- Ultimate 'barn-find' 356
- Rare model with many original factory options
- Requires total restoration
A late-1958 Porsche 356A Cabriolet factory-equipped with a rare Karmann hardtop and even-rarer 15in x 4in Rudge knock-off wheels, is one of the feature lots of Shannons 2021 Summer Timed Online Auction from February 16-23.
The rusty, but complete and unchanged Australian-delivered early Porsche with its more powerful 1600 Super engine – one of just 1,382, 356A 1600 Super Cabriolets built in 1958 - was originally delivered new through Hamiltons in Melbourne fitted with a comprehensive list of factory options.
In addition to its Rudge wheels and Ruby Red hardtop, the once-glamorous White Cabriolet was equipped with a separate black convertible folding top, Koni shock absorbers, a green-tinted windscreen, an electric clock, a Sunblind with make-up mirrors, 'Ponto' exterior mirrors, Bosch 40/45 Watt headlamps and USA bumpers.
Twelve years later, the Porsche was in Queensland, where it was purchased second-hand in early March 1970 from Brisbane's Maxim Motors by its late female owner. Papers with the car record she paid $1,162 for it - less the $250 trade-in credit she received for her VW Beetle. However, after driving the Porsche for some years it was stored beneath a Newmarket, Brisbane church in 1995 with its odometer then showing 12,482 miles and remained there, undriven, for the next 25 years. During its active years it wore the hallowed Queensland Porsche numberplate 356POR before its registration lapsed.
While today it is worth around $250,000-$350,000 fully restored, it is expected to sell for $90,000-$120,000 at Shannons February's Online Auction, providing its new owner with some unique options.
With its once-gleaning white paintwork now badly pockmarked by rust, its formerly plush red leatherette upholstery ravaged by time, its tyres perished and its 75HP, 1582cc four cylinder engine not running, the Porsche requires a total bumper to bumper restoration.
However Shannons believe its exceptionally 'cool' patina might prompt a purchaser to restore the car mechanically and apply a clearcoat to suspend its current exterior in time, creating the ultimate classic Porsche conversation piece. On the other hand, due to its provenance, factory options and rarity, others might undertake a full nut and bolt restoration.
Another collectible and desirable classic Porsche in the online auction is a left hand drive 1968 Porsche 912 Coupe.
Offered in less challenging 'project' condition, the 912 with its 66kW (90HP) 1600cc four cylinder engine, was introduced in 1965 as a cheaper entry-level alternative to the new six cylinder 911, whose body and most of its other major mechanical components it shared.
Although complete, the brown with black leatherette upholstery USA-delivered coupe being auctioned by Shannons requires some attention to rust and some interior trimming work. Offered with 'no reserve', it is expected to sell in the $20,000-$30,000 range, potentially making it a very attractive alternative to Porsche enthusiasts wanting the look of an early 911 without the price tag.
Two other more modern front-engined Porsches from the 1980s are also in Shannons February Online Auction. They are a very well-presented 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo Coupe ($45,000 - $55,000) and a comprehensively restored 1988 Porsche 928S4 Coupe ($35,000 - $45,000).
To view all auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au
For more details, contact the Melbourne or Sydney auction teams on 13 4646, or by email on auctions@shannons.com.au
To talk to a Shannons team member, call Melbourne: (03) 8588 0809 (main auction number), or Christophe (03) 7025 4974; David (03) 7025 4983; Kim (03) 7025 4979; 'Tiny' Rodney (03) 7025 4977; Ryan (03) 7025 4984; or Lisa (03) 70 254971).
Or in Sydney: (02) 8019 4119 (main auction number), Damien (02) 7911 6012; Stuart (02) 7911 6009, or John (02) 7911 6005.