I selfishly pay close attention to the Porsche 356 market because I’m lucky enough to drive one. Sadly, it’s been sitting in my garage ever since I took it to the Ruckus Rally in April. Part of the reason for its dormancy is the heat, part of it is where I have to store it, and part of it is a strange lack of desire to drive it. Lately, I have been worrying that interest in these cars may not last and have considered selling my 356C coupe. For these reasons, I am watching the Porsche 356s of the 2025 Monterey Auctions with a hairy eyeball. In today’s Market Monday, I’ll highlight the unusual and the usual examples of the “first Porsche” heading to auction this year.

Out of the 24 total Porsche 356s coming up for auction later this week, there are half dozen or so exceptional variants worthy of calling out. This list does not include 550 Spyders, RSKs, or other 356-era racers — just classic bathtubs here.

Said to retain its matching-numbers engine, this rare Fuhrmann 4-cam powered 1958 Porsche 356A GT/GT Lightweight is one of 26 built in 1957. While 110 hp doesn’t sound like a lot, these cars featured aluminum panels, a reduced weight interior, plexiglass windows, and other weight reductions to boost their power-to-weight ratio. This car appears to be beautifully restored and has awards from some of the country’s most prestigious concours to prove it. Estimated at $900,000-$1,200,000, I’d say if the right early Porsche enthusiast is in the room we’ll see a sale here.

One of two Emory Outlaws to cross the block in Monterey this year, this 1964 Porsche 356 C Cabriolet was treated to significant upgrades in fit, finish, and performance by perhaps the world’s best known Porsche customizer next to Singer Reimagined. “Outlaws” generally retain their factory appearance with mostly hidden upgrades, such as this car’s 185HP twin-plug 4-cylinder 911-derived powerplant and upgraded suspension and brakes. Finished in a desirable color combination, I could see this car selling easily at Monterey for within its estimate of $500,000-$575,000.

I swear California is where all the nice 356s live. The most expensive Porsche 356 Roadster is the “Twin Grille” variety, built by D’Ieteren for just one year and in small numbers. This is one example where rarity does drive desirability and therefore, cost. I’m often asked how often I appraise a car that is a #1 “Concours” on the condition scale and the answer is almost never. When this car won the Dana Point Concours with a 299.6 out of 300, it was representative of this exclusive condition. I’d prefer to see a standard steering wheel on the car, as I’m not a fan of flexy wood wheels in a car that requires real effort to change direction. That said, with a Willhoit-built engine, whoever hopefully shells out $450,000-$550,000 to win this car is certain to be getting a good one.

No, this isn’t a dupe. There were only 248 Twin-Grille Roadsters built world-wide, but there are 2 for sale in Monterey this year. Contrasted with the car above, this car is finished in a subtle but very elegant color combination of Slate Gray over Green. This car’s numbers-matching engine is a 60hp “Normal” while the red Roadster’s is a 75hp “Super.” Badging on both cars is accurate for their reported build specs and both sport upgraded engines, so it may be moot. All things being equal, the Super would be a little more desirable than the “Normal” Roadster. Estimated at $375,000-$450,000, RM Sotheby’s has taken this into account.

Here’s another rare lightweight Porsche 356. This time, the factory modifications were performed on a Speedster. I find these cars a bit of a conundrum. The Speedsters are highly desirable for their stripped-down, drop-top, pure driving spirit and in-period use both on the street and the track. The GS/GT cars take that to a new, and perhaps even less comfy, level. Usually, GT Speedsters have 4-cam engines while this car is claimed to have been ordered with a pushrod engine — a Super putting out 75 horsepower. Estimated at what I consider to be a bit high at $1,000,000 to $1,350,000, my advice is to do your research on this car before bidding!

Another Emory Outlaw, this car was built in 2012 and sports a 2.4-Liter 911-derived flat-4 engine built to develop 204hp. Brakes and suspension were similarly updated to eliminate the swing-axle tail-happiness of the original 356 components. Additional comforts include woven leather and Bluetooth. Outlaw-style Porsche 356s — especially those built by Emory that include modern performance clothed in high-quality bodywork — are highly popular in the current market. This enthusiasm is evident in the auction house’s estimate of $500,000-$700,000.

This is a selfish inclusion, as it’s here to compare to a very similar car currently listed by Wolf and Mare on behalf of our client. Finished in Aquamarine Blue over a black and tan interior, this Speedster is numbers-matching and beautifully restored. This car, unlike the one we have on offer, includes a tool kit, Super hubcaps, date-coded wheels, spare and a few more factory correct fittings. It’s also priced, or estimated, in a way that reflects this at a guide of $450,000-$550,000. Our car boasts 50 years of ownership and 84,000 original miles, however. Tough choice, but I know which I would buy!

Many other Porsche 356s up for offer this weekend are worthy of acquisition. Below you’ll find a handy list of all these cars hitting the block at the major auction houses in Monterey this week.

• 1957 Porsche 356 A Speedster — Broad Arrow, Est: $325K-375K
• 1958 Porsche 356 A Speedster — Broad Arrow, Est: $325K-375K
• 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A — Broad Arrow, Est: $140K-180K
• 1957 Porsche 356 A — Mecum, Est: $60K-80K
• 1959 Porsche 356 A — Mecum, Est: $90K-120K
• 1963 Porsche 356 B — Mecum, Est: $90K-110K
• 1964 Porsche 356 C — Mecum, Est: $225K-275K
• 1964 Porsche 356 C Cabriolet — Mecum, Est: $325K-375K
• 1965 Porsche 356 SC Cabriolet — Mecum, Est: $325K-375K
• 1957 Porsche 356 A — Mecum, Est: $350K-400K
• 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Speedster — Mecum, Est: $450K-550K
• 1957 Porsche 356 A Speedster — RM Sotheby’s, Est: $400K-500K
• 1965 Porsche 356 C Cabriolet — RM Sotheby’s, Est: $175K-225K
• 1959 Porsche 356 A — Gooding Christie’s, Est: $175K-225K
• 1961 Porsche 356 B Super Roadster — Gooding Christie’s, Est: $190K-230K
• 1965 Porsche 356 C Cabriolet — Gooding Christie’s, Est: $250K-300K
• 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Speedster — Gooding Christie’s, Est: $200K-250K

As an appraiser, I believe that each car has to be judged on its own merits and against its closest peers (or “comparables” in our language). Such assessment requires time and ideally an in-person inspection, which I can’t provide for the Monterey cars. In lieu of this, please view the chart below as a guide, not a rule.

The chart above shows the current average price across each variant of 356 listed above (excluding the “special” cars, which have their own indexes). This is provided purely for comparison against the house estimates. It’s almost guaranteed that some — if not many — of the cars offered this year in Monterey are above “average” and some below.

While I’d love to analyze each car in today’s list, the cars should really be viewed in person with a critical eye to judge whether their estimates — and ultimately the bid price — are fair. No doubt, the usual experts such as Prescott Kelly will have post-auction reports detailing each vehicle.

I look forward to watching the live streams of each auction this weekend and analyzing the results for upcoming Market Monday posts. I’m also somewhat optimistic about the market. I don’t predict a blowout by any means, but the economic conditions that were predicted a few months ago haven’t come to pass. There’s still a lot of uncertainty out there, so to some extent results may depend on the market conditions on the day.

Have a great week, everyone. And if you’re in Monterey, have a wonderful time!

Wolf and Mare provides car finding, appraisals, and auction services for buyers and sellers of collector European cars. If you’re interested in acquiring an overseas car, give us a call or drop a line!