In September 1959, the 356 A was replaced by the completely overhauled 356 B (T5). Its power spectrum ranged from 60 PS in the 356 B 1600 to 140 PS in the 356 B 2000 GS-GT Carrera 2.
Visually speaking, the B-series differed from its predecessor in various ways, such as the fact that the front bumper was positioned about 10 cm higher, with larger rim flanges, and that the headlights were also set significantly higher. The front indicators protruded to a greater extent and were next to horn grilles that were flatter and had two chrome-plated slats. The bonnet handle also became wider towards the bottom. The two lights that lit the number plate were integrated into the now-higher rear bumper and the reverse light was mounted below the bumper.
In September 1961 (T6), the 356 B's bonnet was significantly widened towards the bottom and a fuel filler cap on the front-right wing. Two vertical ventilation grilles were integrated into the enlarged rear bonnet.
All 356s were also available in open-top versions (Cabriolet, Speedster or Roadster).
From the 356 A onwards, particularly sporty variants were given the additional "Carrera" designation and were powered by a Fuhrmann engine.
The engine, named after the designer Ernst Fuhrmann, was characterised by four overhead camshafts that were driven by vertical shafts. What's more, this engine had dual ignition via two separate ignition distributors.