Put on my life goals list the ability to daily drive a highly engaging driver’s car, then be able to shove it into the garage when I’m done with it, not needing to sell or trade it in to acquire the next vehicle. That’s how cars like this 1964 Porsche 356 Cabriolet seem to emerge decades later, worth significantly more money despite leaving the barn in assuredly worst condition. This 356 has been with one owner until recently after being purchased new in Germany. Find it here on eBay with bidding at $65K and a Buy-It-Now of $99,000.
The key is to not need the proceeds from the “old” car to buy the new one, a phenomenon that hasn’t been in my bag of tricks over the course of the last few car purchases. The first owner bought this 356 while stationed overseas with the Army, then shipped it home where it seemingly saw minimal use. With later 911s, there’s a desirable variety of “Euro-spec” cars that were likely brought in as gray market examples and packed with more power and firmer suspensions; no word on whether same rules apply for the 356 or if it was always a US spec car.
The interior shows signs in the rear of rodent deposits (I’m assuming those are nuts or other indications of mice settling in for the winter); otherwise, it looks quite good. The convertible top was removed but later found in the rafters of the barn. There’s a similar story for the front and rear bumpers, which turned up outside, behind the barn. The leather (or leatherette, hard to tell) seating surfaces appears decent for the age, and based on the original order form for the car, is original. The silver paint, however, is not, as this car was originally ivory in color.
Ivory is a much better match for the red interior, so hopefully this one will be corrected. The 356 wears plates from the great state of Louisiana but is currently for sale in Stow, Massachusetts, a Boston suburb. How it got to what looks like a dealer environment given its one-owner status is a mystery, but I’d guess a flipper of some sorts is involved. Despite the battered body, rust is said to be minimal with holes appearing in two places – by the pedal assembly and the battery box. Bidding is already quite strong but will it hit the Buy-It-Now?
Having had a lot to do with 356s back in the 1970s, I’d be concerned about the rust that can’t be seen, especially at that asking price.
The C engine is the lo-po version of the 1600, an SC would be a far nicer proposition.
These late model 356s are said to be the best in terms of refinement, but agree with Beatnick, the car most likely has rust you have to be aware of before getting into this project.
If it spent much time driving in Eastern Mass it could have lots of rust. The fact that it has rust in the battery box and footwell says you need to examine the floors and lower body carefully to see how much metalwork will be required. A rust “spot” in a description, without photos, isn’t enough to go on. The seller looks like a reseller who deals in these cars, so the limited amount of information given…..isn’t enough.
It even comes with S&H green stamps in the glove box.
If they were Blue Chip Stamps, the car would be worth more… ;-)
I like the look of the seats in that Horizon far more than these seats.
I looked at one the other day, and it was a beautiful car completely restored! He’s asking $265,000 for his! Maybe that will help someone figure out the cost to bring this one back! The 356 is going out of sight on price right now! Rediculous?