This 1962 Porsche 356 cabriolet is a California black plate survivor, said to have been in family ownership since 1990. The 356 is certainly rough around the edges but appears largely free from major corrosion and displays an acceptable amount of patina. The seller believes the engine is numbers matching and it comes with a clean California title. Find it here on eBay for $79,500 or best offer.
The 356 comes with the oh-so-period-correct luggage rack on the engine lid, which conjures up the image of road trips down the PCH and a picnic basket enjoyed at a vineyard. The seller does not mention much in the way of history or mechanical health, so we’re left to guess whether the engine still turns freely or if the floors are solid. It appears to retain matching hubcaps and bumpers.
The top is clearly due for replacement and the interior needs some help as well. As the new owner of a convertible, you’ll soon read about here, I can affirm that some convertible owners truly are sun worshipers who never put the top up and let the interior get baked for months on end. eBay photos show the remnants of a cardinal red interior with some salvageable pieces left.
The undersides of the 356 look better than expected, and from what I can see in this photo, it’s just undercoating that’s flaking off. Given old 356s will rust without being told twice, this is a good sign for the of the car, provided the vulnerable pedal box area isn’t rotten. Photos show a collection of books and manuals come with the Porsche, and if the rust is proven to be minimal, this cabrio looks like a good project.
Jeff, the underside photo suggests to me that there is some serious corrosion — not to say “rust-through,” but pretty close to it if not all the way there — which doesn’t surprise me, given the apparent state of the top and the likelihood that it has spent a fir bit of time outdoors.
This one’s for the Serious Porsche Collector. Impecunious types like me need not apply. And I’ll bet that “acceptable patina” will be one of the first things to go….
This is a coincidence. I was watching reruns of the 70s tv series EMERGENCY! last night And this was Roy’s car to do an even trade with Johnny for his Land Rover. Too funny.
Hahaha. This seller doesn’t want us to know the VIN. This is a bent, 1.5 stage rusty 60hp T6 cab. I say it’s a $22k car.
The floor pan might straighten and patch.
Perfect interior if you have a 150lb dog that likes to ride with the wind in his face. The girfriend, not so much. A perfect Porsche?
For 79 large there are soooooo many other choices if you’re looking for an older European sports car , in nice condition. A fool and his money are soon parted , the restoration shops must love these heaps.
Agree with Alan. Anything over 22K and you are wasting your money. It’s going to have more than that in the rebuild. Our first Porsche was a ’57 Cabriolet that we rebuilt and drove for many years. Had a lot more cash in the rebuild than we did in the purchase price. Fun drivers though.
Tom.. Your last sentence, last half: Yes we did!