1964 Porsche 356C coupe (listed as 1965) non-running restoration project

Why we picked it

Beverly Hills Car Club lists this blue 356C coupe as a California-sourced restoration project that is currently not running. The dealer copy on ClassicCars.com shows chassis 126327, which falls in the 1964 Reutter 356C coupe range even though the car is advertised as a 1965, along with a 1600 engine with dual carburetors, 4-speed manual and the C's four-wheel disc brakes. The seller does not say whether the engine is the original one.

At $19,950 it costs less than any project 356C coupe sold on Bring a Trailer in the past year, where results ran from $23,200 to $54,000. A 356 restoration is expensive, and the value depends almost entirely on how much of the original metal is left.

The value check

The seller is asking $19,950. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $23,200–$54,000, so the middle of the market is about $38,600. That put this car 48% under.

Project 356C coupes sold on BaT for $23,200 (Dec 2025), $27,000 (Jan 2026) and $54,000 (May 2026). At $19,950 it is below the lowest of them and about 48% under the $38,600 midpoint.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1964 356C coupe project, $23,200, BaT Dec 2025
• 1964 356C coupe project, $27,000, BaT Jan 2026
• 1964 356C coupe project, $54,000, BaT May 2026

What to check

• Look closely at the floor pans, longitudinals, jack spurs, battery box, front and rear torsion tube areas and door bottoms; 356 rust is often hidden under undercoating.
• Check for past accident repair in the nose and the front trunk.
• Ask for a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity to confirm year, color and whether the engine and gearbox numbers match the chassis.
• The car is advertised as a 1965 but the chassis number reads as a 1964; make sure the title matches the chassis tag.
• Beverly Hills Car Club listings often leave out mileage, title status and rust details; this one gives no mileage, title or rust information.
• Confirm the title (state, name, clean), whether the car is sold as-is, and its condition in person or with an independent inspection before sending money.

Making it drive like new

Most owners keep a 356 close to stock: a rebuilt 1600 or a mild 1720/1835cc build, electronic ignition, 12-volt conversion, better shocks and fresh disc brakes. Hidden upgrades like a period-style Webasto heater and modern radial tires keep it usable without hurting value.