Porsche 356 Borghi Abarth Is a Coachbuilt Classic

Unique Piece

Porsche vehicles have long served as popular blank canvases for coachbuilders, the types of companies that add their own unique bodywork to a proven platform. However, few have quite as interesting a history as the Porsche 356 Borghi Abarth seen here, which is currently up for grabs in an auction being hosted by Car and Classic.

Photos: Car and Classic

Racing Inspired

This particular story began when Italian coachbuilder Aldo Borghi moved to Buenos Aires and opened up a body shop, shortly after which he was tasked with giving a fire-damaged 1953 356 a new body by its owner. Borghi went to work drawing up his idea of what that should look like, with styling inspired by the Rocco Motto Abarth racers.

Photos: Car and Classic

Back and Forth

The project was completed in 1965, though a few years later - in 1972, Borghi was able to buy his creation from its owner, after which he made a few changes and raced the car in a number of events. It was later returned to its original 1965 spec during a restoration in the 1990s, and today, it remains in stellar condition.

Photos: Car and Classic

Spartan Cabin

Like many. coach-built cars, this 356 retains much of its original interior, though it's been enhanced with things like quilted upholstery with classic plaid inserts everywhere, a three-spoke Indy steering wheel, sliding windows, and a battery that's been relocated inside the cabin - befitting of a racing-inspired build.

Photos: Car and Classic

One of a Kind

Of course, the Porsche's hand-made body is the real story here, loosely based on the Abarth 356, yet with its own distinctive style. It's a unique look for certain, and one that we guarantee you won't see anywhere else. On top of that, the silver paint remains in flawless condition, a testament to the care this Porsche has received since its restoration was completed.

Photos: Car and Classic

Fun Driver

Mechanically speaking, the 356 Borghi Abarth is powered by a twin-carb 1600cc boxer engine that's mated to a four-speed manual transmission. It's said to run and drive perfectly, and despite its modest output, is rather fun to drive thanks to its svelte weight.

Photos: Car and Classic

Difficult Valuation

An incredibly cool and unique piece of Porsche history, one might expect the 356 Borghi Abarth to sell for big bucks, but it's also so unique that it's really impossible to tell just how much someone is willing to shell out for it. In this case, the auction was finished with a top bid of €137,000, 

Photos: Car and Classic

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