The seller claims that this 356 could be one of the most original ones left in the entire world! The dried out black paint made me think ratrod, but aside from the paint, this does look like a good start for someone who wants a 356A project. The original color scheme was a very attractive silver over red and this was a 1600 Super. Looks like the original engine was swapped out in 1965. Take a look here on eBay and let us know what you think about those originality claims.
There you can get a glimpse of the original color scheme. This was a very handsome car in its day and it makes you wonder why anyone would spray it back.
The engine may not be original, but the seller claims that it runs and is ready to be driven anywhere. Sure, this thing would be more desirable with a shiny new paint job, but at least you wouldn’t feel bad leaving it in the parking lot while you grab some groceries.
The seller’s originality claim seems bold, but I’m sure the majority of these early Porsches have either been restored or scrapped. This one will most likely get a full restoration too, but maybe that ratrod idea wasn’t so bad after all…
Here comes the crazy money!
At $69K+ already. If I put my ear to the fender I can almost hear the sounds of lemmings fighting each other for the opportunity to throw away bundles of cash…
I could sell my house….
But that’d be silly. I like my house, and think it has the kind of value I need.
Nice condition for an old 356 compared to the rust buckets that are offered so frequently now that prices have gone into the stratosphere, but that awful black re-paint would have to go. I think that as a California car the underside is probably good, although it would be better if the seller had included photos, especially since he’s marketing it to No America and the car is in Europe.
But there are too many claims of originality (“One of the MOST ‘ORIGINAL’ in the entire WOLRD”) for a car that has had an engine change, a bad paint job, and ugly bumper overriders added, and maybe other changes that I’m not aware of. And I don’t think I can believe the 103K mileage when the car had 97K miles in 1966 on the transmission rebuild paperwork. I don’t think I would be interested in putting up the top money for this car that the seller seems to want even if I was interested.
First just let me say a blunt, “Who cares!” Second, if I did care, I’d be with Dolphin on the definition of ‘original’? Adding to the list he mentioned wasn’t there a little mention of recovered seats?
But even if it was original, think of the really nice hardware you could buy instead of this and it’s not even been bid up yet. Stuff and nonsense!
Yeah, got to agree with the other comments here….. The market for 356s is what it is, they are worth whatever someone will pay for them so this will no doubt sell for lots of money – but not my thing. I might say, that a higher proportion of classic 356s are in the hands of “investors” rather than “enthusiasts” but hey, it’s a free country so who am I to judge if that is an inherent good thing or bad thing.
The seller description is a bit over-the-top for me. As Dolphin points out, the most “original” example would have the original engine surely? and the story about the car being re-painted from new ? hmmm, maybe, but can’t help feeling that sounds a bit of tale (possibly there’s original documentation with the car proves it to be true?)
The problem is, that when the seller indulges in the sort of hyperbole like the “most original example” stretch of the truth, a cautious potential buyer is likely to think “what else is a similar stretch?”
That’s why when you read a really honest write-up by a seller which openly points out the flaws to help potential buyers, it really gives a buyer confidence in what they might be buying. I’m sure that in many cases, the honest and realistic description ends up bringing a higher sale price because it attracts buyers who may stay away from the typical exaggerated description?
oh, and its “bona fide” not “bonified”…. ha
$22.00 to install an engine? Now that’s a deal!!! That’s still only $166.31 in today’s money but still would be a deal in today’s world.
70K @ 8:00 this morning… No telling how far it will go.
Boy you really have to want one of these to be willing to part with that much cash. It must be about bragging rights, a way to show how’s got the longest you know what !! The truth is this car will never live up to the thrill factor of that much cash when you finally drive it, compared to what that kind of cash will buy you in other greater performing cars. At least it’s not a rusted out hulk, I’m kind of glad it’s out of my league.
Folks keep talking about this being “flat black”. It’s not. It’s an oxidized dark gray, as you can see in the door jam in the second picture. (Was this color offered in 1958?)
If some mad soul has enough money to pay crazy money for this, why not? At least it will be preserved in some fashion and not rust away in a field somewhere.
The seller mentions that the color was originally silver.
Don’t forget to include shipping from Germany!
Nobody has mentioned the diplomatic corps licence plates, which I think add something to the value of this car.
Without being too negative, perhaps someone could explain to me what the attraction is with these. A 911 is one thing, but these always seemed like a glorified VW to me. Maybe I’m missing something, but how could you ever compare this to what England or Italy was making around the same time. Sure is crazy, to me.
But have you ever driven one? It’s possible to have a hell of a lot of fun with a car that handles and “feels” like a well tuned one of these (overpriced) gocarts.
I thought a good portion of 356’s were going back to Europe/ Germany. This sell should prove interesting
Currently located in “Bruckmühl, Germany”. Gee.
I think these are a classy and cool car, I do not understand the crazy money they get for them, I must be missing something. Currently at over $80,000 USD and there still is that shipping issue. I would be nervous about customs myself.
Before laying out any cash i would need it verified and the numbers ran, and then assured it could be imported. I dont see why not but sure would suck to have it sitting on a dock in Jersey, Texas, or California while you battle the govt. When I shipped my car INTO Germany you wouldnt believe all the weird rules they had, but the US can be weird as well.
But, I try to restrain myself, but still sometimes email ebay sellers and CL listers who put up really bad ads, or are full of BS, or just incompetent or crazy. Its not that hard to look and bookmark ads that really pop and do a good job, Good pictures and maybe I am in the minority but I try to judge how rational, logical, mentally competent and stable the seller is. Some peoples ads just have red flags all over them. Some people just dont have a clue and while seemingly obvious, they skip critical details like type of transmission (Stick or auto?) Engine (4-6 or 8 Cyls?) and good pictures. However every once in a while you find an ad that just makes you smile. Well written, funny-sarcastic-inflammatory,,,, Those are just great! Was looking at ebay rat rod ads and a guy was joking about low T counts……… and how the car would fix it. Pure gold.!
It is nice to see a 356 that is not a pile of rust. At least this car looks like a good starting point.
I have driven quite a few of these in the day since I worked for a European car service center in the early 70’s, and I have don’t see the attraction either. I used to shuttle these things and every other kind of import back and forth for service on a daily basis. I never wanted any of them except for an Isetta. Back in the day when a worn but solid 356 could be bought for a few hundred dollars it made some sense, but not at today’s prices. However, to each their own…
Granted, they are fun cars, and the price for one in ANY condition has gone thru the roof, BUT here are some other ways to spend “80 Large”
http://thegarage.jalopnik.com/here-are-ten-of-the-best-dream-cars-on-ebay-for-less-th-1695972870