A couple of options for the ambitious restorer
A badly neglected 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 outstanding vehicles in Shannons 2021 Summer auction, February 16-23.
The very rusty, but complete Australian-delivered early Porsche with its more powerful 1600 Super engine – one of just 1382 356A Cabriolets built in 1958 – was purchased second-hand by its late Sydney-based female owner in March 1970.
Papers with the car show she paid $1162 for it – less the $250 trade-in she received for her VW Beetle – but after driving the Porsche for some years it was stored beneath her Queensland house and remained there, undriven for more than 20 years.
While today it is worth around $350,000-$300,000 fully restored, it (lot 172) is expected to sell for $100,000-$125,000 at February’s auction.
Its white paintwork is now badly pockmarked by rust, its formerly lush red upholstery has been badly ravaged by time, its tyres are perished and its 75HP, 1582cc four cylinder engine is not running. So the Porsche requires a total bumper to bumper restoration.
However Shannons believes its ‘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.
Another collectible and desirable classic in the online auction Is a left hand drive 1968 Porsche 912 Coupe (lot 169).
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, the USA-delivered coupe 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 for the Porsche enthusiast wanting the look of an early 911 without the high price tag.
Unique Cars auction results listing