While many of you likely tire of seeing the word “patina” tossed around, there’s a valid reason why it registers as important with so many enthusiasts. Before it became a buzzword, patina conveyed a form a honesty in the appearance of a vehicle that was impossible to fake. It acted as a validation tool that the car in question hadn’t been significantly altered from its factory-built, as-delivered state. Nowadays, it’s too often used to make cars in decrepit condition appear desirable, but for folks in the know, vehicles like this rare 1959 Porsche 356 A sunroof coupe listed here on eBay are the real reason the term was invented.
There are so many excellent details with this 356 that it’s hard to capture them all. First of all, sunroof-equipped 356s are always sought-after, as owners didn’t always opt for the sliding roof option like they do now. The 356 also sports lots of original features, like its Ruby Red paint – redone once in the distant past – its wheels, the luggage rack on the engine lid, and fully numbers-matching engine and transmission. The seller has even confirmed that the wheels have the correct date-stamping and the floors are original to the car.
Given it’s been a Pacific Northwest car all of its life, the original floors are less of a surprise. However, plenty of 356s never driven in snow have still had their floors done, so it’s a bit of a feat. The original black interior was refinished once many years ago and still presents well. The first owner spec’d a great color combination when ordering this 356, and also had the pleasure of picking it up and driving it through Europe via the European delivery program before shipping it home. A plaque on the dash shows he didn’t waste much time driving the 356 as intended, indicating participation in an SCCA road rally.
The 1.6L engine was recently treated to an oil change and a replacement clutch and brakes. As a “Normal” spec car, it should produce around 60 b.h.p. While this example isn’t a Super or GS trim (those would both be significantly more expensive), the honest presentation more than makes up for its standard performance configuration. You don’t get the chance to buy vintage Porsches that haven’t already been over-restored, so this sunroof coupe stands out as a genuine, real-deal survivor which will hopefully never change.
Had one, loved it. All the bugs ironed out and a rock solid car. This is a nice example put out as the last of the A series.
Iconic sports car in terrific shape ready to be driven. Jeff, your points regarding over-restored or fake patina classics hit home with folks that appreciate a machine for what it truly is about. When we look at this and see it was driven as it was meant to be driven yet at the same time well kept up it adds to the character of the car-which is what most buy one for anyway.
A car like this deserves an enthusiast especially in light of the care and condition.
GLWTS