There’s something undeniably magnetic about a Porsche 356 in mid-restoration, especially one as complete and honest as this 1956 Porsche 356, now offered here on eBay. The seller notes that the car wears its stripped-down, patchwork appearance openly—various stages of removed paint revealing flash rusted metal and old colors—but importantly, the body itself isn’t described as structurally damaged. For many enthusiasts, that’s the ideal starting point: a blank canvas that still carries all its history with none of the mystery.

This example left the factory in Aqua Marine Blue, a color that has become highly prized among early 356 collectors. According to the listing, the original engine and original transmission are both still with the car, and it starts, runs, and drives, giving buyers a helpful head start that not every mid-century Porsche project offers. The presence of the matching drivetrain alone places it in a desirable category, and the inclusion of a clean title and Kardex only makes the package stronger.

The seller reports that the floors have already been replaced with proper metal sourced from Restoration Design, a significant and expensive phase of 356 restoration work that many projects still have ahead of them. With that foundation handled and the car running under its own power, the next owner has some enviable options. One could preserve the unfinished, raw-metal aesthetic and simply add clear coat—a popular approach among enthusiasts who enjoy the conversation-starter look of a “patina” Porsche. Or, for those dreaming of a showroom-level outcome, the car can be finished in its factory-correct Aqua Marine Blue.

The listing states that all the parts are present, another major advantage for anyone tackling a 356 restoration. These cars are straightforward mechanically, but hunting down trim, interior components, or model-year-specific hardware can become time-consuming. Knowing everything is included—right down to the drivetrain—helps eliminate the guesswork and the extra expense that comes with missing parts.

Located in Costa Mesa, California, the car can be viewed in person during set business hours, and the seller notes that it is also listed locally, meaning the listing may be removed at any time. As it sits, this 356 represents an exceptionally complete early Porsche project with the hard parts already done and a clear path toward either preservation or full concours-level refinement.

Would you restore this 1956 Porsche 356 to its original Aqua Marine Blue glory—or would you clear-coat the paint patched metal and enjoy it exactly as it is?