The phrase “They’re still out there” is one that either gives you hope or drives you nuts. It gives you hope because if you haven’t discovered your own barn find yet, maybe you’ll stumble upon one tomorrow. But if you’ve been knocking on doors for years and haven’t struck gold, it likely drives you bananas. This 1962 Porsche 356 B coupe is claimed to be a recent California barn find, sitting in the dust of a barn with no engine. While it appears orange here, it’s actually a factory Signal Red car, and it appears to still wear that paint shade in places. Find it here on eBay with bids to $13,900 and the reserve unmet.
The 356 is a car that has endured, proving its worth not only as a classic sports machine but also as a bit of an art installation. The model has had its ups and downs but over the last 20 years, it has mostly been up, with no real dip in prices aside from some normalization in the pre-pandemic years when air-cooled models went through the roof. The 356 is certainly approaching antique status, but plenty of them are still used in road rallies and for extended drives, proving its worth not only as a piece of garage art but also as car that was built to be driven – and still functions quite well in this regard. The car shown here appears largely complete, down to the bumpers with their generous overriders.
The seller includes some excellent “as found” video in the listing of the 356 being exhumed along with another 356, both apparently squirreled away by the same owner. The original engine was removed to power a Cabriolet project many years ago but who knows – maybe it’s still out there. The build sheet indicates the interior was originally gray with corduroy inserts, and it appears that has been replaced by black leatherette. Perhaps this 356 was restored at some point, which was not uncommon when they simply became cheap, used cars and the third or fourth owner wanted to do a quicky refresh.
The missing engine is a bummer, but you have to realize how many of the 356s are lacking the numbers matching unit. It’s hardly a big deal at this point, though it would juice the final sale price significantly if the original 60 horse motor was still in place. The seller believes this is a no accident car, but does disclose that the original VIN tag was missing, along with the title; apparently, a replacement VIN tag is in place and the car has been properly vetted by the California DMV system. Overall, this looks like a straightforward project, and one you could easily get running and enjoying while you debate how far to go with the cosmetics.
A hot VW engine would fit fine and cost a fraction of a Porsche engine.
Now up to $25k. I understand there’s a following, I just don’t know why.
If you drive one you will know why.
Indeed, bobhess. Being handed the keys to my uncles 356C in the Berkeley/Oakland hills at 18 years of age still stands as the pinnacle of pure driving enjoyment for me 47 years later.
Bob, you’re exactly right of course. I’ve quit trying to interest/ educate/ recruit/ or convert people.
We used to say the same thing about old Harleys and look what happened: those old bikes that were $150-500 now cost $50-75,000! Surely there wouldn’t be so much interest if we hadn’t kept telling everyone how great they are.
Many people will “get it” if they drive one- but many will not. My late brother in law let me drive his ‘64 356 SC when I was just learning to drive. It was a totally different experience than Dad’s Cadillac! 356s are an awesome feat of engineering and style- but they don’t burn rubber, hold 9 people, or have electronic gee-gaws- so- they’re not for everyone- and that’s OK.
Subject car looks like a good one.
I love them but I don’t have time to replace a good portion of the body because of rust. Better to pay more for a really nice on restored one. This is an expensive restoration.
Steve, This car has very little rust compared to the average 356. California dry storage for 30+ years is what’s driving the price.
Pat, I agree. All in one will be underwater by 10s of thousands. …..Jim.
Pat, I agree. All in one will be underwater by 10s of thousands. …..Jim.
If the original VIN tag and engine are missing, how could anyone figure out what was on the original build sheet?
Rob, The door tag was missing. The vin stamped on the chassis is intact. A Kardex was obtained from Porsche. The Kardex is the factory build sheet.
HO CHI MAMA! How do they stumble across these gems? The owners of these know what they’re worth. No more bargains from rubes!
A friend has one that is not pristine, but very nice. He uses it as his daily driver. He drove one in the mid-’60s and always wanted one. He found a deal about 9 years ago and snapped it up. He has never regretted it.
In about 1967 my grandmother down in Evansville Indiana rented out garage space and in one of these spaces was a garage where the rent was delinquent. The car inside was a 356. She promised me the car if it was not picked up (and paid for) by a date that was only a few days from the time we discussed it. Sure enough the next day the garage space was paid for and the car was gone. I was only 15 at the time and already had a 1963 Chev Biscayne. And didn’t really know anything about Porsches, Other than it was cool. If I had gotten that car, I’m sure that my life would have taken a different turn. Since the cars that followed were a 1955 Chev convert, a 1961 Impala 2dr. Hardtop, and then a string of Mopars.
Reserve met. She’s on her way!
Is that a Brubaker Box in the background of the shop picture?
Yup
….and a Brubaker Box is becoming available within the next day on ebay!!!
Please post a link here when it does!
Why not list it with us instead?
SOLD for 30K.