Sometimes, bidding on a vehicle tells a story that’s not immediate evident when you look at the gallery pictures. While a Porsche 356 Cabriolet is a desirable car, I was still a bit surprised to see bidding already over $80,000. However, the details start to tell the story, as this 356 is a 1600 Super model, and it left the factory wearing a one of the best color schemes ever offered by Porsche: Oslo Blue with a red leatherette interior. True, it is no longer blue, but that won’t stop a dedicated enthusiast from bringing it back to showroom-spec condtion. Find it here on eBay with just over two days left and located in Portland, OR.
The seller has some great details about the history of this 356, which was sold new via Concourse Motors Inc. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It’s so refreshing to see one of these that started its life in middle America instead of yet another Max Hoffman import that was sold new in NY and then went out to California. Now, this car did stop in California, which is where it was repainted before moving up the coast to Oregon. The respray is surprising to me as you’d expect a car from this era to re-emerge in red or black; I didn’t think converting it to white was a popular choice in the 60s and 70s. Regardless, it still presents well even if its factory color is much more desirable.
The interior color, however, works well with both white or blue. The upholstery and carpeting are both still in wonderful, patina’d condition, and the seller indicates it is all original, including the gauges. He does confirm it has been kept in dry storage for the last 25 years, so while it is not running, it has been kept in ideal conditions for long-term preservation. There are some rust bubbles noted but it doesn’t appear to be a major concern; the seller does disclose the floor pans have rust as well. Since a respray was likely in its future anyway, some “while you’re in there” rust repair is not the end of the world.
When a customer chose to upgrade their 356B to a 1600 Super, they got a nice bump in power to 75 b.h.p. Granted, it’s not a Super 90, but it’s still a very desirable spec. Combine that with a Cabriolet body in great colors and you have a very appealing specimen. That’s what I meant when I indicated you couldn’t base your judgement of this car on the first blush, as the various options and specifications are what makes it a standout. Granted, you’ll have to spend damn near $100K before you begin spending another $50K to make it right, but that’s table stakes in the air-cooled vintage Porsche market.
This one needs a VERY close inspection. Per the seller, it has been sitting for 25 years, appears to have a fair amount of rust, and mention of the “current” engine suggests a change somewhere in the past.
Despite that, it has been bid up to ~$80K, which strikes me as top of the market for a car that will essential need a complete going-through.
At least when all that is done, returning to Oslo Blue should be pretty easy.
Way back when I was an early teenager, I had a customer on my paper route that had one of these, in dark blue which they always kept under a carport. I thought that car was the coolest thing ever even though I knew zilch about automobiles! I’d still like to own one today except my money tree isn’t producing like it needs to!
In my view, unless you plan on reselling someday or hold as an investment, better to get a quality repop………like a Beck. No rust, MUCH more power!!!
I got to drive a Beck once. Souped up VW flat four I think. It was a blast to drive. Modern suspension so it handled great and every panel fit like a glove, no squeaks, and the paint glistened. It almost made we consider straying from my V8 addiction, but then i thought again.
Rare as hen’s teeth! Will go big bux.
Wow Jeff, you sound like you’re writing an ad for this car! Minimizing what could be some very big issues, talking about the original color first, etc. An expensive car that may require a huge amount of money to make right.
Just the facts, ma’am.
I disagree. Nice write up. It is up to the buyer to take the necessary precautions if laying out this many bucks.
The 3 rust areas, front footwells and battery box are easy fixes and replacement parts are readily available. Nice car. Too bad about the color change. Our ’57 Cabriolet was that same blue and really looked good on the car.