1959 Porsche 356A coupe, refinished and mechanically refreshed, early bid on PCARMARKET

Why we picked it

This 1959 356A coupe (chassis 105651) is on PCARMARKET out of Tampa with a clean title. It was recently refinished in black lacquer, and the seller says about $30,000 went into mechanical work, including front disc brakes, a 12-volt conversion, new seals, air conditioning and tires. The engine is not original to the car. It is a 1958 356 unit that the seller says was rebuilt to about 1750cc roughly 4,000 miles ago.

The current $20,000 bid is far below what driver-grade 356A coupes have sold for this year, but it is a reserve auction ending Oct. 7, and bids usually climb sharply in the final hours. The non-original engine and unknown mileage keep it out of collector territory, which suits someone who wants to drive and improve it.

The value check

When we found it, the bid was $36,000. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $72,888–$105,356, so the middle of the market is about $89,122. That put this car 60% under.

356A coupes that are not fully original sold for $72,888-$105,356 on BaT in Jun-Jul 2026 (Bonhams got GBP 74,750 for a modified 1959 in Sep 2026). The $20,000 bid is about 78% under that midpoint, but the reserve is unmet and bids will climb a long way.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1957 356A coupe, BaT, $72,888 (Jul 2026)
• 1957 356A coupe, modified, BaT, $105,356 (Jun 2026)
• 1959 356 coupe, modified, Bonhams, GBP 74,750 (Sep 2026)
• classic.com 356A coupe sold results

What to check

• Reserve auction; the current bid is not a sale price
• Engine is a non-original 1958 unit enlarged to about 1750cc, so it is not matching numbers
• Odometer shows 500,000 and has rolled over several times; true mileage unknown
• Check longitudinals, jack spurs, battery box, floor pans and nose panel for rust or past repairs under the fresh paint
• Ask for photos and receipts of the $30,000 mechanical work and the paint work
• Front disc brake and 12-volt conversions are non-factory; confirm parts and quality

Making it drive like new

Since originality is already gone, sensible upgrades fit well: a properly built 1720-1800cc engine with an external oil cooler, electronic ignition, a 356C-style disc brake setup front and rear, Koni shocks and a front sway bar, three-point belts and LED-bulb lighting kept behind stock lenses.

How it ended

Bidding reached $65,750 but the car didn't sell (ended Oct 7, 2026). Unsold cars often get relisted, so it may turn up again.