Working with what was available, Ferdinand Porsche used primarily Volkswagen parts to build the sports car he always wanted. The result was the Porsche 356, introduced just after WWII. It featured, like the Beetle, a rear-mounted flat-four engine driving the rear wheels, swing axle and torsion beam suspension, and similar to the Beetle bubbly styling. Production of the 356 continued to 1965, overlapping with its successor (the 911) introduced in 1963, and was split into four main revisions of the basic design over its production run: Pre-A, A, B, and this, the 356C. You can find this final-year example here on eBay.
Optional for the 1965 model year was the most powerful pushrod engine Porsche ever built: the 95 horsepower 1.6 liter flat-four engine. Which this one has. No word on if it runs, but the patinaed badging undeniably says “SC” on the back. Based on the condition of the car and the “recently discovered” wording the seller used, I’m willing to go out on a limb and say this is a barn find. You’re probably going to need to change the oil and do a little refurbishing on the mechanical bits for it to get up to road specification again.
Of course, there’s not much to it. Underneath there is very little rust on the frame or mechanical bits. Everything is in the place it should be, and nothing looks bent or misshapen. They include many pictures underneath, but I’ll leave most of them for you to peruse at your leisure. This won’t be a turn-key Porsche, but with a little love and $56,500, you’ll have a great classic air-cooled runabout.
The inside doesn’t look too bad, all things considered. The upholstery is mostly decent, and everything that should be there looks to be there. There’s no air conditioning, but you don’t really need that, anyway. This is a purist’s car, plain and simple. Having said that, you’re going to need to track down some trim pieces and redo the upholstery on the dashboard. When everyone goes for a classic 911, here is your opportunity to drive something arguably better than a 911. There’s something to be said for a car that has experience. A car with dings and scratches has lived a life that a car pampered like Cameron’s dad’s Ferrari can never even dream of. That life experience can’t be faked, and what better car to showcase that than this classic Porsche 356SC?
More like a sauna find than a barn one.
I found this car in a guy’s basement. Note the university of South Carolina law school sticker on the back window. The title was issued in 1970 and the Len release of approx $720 was on the title
One of you had better grab this one quick,
before someone else snatches it up.
Owned one of these. Great cars. This one is not on the “great” list.
Banged-up, rusty 356 that was obviously neglected and almost certainly abused for $56.5K?
Didn’t even need to see who the seller is. It could only be one of two….
It must be a misprint. It’s either $5650, or that’s what it’s worth once all the rust is ground away.
Ray, does one of them have the initials “BHCC”?
Rust-through on the dash? You don’t see that very often. That alone makes this car worth $56k.
Beverly Hills Car Club, that’s all you need to know.
56k, what nerve. And some nouveau riche kid will buy it and throw another 100k at it. Just another confirmation that the dollar has become worth less.
Like these, but even this is way more than I will ever be able to afford.
All I see is SLUG BUG!
I’ve made light of the fact that the majority of postings include performance times which, in many cases, are meaningless due to the size/weight of the vehicle. Ironic though that historically, one would be hard pressed to find an ad on BF for a 356 that reports either the 0-60 or projected 1/4 mile performance…..these are reskinned VW’s.
A little love and $56,500 and maybe another $56,500 and you’ll have something.
Sorry Mark. Not a single piece of VW in this car.
By 65′ this would be true. Still, these things were originally glorified VW’s. Dozens of interchangeable parts between these and a VW.
From a performance perspective….comparable to a 65′ Corvair Monza.
This offer of 56,500.00 is a no-brainer. It needs someone with no brains to buy it!
I see $40000.00 in resto work.This is what crack will do to your brain,make you think that a pig is a silk purse….At $5600.It is no bargin..
Item location:
Beverly Hills Car Club,
Correct. That’s who I sold it to
“You’re probably going to need to change the oil and do a little refurbishing on the mechanical bits for it to get up to road specification again.” might be horribly optimistic to say the least. Front suspension is ready to depart to join the gas tank due to massive rust, has the new lightweight see thru fender on the right side. Having worked on many 356 and 550 restorations, this ones going to need boatloads of Benjamin’s to be drivable, never mind restored. Good luck. Still love those littlebombers.
Never understood WHY these are worth so much. They were really slow rust buckets and really nothing more than a VW beetle with a a different body and revised suspension! As you said, they share alot VW parts! It certainly was NOT an XKE Jaguar that had speed and awesome styling with superb handling! The only positive to me is they are cute!
Maybe in the USA these are not so valuable. Elsewhere in the world a numbers matching example in pristine condition will easily fetch USD$200 000
Yes $56 000 is a bit rich … would require a thorough evaluation of estimate the required work to bring up to scratch before placing a bid.