1961 Porsche 356

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys The Monterey Auction event, 13 - 15 August 2026.
Offered Without Reserve $225,000 - $275,000 USD

• An authentic Super 90 Roadster with continuous, well-documented history
• Fascinating provenance; sold new in Japan to a United States Navy submarine officer
• Comprehensively restored between 2011 and 2013 to its incredible factory livery of Black over Red leatherette upholstery
• Numbers-matching 1.6-liter Super 90 engine, per its Kardex build record
• Includes an archive of invoices dating back to 1962, restoration records, and an owners manual

An extraordinary, authentic Super 90 Roadster with continuous, well-documented history, chassis 89176 boasts one of the most compelling provenance files known for the model. According to its accompanying Kardex, the car was completed on 26 June 1961, finished as it is today in Black (6013) over Red leatherette upholstery and equipped with two armrests, an exterior rearview mirror, floor mats, and a tonneau cover.

Delivered through Mitsuwa Motors in Tokyo, Japan, and in a fitting alignment of man and machine, this purposeful and exhilarating sports car found its first owner in a man whose life was defined by courage and adventure, Lieutenant Commander Warren Allan Helgerson, a decorated United States Navy submarine officer and Bronze Star recipient whose military career included service in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The Kardex further records Helgersons multiple service visits to Mitsuwa Motors during his assignment in Japan.

Following his retirement from active duty, Helgerson shipped the Porsche back to his apple orchard outside Seattle, Washington, where it remained in his care until 1967. At that time, the car was sold to David Siembieda, who would become its devoted custodian for the next 43 years. During his ownership, Siembieda preserved and enjoyed the car in equal measures as supported by an extraordinary archive of nearly 100 invoices documenting meticulous maintenance and sympathetic restoration work.

Following Siembiedas long stewardship, the Porsche was acquired by an enthusiast who commissioned a comprehensive bare-metal restoration to factory specifications between 2011 and 2013, with additional finishing work carried out from 2015 to 2016, as documented by invoices in file. Most recently, in 2023, the car received an extensive service that included rebuilding the carburetors and braking system, refinishing the transmission and ancillary hardware to correct coatings and replacing fluids, filters, gaskets, and related service items.

This numbers-matching engine Super 90 Roadster is accompanied by invoices dating back to 1962, restoration records, a tool kit, and a period-correct owners manual. Rarely does a 356 Super 90 Roadster emerge with such authenticity, documentation, and uninterrupted provenance spanning more than six decades.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo26/.