1960 Porsche 356 – Project Profile

Buying a project car can be a great way to get behind the wheel of something that might normally be out of your price range. Take for example, this glorious 1960 Porsche 356. Were it completely buttoned up, it would be a spendy old machine. However, this one needs a few final tweaks and turns, and as such, will almost certainly be something of a bargain. So long as you do indeed bid on it of course. What makes this 1960 Porsche 356 even better is that fact that it’s a running, driving car, so you can start enjoying it from the very moment you collect it. And it’ll only get better as you improve it bit by bit in the future. Perfect.

What is it?

The car we have here is a 1960 Porsche 356 T5 B. The B moniker puts it firmly in the middle of the 356’s evolution, and also makes it exceptionally desirable. This one is powered by a rear-mounted 1,600cc air-cooled flat-four engine driving the rear wheels via a manual transmission. The engine breathes through a pair of Zenith carbs, and the engine has been recently serviced, so it’s in fine running order. The car runs and drives as it should, the electrics are mostly present and correct (the wiper motor needs fitting), the interior is all there, the wheels are new as are the tyres. Also, while the body may not be perfect, it has been repainted in the past which gives it a great, deep shine.

Why is it a project? 

There are a couple of reasons this 1960 Porsche 356 falls into the project category. Firstly, there are bits that need finishing, like the trim (included) the aforementioned wiper motor, then there is the overall condition of the car. Yes, a lot has been renewed or refreshed, like the engine, interior and wheels, but the car is still far from concours. There are dings and dents here and there (on the nose, for example), there is some evidence of corrosion (albeit now treated) in some areas, and then there’s the trim, though you may want to leave that off the car. We think it looks better. For us, this is a car to buy, tweak and simply enjoy. It’s a 356 you can get in, drive and just appreciate. In many respects, that makes it a much more attractive proposition than a perfect show car.

What should you look for?

This Porsche 356 is on Car & Classic Auctions, meaning we have done the hard work for you. Our roving photographer has been inside, outside and under the car, meaning you can see it in great detail from the comfort of your own home. Pore over the pictures, read the detailed listing, and you’ll see just how solid and pleasing this lovely old Porsche is.

What should you do with it?

Restoring this 1960 Porsche 356 to being minty would be, in our opinion, pointless. This car has some age to it, some signs of life. We’d be keen to build on that. Maybe, as the listing writer suggested, you could go down the outlaw route and make it into something custom. Maybe you could go wild and turn it into a road rally car for event use. Or, maybe you could just finish off those few little bits and bobs, and then enjoy it as a road car. It’ll be a 356 that will still turn heads, but one you won’t end up being afraid to use. Whatever your plan, you can only do it if you bid!