I often come across finds that, while they are somewhat interesting on their own, what is parked in the background is considerably more intriguing. Well this 1959 Porsche 356A is one of those cars that is fascinating to look at, but what I’m really interested in are the cars parked around it! The seller clearly has a taste for fine European automobiles, but sadly this rusted 356 is the only car in their collection currently listed for sale. You can find their listing here on eBay, where bidding has already reached $27k.
While demand for 356s is off the chart right now, I don’t think this would be the one for me. As you can see, this car is extremely rusty. There is so much cancer that I’m amazed it hasn’t fallen apart already. I have to admit, when I read the seller’s comment that there is plenty of patina, I had to laugh. I’m a huge fan of patina, but there is a difference between patina and decay. Of course, I’m sure there are a few dedicated 356 experts that would love to have it as a project!
So let’s get to the cars that are in the background. I see a Jaguar Xk140 Fixedhead, a Jaguar E-Type Coupe, another Porsche 356, and several other interesting projects. Of the cars in this barn, only the 356 looks to be in running and driving condition. Personally, I wouldn’t mind having any one of these cars, but I’m definitely a fan of the Xk140. I’m also curious to see what other cars this seller has parked in their garage!
I’m sure someone will save this rusted 356, there are 6 active bidders fighting for it after all. I just wonder if any of them are willing to bid it up enough to pass the seller’s reserve. These cars are going for silly money these days, so I won’t be surprised to see this one pass the $30k mark. I’ve always thought it would be fun to own a 356 Coupe, but I guess I will just have to settle for a Beetle instead! So can you identify the other cars in this seller’s barn? Let us know what year, make, and model you believe each car to be in the comments below!
Maserati 3500 coupe behind in Picture #1, ala this image. One of my personal favorites!
I once owned an Alfa that looked very similar. The detachable steel hardtop was lined with tan leather. I bought it off the back lot at a VW-Porsche agency. I remember that the former owner was proud that Studebaker hubcaps made great replacements!
They do look similar all right. I’m guessing it’s because Carrozzeria Touring designed both bodies. Back then these relatively small design houses tended to make a good design idea work for more than one assignment.
Well it’s not the worst 356 we’ve seen on BF by a long shot, and worse examples have been brought back. The seller seems to have given a brief but straight up description, and there looks to be a good paper trail to document the car.
The seller seems like he is into a variety of makes, and already has what looks to be a 356 outlaw or racer, so it would be interesting to know why he wouldn’t try to bring this ’59 car back for use on the road.
Looking around at that interesting storage facility I just hope he’s got a real good sprinkler system. All that wood makes me nervous, especially if it’s in an industrial area..
Yes, Jamie, those 3500 GTs are really good lookers. I remember not that many years ago when you could get a decent 3500 GT runner for a few thousand bucks. It wouldn’t look as nice as the red one but it would be a real vintage Maser. My own d’d fault for not buying one.
Me too on the “low cost” 3500’s. My consolation prize is it’s baby brother.
I’m guessing with that number of projects and the other 356, he’s looking for money to bring back one of the other projects.
Or maybe the 3500 will appear next week and no one else will notice? Naw, that’s my dreams, not reality.
I like the A’s the best for appearance. This needs one of those P car restoration shops that have the jigs etc. That and a 100K………you’ll be in business.
Can someone roll the rusty car out of the way so I can just look at that 3500?!?!
27K….mental.
I think that stack of laid out receipts from (looks like the 70ies) is HILARIOUS.
Like that even MATTERS……
The only thing that would be valuable would be a BRAND NEW windshield….and that would probably have rock /beebee chips in it…..
BTW auction pulled before ending with bid over $30k….:
Ebay history shows seller selling a lot of Porsche parts