Mention the Porsche name, and many people’s ears perk up. The manufacturer has a long, storied history of producing well-mannered performance cars. As such, two models have given the most success to the manufacturer, the 911 and the 356. Both are iconic models for Porsche. But, it was the 356, in particular, that is more historically significant for the automaker, and a dealer in Bea, California seems to recognize that.

The Porsche 356

The Porsche 356 is where the Porsche company begins. Back in the late 1940s, Ferdinand Porsche got 200 workers together and launched the company building the 356 model. The car was quick and could handle well. From there, Porsche refined it and built additional models in the coming years. But, it is the 356 model that garners a great extent of attention amongst collectors for its hand in the start of the company. 

A 1965 Porsche 356 SC Cabriolet is for sale

A Porsche 356 SC Cabriolet has just come into the hands of a dealer in California. So, many collectors are likely to look it over or call the dealer for further information. But, this is what we know about it. Not only is it a 356 model, it is also a sample produced during the last year of production for the car, 1965. Additionally, it is an SC trim level car, which means it is the performance variant. The car is also a convertible. So, this particular sports car is rare. But, there is more

“Just a few years ago, a full nut and bolt restoration was commenced that included work by highly respected marque specialist in Southern California. No expense was spared and all parts were either OEM or NOS. The engine and transmission were completely rebuilt before the 356 was reassembled. The engine and transmission are matching numbers. This car has the original factory tool kit and luggage.” – Highline Motor Sports

They want how much?

The Porsche is listed at $325,000. That may be appropriate for a historically significant car. But, it is still a lot of money for a 4-cylinder, two-seat sports car that only managed between 59 and 70 horsepower (depending on the data source). It leads to the question, what is an alternative today? 

The C8 mid-engine Corvette

A first-year, mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette may be considered a modern-day historically significant vehicle. It is also a 2-seater sports car. So, collectors may one day be looking for these cars. Today, a new one starts at $58,900. That means 5 Corvettes could be purchased for the price of this rare Porsche. And that is the sticking point. The Porsche is rare. 30,000+ Corvettes are produced each year. The Porsche 356 had approximately 17,000 made in the final year. Fewer were the Cabriolet, such as this model. 

In a nutshell, the 356 SC Cabriolet that is offered for sale is a historically significant authentic Porsche sports car. It was a rare car in its day, and it is even rarer now. The fact that it is also a numbers-matching car after all this time is extraordinary as well. This little convertible will probably fetch a high dollar sale. However, if six figures are not appealing, over at Bringatrailer, there is a nice sample of a 1965 356 coupe for a miserly $71,000 right now. Of course, a new Corvette is still less expensive.