We’ve written plenty of times before about the classic Porsche seller Unobtanium Inc., but it’s still amazing how many old and forgotten air-cooled Porsches he manages to sniff out. This auction is for what looks like a very sound project in the form of a 1963 Porsche 356 B Cabriolet, which is described as being a stalled project with some metalwork already done. The convertible comes with both its soft top and hard top, but there are some outstanding issues with both pieces. There is still more rust repair to be done and the 356 doesn’t run, but it’s currently sitting here on eBay with bids to just over $70,000 and no reserve.
If you’re of the mind to join Instagram, following Unobtanium there is a feast for the eyes of barn hunters everywhere. It’s incredible how many Porsches are still lurking in the shadows of old barns and dusty garages, and he certainly rescues them all. Even stripped hulks are up for grabs, all in the name of preserving parts no matter how small given the legions of air-cooled Porsche owners who restore these cars back to like-new condition. This 356 was on the path towards rebirth before the work hit a crossroads; the seller notes it has new floors installed but it still needs replacement longitudinals, which are included in the sale. The original color of the cabriolet was Ruby Red.
The interior is in decent shape, and overall, this 356 is more complete than many of the cars this seller puts up for sale. As far as a project goes, it’s a great starting point given it doesn’t appear to have been messed with too much, and the interior looks usable as-is. Of course, someone going for perfection will still tear down those seats and door panels to be redone, but if it were my car, I’d focus on the mechanical refresh and would be happy to live with an interior like this for the time being. The seller notes the original soft top frame is in rough condition and that the factory hardtop is missing its rear glass – do you suppose Porsche still offers replacement glass for the accessory hardtop?
The engine still turns by hand but it’s not clear if it’s a numbers-matching unit. It seems unlikely given how many of these cars had their engines removed for repair or replacement and then ended up with a non-matching unit dropped in. What you have to like about a project like this is you’re starting with a car that has all of its major pieces accounted for, and never went so far down the path of neglect that it became a completely disassembled mess of spare parts stored in random boxes. The bidding reflects the acknowledgment that this is a good starting point, and also a good price for a real-deal 356 Cabriolet.
Dang, and I just spent the wad on the rusty one,,,D’OH!!
T6 body in what appears to be a solid car should make restoration well worth while. Our ’57 Cabrio was a very comfortable road car with it’s heavily padded seats and insulated folding top. Glad to see one in decent shape.
Bob, I always appreciate your sharing of knowledge on here, it seems like every time I read a submission on a (usually) foreign car, a few questions pop up in my head, and what do ya know, bobhess has already answered them, and always in a positive light.
Between you and Alphasud, I’ve learned more about foreign cars since I started reading Barnfinds than I ever knew prior.
Thanks for that!
Put a Subi turbo motor in it and wide wheels. And a bangin’ stereo.
I guess I don’t see a $ 70,000 car here:-)
Always wanted one of these, now I am too old to even get in and out of it.
That’s the way I am with my Miata- but once I’m in it I’m young again :^}
In grade 2 condition, this car could fetch $200,000. So there’s room to buy it for $90,000 and put $60,000 into it.
not sure that the rear deck lid is model year corect. Engine looks a total mess with only hope ioriginal nuumbers for basic mill. loved thr 1960 one that I had after trading up from a 1956 356A Porsche coupe …
SOLD for $79,219.