This 1961 Porsche 356B Karmann notchback (chassis 200438) is sold as a fairly complete, mostly rust-free but still rough project. A lifelong California car, it’s been wearing primer for more than 30 years and was slated to be turned into a cabrio—fortunately only one cut is said to have been made before these plans were abadoned. Sold with a rebuilt, matching-numbers S90 motor, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and original black plates, unspecified extra parts are also mentioned. Find it here on eBay in Garland, Texas with reserve not met.

​According to both listing and PCOA, the car left Germany painted Ivory with a red leatherette and Bordeaux corduroy interior—a good combination and restoration objective. Duct-taped pillars suggest that the seller’s use of the term “in one point” in reference to the abandoned roof removal process may actually mean at one point in time—it looks as if multiple cuts might have been made, though we can’t be sure as photos aren’t great. Either way, modification is said to have resulted in no bodywork distortion, and rust is claimed to be limited to some minor corrosion on the center tunnel.

​Stuffed full of cardboard boxes and parts, what can be seen of the interior looks to be pretty bare–seats, door trims, steering column, wheel and more all look to be missing. We do see some gauges mounted to a fiberboard cutout, but only their backs—it’s not clear if they’re actually for this car.

​The seller describes the car as “fairly” complete, and offers extra parts for what’s missing—we don’t believe this means a comprehensive stock, however. It’s not clear whether the cabrio doors strapped down to the roof are included, either. Here’s a photo of the included Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

​Stamped 802923 and matching the engine number given on the PCOA, the car’s original S90 motor looks fresh and is said to have been fully rebuilt with with correct pistons and cylinders. No word on when work was done or if it’s been test run, but at least the carb intakes have been properly blocked off for storage.

​These notchbacks were once considered to be a lesser model, many having had their tops removed as was originally planned for this car. Now starting to be recognized for their relative scarcity and distinct looks, we’ve noticed more projects coming out of the woodworks, and this is one of the more compelling examples we’ve seen so far—hopefully it gets the restoration it deserves.