My brother and I often discuss how having a pole barn to stick cars in that we can’t currently do anything with but now are worth saving would be the ideal arrangement. This 1958 Porsche 356 A Cabriolet is desirable not only because it’s a survivor that runs but because it was ordered new in an incredibly rare shade of paint known as Auratium Green. The Porsche has been locked away in a private stash for 40 years and the seller, a known quantity around these parts, bought the entire collection to snag a few significant vehicles, including this Porsche. The 356 is listed here on eBay with bids to $40,000 and the reserve unmet.
When it comes to Porsches (and other iconic sports cars), rare colors are a significant driver of value. The fact that this is a factory-ordered car in an unusual color makes it an absolute home run, and it appears largely complete. Now, the current shade of green is quite a bit darker than Auratium Green, so it has obviously been resprayed. There are a number of other details unique to an earlier-style 356 like this T2 A Cabriolet, all of which appear to be present and accounted for. These include the exhaust tips exiting through the rear bumperettes and a number of other interior improvements.
On the inside, a glovebox, clock, back seat, and reclining bucket seats, along with vent windows in the doors, were among the upgrades made in the T2 model. A convertible would also include a padded headliner. The original paint hue is evident on the painted dash, and the interior remains remarkably intact. Being in Texas and a convertible, it would seem the odds were good that the cabin would be trashed by the sun, but it hasn’t been. It looks like the top was kept up when it was on the road, and obviously, being sheltered for 4 decades has done this 356 many, many favors.
The 1.6L flat-four runs, and according to the seller, quite well. In listening to the running video provided, I have to agree that this 356 sounds quite healthy, especially for a car that’s been dormant for 40 years. The 356 is one of those Porsche models that will always be supported by both the factory and privateers given its significance to the marque and its continued relevance as both an iconic sports car and a piece of rolling art. Add in the color and high degree of preservation and there’s little doubt that this 356 will continue to appreciate in the years to come.
My first Porsche was a blue ’57 Cabriolet I paid $500 for. It had the very rare ball bearing crankshaft engine. Had never seen one and haven’t seen one since. It was an import from Germany brought in by a Navy officer stationed at the same Naval base I was at at the time. It had the 4 individual taillights that I changed to the tear drops. New top, silver gray paint, and the dumb move of swapping out the engine for a VW 1600 engine. Didn’t know better as I was new to Porsche. With the padded cloth top it was a great touring car without the noise of the tin top coups. Quiet a find here.
BTW, I have the original service shop manual for this car for sale it anyone is interested.
“..dumb move..” as have we all as was best said by Will Rogers-
“Good judgement comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgment.”
Yup. Didn’t do that again.
“Auratium”- is that German for “Unobtainium”?
Complete, and the underside looks solid. Great color combination. The engine and underside appear to have been steam-cleaned, and the muffler and rubber brake lines look new. These engines rarely last beyond 100,000 miles, and the seals, etc. will have dried up, so running it as-is will probably cause oil leaks. These engines are relatively simple to overhaul, so I’d do that now and drive it to see what else it needs. Unrestored open 356As in this condition are rare, so $40,000 is not crazy. Still, restoring it properly will cost well over $100,000, though you could invest that and enjoy the car for years while it appreciates. A good negotiator could end up with a good deal.
Here in SoCal there are lots of 356 replicars. It’s easy to see why people choose that route rather than spend $40K then sink another $100K into it. Some even have AC!
Up to 50K.
Looking at this classic colored 356 I can see how this auto maker captured America.Beautiful Porsche.I would definitely have to have the real deal.
Auction ended 7/31/2025 with a high bid of $65,100, reserve not met.
Steve R