It’s hard to believe that in 1988, you could purchase a Porsche 356 just to leave it set on your property for 30 years. However, that is seemingly exactly what happened with this 1963 example, which the seller says hasn’t seen much action since they bought it in the late 80s. With prices for a project-grade 356 solidly in the upper teens and higher, I’m sure the sale price will yield a nice return on their initial investment. Find it here on eBay with just a few hours left and bidding over $20K.
The seller notes that the 356 was in Arizona at one time and has been painted four different colors throughout its life. The current paint job is wearing thin, and surface rust is blossoming in its place. The 356 has now relocated from sunny, dry Arizona to Oklahoma, which isn’t a terrible destination for a vintage car but certainly isn’t immune to winter weather. The seller notes the 356 has rust in one of the more typical locations, the battery box.
Despite its long slumber, the interior looks quite nice. The seller doesn’t go into great detail about the cabin, but from what we can see there’s presentable buckets, an uncut dash with what looks like an original radio, matching door panels and no major rot-through on the floors. Apparently, the interior was re-done in the 80s and is holding up well. No mention of major rot of any kind, but that doesn’t mean it’s not lurking.
The seller says the motor still turns freely and is believed to be original. It has been converted to 12V power and will come with two factory keys. Overall, the 356 presents as an honest, unmolested car, but a COA and/or confirming the numbers-matching status would go a long ways on a car like this. Then again, the desire to find a 356 that isn’t a total basketcase and is still restorable might win bidders over and encourage them to act now rather than waiting for more information.
Not 30 years, parked 20 years according to the ad. Which should mean that they drove it for the first 10 years that they had it.
Better not strip off those four layers of paint, there’ll be nothing left but the wheels and the seats.
Did not sell at top bid of $26,800.
Why do you say that?
It shows as sold when you search completed/results, it was also a no reserve auction.
Steve R
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!! Gee gosh golly, can I have it please?
I just don’t get it. I would no more pay twenty grand for this car than I would a Yugo. I know all about how fast etc etc.but honestly this car has the appeal of an Easter egg with an air cooled VW motor. Never understood the ‘mystique ‘of the 356 but hey like the old saying goes there’s seat for every a**. Likely I’m in the minority on this but I just don’t see the big draw on old Porsches. It reminds me of a bumper car.
Obviously you have never driven one.
I haven’t, and may never. Would prefer a 944 for the price, but I was born in ’88 and must be missing something.
20 grand for a 356 resto? Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be….
I, also, don’t understand the logic of spending large dollars on a 356. And, before some gets all huffy, yes..I’ve driven the…plenty of them. Sloppy gear changes (“that can be fixed!”) Iffy brakes(“that can be fixed!”) Less than exciting acceleration(“that can be fixed!”) And so on..So..sure..a soild, doors go “thump” 356 that’s ready to drive? $4-5k simply because it is fun to drive. After that? Its all hype..They were better, in many ways, than the competition..but how far advanced to you have to be to best an MGA?
When these are all fixed up the market is 6 figures on these awesome little cars! I threw a couple bids down when it was at 15,000, but that’s all I was willing to pay for it! Whomever won the bid is very lucky!
Ended: Jul 17, 2018 , 12:00PM
Winning bid:US $26,800.00
[ 50 bids ]
Better not strip off those four layers of paint, there’ll be nothing left but the wheels and the seats.
– Laugh of the day right there!!!!