www.QV500.com - Porsche 356 B Part 2: 356 B T-6
 

Chassis 122843 - a 1963 T6 356B 1600 S Coupe

Porsche’s continual development programme saw a revised 356 B, the T-6, launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1961. Subtle visual and mechanical changes were incorporated to each of the many alternative variants, undoubtedly the most significant of which were made behind the scenes. The top-of-the-range 90 (which officially dropped its Super tag) got a set of smaller torsion bars, the middle-market 1600 S being enhanced with the adjustable Koni shocks previously only fitted to the flagship. Transverse rear leaf springs were also introduced to help improve balance at the back, these coming as standard on the 90 and as cost options for both the 1600 and 1600 S.

   
Further mechanical alterations saw the 1600 S engines fitted with cast-iron cylinders to replace the outgoing alloy items. This switch justified a new Typ 616/12 designation for a unit that otherwise remained unaltered with 75bhp at 5000rpm. Several noticeable changes were made for the T-6 bodywork, the primary points of difference between the T-5 versions having been a larger windscreen (the Coupe also getting a bigger back window), twin engine cooling grilles atop the rear lid and a spring loaded fuel filler mounted in the right-hand front wing. The front lids trailing edge became less rounded and the cabin ventilation louvres were re-positioned to the windsreen scuttle, just below and between the wipers. Inside, the larger glass area led to a corresponding increase in visibility, a now electrically operated sunroof becoming a cost option for the first time. Subsequent developments after the T-6's introduction saw the deletion of both the Karmann Hardtop and Roadster body styles, disappointing sales leaving Porsche little alternative but to drop them in June 1962. Production of the 356 B Coupe and Cabriolet continued until July of 1963 when the appropriately named 356 C was launched.
 

The T-6's most obvious new details were those twin as opposed to single engine
cooling grilles mounted on the rear lid - this is chassis 122843