to the 356's legendary charm. The mechanical simplicity and responsiveness of this powertrain continue to captivate automotive enthusiasts decades after its creation, demonstrating engineering principles that remain relevant today.

The cabin features striking blue leather upholstery complemented by a Moto-Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel and Becker-style dashboard layout. Green-letter VDO gauges include a 120-mph speedometer, 5,000-rpm tachometer, and combination gauge for monitoring fuel level and oil temperature. The five-digit odometer, repaired in 2009, currently shows 14,000 miles, adding to the vehicle's documented history and preservation story that now becomes part of Texas's cultural landscape.

"The Porsche 356B 1600S is the kind of car that connects generations—it's part sculpture, part sports car," says Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "This cabriolet captures the spirit of open-top European motoring in its most elegant form." The museum, now located in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, provides a permanent home for this automotive artifact where it can be appreciated by visitors and enthusiasts. More information about the museum's collection and hours can be found at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.

As one of the earliest and most collectible Porsche models, the 356B Cabriolet stands as a testament to precision craftsmanship and timeless design. Its inclusion in the museum's collection highlights the importance of preserving automotive heritage while making it accessible to the public. The vehicle represents not just a specific moment in Porsche's history, but the broader cultural significance of mid-century European sports car design and the enduring passion of automotive enthusiasts worldwide. For Texas businesses and cultural institutions, this acquisition demonstrates how preserving historical artifacts can enhance educational opportunities and attract visitors interested in engineering, design, and automotive history, contributing to the state's diverse cultural offerings and economic vitality through tourism and educational programming.