This gorgeous 1965 Porsche 356 Cabriolet is a true survivor, parked for 22 years and recently exhumed. As expected, bidding is intense and is already over $60K with eight days left. Said to be a numbers-matching example with under 60,000 original miles, the seller has also confirmed date coding throughout and everything – down to the wheels – is claimed to be as it left the factory. The Champagne Yellow paint is a nice change of pace from the reds and silvers too. It’s located in Pompano Beach, Florida and is listed here on eBay. Thanks goes to Barn Finds reader Patrick S. for the tip!
The seller notes that this 356 was part of the Holtzorth Collection, which is unknown to me (Google didn’t turn anything up either). The seller says it was parked outside for two years and then went into storage for the remaining 20 of its two-decade plus slumber. It does look completely undisturbed with near-perfect shut lines on all the panels we can see. Hubcaps are still present, and though the top is rough, the convertible carriage frame is said to still be in good shape.
Inside, the Cabriolet remains as it left the factory with damage evident in the form of split seams on the seats and a cracked dash pad. These are signs of wear that are too be expected after so many years of questionable storage conditions, but it could be far worse. The seller doesn’t elaborate on the presence of rust or any other damage to the floors and chassis, and while the body would indicate it remains sound, an undercarriage photo would be appreciated. All body panels are said to be original.
The 356 “C” package Cabriolet doesn’t run, but its original engine will turn over. The seller says no attempt has been made to refurbish the engine, so count on a full rebuild if you wish to keep the numbers-matching powerplant (as you should). The bubble surrounding 356s has begun to dissipate but true survivor cars like these will always command a premium. This car deserves to be restored, but hopefully not overly so – although the value will certainly climb further once some initial sorting has been performed.
Not a Porsche guy but being as old as it is, I would think one would want some provenance before accepting that this is original, as opposed to an older restoration.
The engine number’s 24% through the ’65 production of 75 hp standard heating system engines and the chassis number’s 42% through ’65 cabriolet production so it’s very plausible this is the original engine.
But, to get top dollar the seller should present a Kardex or Certificate of Authenticity proving it’s a matching-numbers car.
The cost of proving matching-numbers (between $ 100 & $ 200) is well worth it in selling price.
Oops. I miss-typed: the engine number’s 43% through the ’65 production.
I like the later 356’s a lot. Nice post!
This one is going to sell high. Already has 24 bidders and is at $62K with 7 days to go.
I say park it for 22 more!!!
Bullitt replica?
No restoration. Just get things put in order and enjoy it’s originality. Someone call Jay or Jerry .
It better be Jay, because Jerry already has his barn find Speedster that he paid over half a mil for, complete with rust, bad paint, and maybe even some patina. It even made the cover of Sports Car Market last year.
Just think, you could buy one of these in 1965, through Auto-Europe for $4200!
I didn’t find anything about the Holtzworth Collection either, but Yahoo had references to several other Porsches previously sold.
Wow, call me repetitive, but is this for real? People, this is a 50+ year old car , that needs refurbishing. If the price stayed at the 60K it will still be 55K more then it should be. I like old cars as much as the next guy, got a few myself, but really people, get a grip. I could buy a low mile 3rd generation Miata that looks and runs like brand new that would run circles around this thing for like 10K. I would take the other 50K (prob a lot more in 8 days) and properly invest it and in 20 years, I will be far ahead. The people who will appreciate this car in years to come will be long dead, your investment will be worthless. Thats my point. Why can’t “investors”, stay away from the old car hobby? More and more this is becoming a rich mans game, and most of us are being left out. I refuse to participate at this level, though at my age, I certainly have the means. It is just the principle of the thing.
Billy, then go enjoy a used Miata & stop feigning interest in original classic cars.
thank you so much ,Porsche prices are out of control
really ?
Regarding Porsche prices, yes, they are high but are starting to come down a bit. I want a 81-83 911SC, but not willing to pay $50,000. As an alternative to spending all the money for this 356, look at buying a replica. There are several really good companies offering these at a fraction of what this one is selling for.
Here’s a link to several for sale on Hemmings…
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/replica/speedster
I do like the look of it, unfortunately, I can’t afford the deposit.
What’s that green license plate – is that Ohio ? didn’t think FLA ever had one.
Jeff has it right. Don’t overdo the restoration. Make it nice and drive it. As far as price is concerned, I agree. The car is overpriced.
This whole Porsche Speedster mania is ridiculous. And, it’s even extended to the newer versions of the 911. Thousands of cars built every year and people are paying stupid money to buy “one of only 12,000 built” at every auction I attend.
It seems to be slowing and prices are getting soft but there’s still no logic to pay the prices people are paying for street cars built by the thousands decade after decade. Race cars are another story but we’re talking street cars here!
Poor old paint job over tons of filler bondo. Rust, rust and more rust everywhere. A full disclosure photo gallery with the car on a lift and the wheels off should be required for a sale listing. The body tub restoration will cost as much as a rural farm with 300 acres. What a shame that a car like this is subject to such torture. The prior owners should be punished. Buyer be very informed of the expenses this will require to be just a driver. There is a very good reason this 356 was parked 22 years ago. Amen.
Just wanted another important word of advice for anyone interested in joining the 356 faithful. Read a hard to find, and pricy now, books by Harry Pellow. Mr Pellow authored a few important books covering all the crimes committed against this simple 4 cyl. engine. Do Not purchase a 356 or hand your motor over to ” an EXPERT “for rebuilding without first consulting a Harry Pellow book.
I second C. Demarest’s recommendation. Harry also did a VHS series on overhauling the engine–we did ours while watching it. That was about 17 years ago, and the engine is running strong (knock on wood!). It might be hard to find some of these videos and books, and they won’t be cheap, but it would be worth it.
No, $50,000 for a VW bug with a plastic body is out of whack. How about $50,000 with a subaru engine? Newly completed and still in production. What’s it worth in 2 or 3 years?
356’s and XKE’s go for a lot of money, and cost a lot to restore. However, prices will go up, with occasional dips. No more are being made, and people with money want them.
Well at least this one isn’t a total rust bucket.
The question is, do we drive cars for enjoyment, or to show off how well off we are? I see no other reason to pay such a price for something like this. Certainly there are far better investments, that is pretty obvious. The market has been distorted by entitlement. More and more certain cars are purchased by people with more cars then they could possibly drive, it is a smug pride in action. When you have more money then you could possibly spend in several lifetimes, what do you do? Some decide to enrich others, but some start to hoard what ever is available, and they can do it because the cash spent, means nothing to them. These things ruin the hobby for the 99.99%. Wouldn’t it be nice if a 50 year old car could go into the garage of the retired fire fighter, or nurse, or plumber? Wouldn’t that single car be a cherished item versus sitting in the vast collection of some hedge fund mogul? That is all I am trying to say. Is life fair? No, but I still feel the need to speak out.
Rust is a killer in 356s, and I’d be concerned about what’s not seen in the photos.
I’m amazed that that sort of money going for the Lo-Po ‘C’ engine. The difference between it and the SC is significant, as far as performance.