Cosmetic Restoration Required: 1960 Porsche 356B Super

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Solid and desirable project cars are always going to demand premium prices, and that is certainly the case with this 1960 Porsche 356B Super. It will require cosmetic restoration, but it is a running, driving car that appears to be free of any rust issues. The solid mechanical and physical condition of the Porsche has seen bidding push up to $40,901, but even at that, the reserve hasn’t been met. The 356 is located in Florence, Alabama, and is listed for sale here on eBay.

The Porsche has an appearance that suggests that it may have received at least a partial repaint at some point in its life, given the inconsistency in the Silver Metallic paint from one panel to the next. Don’t be fooled though, because what lies beneath is an exceptionally solid car. The owner provides plenty of clear photos, and the underside of the car is as clean as you could possibly want. There is no rust evident in the floors or frame, while the panels themselves also look to be quite straight and solid. So far then, this looks quite promising.

Diving inside the 356 reveals that while some of the interior trim looks quite good, there are some aspects that will require restoration. This is a 2+2 Coupe, but there is no sign of any of the rear seat components. The front seats and dash look quite reasonable, and could definitely be used with little work. The car will need all new carpet, and there are marks of the door trims which may be able to be rectified. However, having said all of that, the owner does hold a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity for the 356, and the interior trim and color combination that you see isn’t original. If the next owner is seeking a perfect restoration, then they will be faced with some changes, as the CoA indicates that the interior was originally trimmed in Red Leatherette with “Bordeaux” Corduroy inserts.

This is a numbers-matching Porsche, with the venerable 1,582cc air-cooled flat-four engine hiding under the hood. This sends its power to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. By the time this car rolled off the line, the 356 had already been in production for some 12-years, and the car was most certainly a proven and solid product that produced few surprises. The good news with this 356 continues on the mechanical front because the car is said to run and drive very nicely. The car does have 152,000 miles on the odometer, but one of the strengths of Porsches is their mechanical longevity, which is why the marque has enjoyed so much success in endurance racing.

As a restoration project, this Porsche 356B Super really does look like a pretty good one. It isn’t a cheap starting point, but when you consider that nicely restored, numbers-matching cars are easily capable of fetching prices in excess of $75,000, then this is a solid project that would be worth the effort.

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Comments

  1. Howard A. Rube GoldbergMember

    I know, I know, fantastic cars, but how dare anyone say an early 60’s Chrysler or 50’s Ramblers are ugly, yet praise the looks of a bathtub Porsche. I feel, one of the ugliest cars made, and it’s got nothing to do with how my old man felt about German cars.

    Like 5
  2. Suttree

    These things are like the homely rich girl.

    Like 2
    • whmracer99

      ……. whose had a face lift. Front clip is a different color — can’t tell if that’s a recent or long-ago repair/replacement from the pics. Would have to thoroughly inspect the under-pinnings in the front for hidden damage before shelling out much money. Valuations on these continue to be high so if the car is solid underneath this is still a decent deal.

      Like 1
  3. Gaspumpchas

    Whmracer- correctomundo…for this one you would need to go over with a fine tooth comb, especially with the price up there, but I’m sure anyone willing to shell out this kind of coin would know that. Watched a rerun of Me-cum Auction last night; wow the prices are dropping and 3/4 of the cars didn’t sell because they didn’t bring diddly. High was a 69 boss 429, 250 large for that one,one sold last year for 490k. Viva la difference…
    but a beautiful Porsche Targa couldn’t get 30k and didn’t sell. The pendulum always swings both ways. The bubble may be busted!
    Cheer

    Like 1
  4. jeff

    one of the nicest cars ever made –

    Like 2
  5. TimM

    Well GPS I hope the bubble did burst so guys like me can get a couple good projects without busting the bank!!

    Like 0
    • Dave Mazz

      Tim;

      I guess it all depends on what you’re lookin’ for, and your frame of reference. Carsforsale is listing a 1989 Buick Reatta for only $500. Okay, at 164K it’s been driven a bit, but for a 30-year-old car, that’s only a bit over 100 miles a week. Heck, when I was working, I had a 70-mile *per day* commute. :-) :-) Yes, I understand, a 500-dollar Buick may not be everyone’s “gotta have” collectible car but you have to start somewhere! Then again, a primo deal like this 500-buck Reatta may be just some dealers ]
      :weeky “Bait and Switch” special. :-) :-)
      l

      Like 1
  6. Bob

    I wouldn’t do a thing to it, well……maybe nerf bars.

    Like 0

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