The Porsche 356 is one of the more instantly recognizable sports cars ever made. It maintains a significant place in history as Porsche’s first major entry into the global sports car market, spawning multiple high-performance variants that today are among the most collectible Porsches ever made, along with creating a passionate community of owners who patronize the brand. The 356 is rarely seen as affordable, but this 1964 356 shown here on craigslist for $39,900 seems like a reasonable entry point into classic air-cooled ownership.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the find. The seller notes that this 356 wears a fairly rare color, at least in total production years: Dolphin Gray was only offered for two years, and if you’ve ever seen what it looks like, it’s a very pretty color – especially with a tan interior. The 356 has obviously been repainted, but returning to the original color is a smart investment on a car like this. The rust isn’t bad – certainly not as awful as we’ve seen on multiple project-grade 356s – but you can see some holes in the floors near the driver’s side door sill. The black interior is in decent condition, but I wonder if the COA would show this as the original color.
The engine is described as “period correct,” but that doesn’t mean numbers-matching; however, at this point, we must all accept the fact that many 356s, even ones that aren’t projects, rarely come with their original engine. The transmission is matching, however, and this suggests that the car hasn’t been messed with. The replacement engine was likely sourced when the original failed, and with the transmission still in good order, the owner didn’t go any further at the time. If you found a 356 that had been used for racing or otherwise a project, it’s far more likely to find the engine and transmission both yanked at some point.
Despite the rust holes shown in the floor, the 356 strikes me as largely solid underneath. Given some of the cars we’ve seen with gaping holes in the floors, this 356 seems fairly straightforward to repair from a rust standpoint. The seller notes the 356 comes with its original glass and rubber seals, and other details – like the turn signals, bumpers, and badges – are included, at least based on the photos. After 15 years in storage, the seller is ready to move this clean-titled 356 along, and with its rare color and largely solid condition structurally, the asking price seems more than fair for this ’64 coupe.
The first of our 2 356Cs was Dolphin Gray. It’s a great color for these cars and if restored should be put back on this car. As rough as this car is a full blown restoration is certainly required and should result in a fine, fun car.
40K is going to buy me a brand new 1000% better sports car. Lets see? Hmmm? Miata. Civic TypeR, or at least an Si. Mustang. Am I missing any obvious ones? I like old cars as much as the next guy, heck, I have several, but at that price, common sense should scream in your head. Prices are absurd. This is an old heap of metal. Maybe at a tenth of the ask, but 40 large? Count me out. This has become much less of a hobby for most, and more of a money making opportunity aimmed at the well heel buyer.
Can you get more than your $40k back in 5 or 10 years with a lesser car?
Every alternative you list will just be a ‘more used’ car, worth less than you paid.
Someone who wants a 356, for whatever reason, is going to pay 356 money for it. Even a fiberglass kit car will bring more than a used Miata, etc.
Long black stoclkings make me warm and happy.
40k Hmmm, Miata, Civic, Type R. Sure and in 10 years they will be worth half that and in 20 years, crush weight. While this 356 will have doubled in price.
Those of us who know, own, and drive these cars are thankful we don’t have more competition from those of you who don’t. They’re still extremely practical and affordable if you can do your own work.
Some people buy and wear Rolex watches. I seldom hear people who wear Timex watches railing about what a ripoff a Rolex is?? But for some reason, these classic 356’s really bring out the complainers??
You can’t compare a Porsche’s value to a Mustang, Civic or a Miata. Different ball game, sorry.
You need to get off this site – it isn;t for you.
I’m surprised he hadn’t been banned with all of the trouble he’s caused under all his different names.
Steve R
People who can afford these cars don’t have any of these sad concerns that you have.
Gosh, can’t say douchebags here?
The restoration of this car will cost $45,000 for parts, paint, chrome, etc, provided you do all the body repair, paint and mechanical work yourself. Then you’ll have $85,000 in a car that’s worth $75,000. Hmmm……sounds like a non-starter to me.
Some people drive and restore old cars for the enjoyment, not the money.
Great price for this project, hope some puts it back on the road soon.
Go buy a used Boxster and beat the snot out of it you would be further ahead or a Honda S 2000 and have a way better experience and at least a oil filter to change.
I have a 1965 356 SC, green/tan all original. The cost to bring this 1964 up to acceptable, not a concourse restoration, is going to be close to 50K. There are Porsches out there now that offer a better bang for the BIG bucks you will spend on this poor thing. The reality of the cost to restore this classic should bring down the asking price to a more reasonable 30K. Yes the car will gain value over the years, it could go the other way also.
I like your choice of cars. Our ’64 C out for a photo shoot in the ’70s.
I’d make sure to check that this car has matching numbers engine and trans, because that can affect the the value quite a bit with serious buyers for these cars. I had a 911T Porsche that I paid $9500 for, drove it for 5 yrs and sold for $10k. 356s are Apes to Oranges, but only matching engines can command top dollar.
355 Porsches are Apples to Oranges, different than 911s but that original matching, drivetrain makes a huge difference in value and price.
Dammit, auto correct, and not being able to edit comments on this site! 356 Porsches are more valuable with matching engine numbers. My 71 911T had matching engine numbers.
Wow….so many smart opinions here – y’all just need to troll the stock market and get off Barn Finds…..
After pouring in tons of dollar bills to get this restored, only to be thoroughly kept away from traffic snarls anywhere, how about waiting until 3-D printing becomes advanced enough to make a copy of an already nice one?
Porsche purists really don’t care much about the price, as long as it’s an engine and trans, matching car. Especially, on a mid 60s 356, So what if they got more coin to spend, and pay for what they want. I’m glad I’m not into Euro/exotics.
All car guys care about the price…
amen