We were recently asked to evaluate Janis Joplin's Porsche 356SC Cabriolet while it was at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame here in Cleveland. Of course, we took the opportunity to grab some detail shots of the most famous 356 in existence. While the press releases out there are indicating it was originally a white 1965 356C, the car is actually a grey 1964 356SC, as indicated by what remains of the original paint and the chassis and engine numbers.
RM Sotheby's will be selling the car on December 10th as a part of its "Driven to Disruption" promotion. While the car itself is a solid but tatty 356SC Cabriolet, its provenance and eye appeal will be sure to pump up the auction bids. Early estimates are around $400,000, but we would expect to see far higher numbers when the gavel falls.
You can read a great article on the history of the car HERE in the 356 Registry's magazine. You can also see a documentary film on the car HERE on Youtube.
This is the mounting stub for what appears to be a Factory installed rollbar. There's some interesting commentary on the bar HERE.
The engine casting is that of a 1964 SC motor.
The paint on the dash appears to be original.
Before Joplin died, the car was stolen and hastily spray painted grey--the artwork was still visible after the car was recovered and the paint was cleaned off.
After the car was returned to the Joplin familiy in 1973, It was repainted back to the original light grey. Janis's brother Michael Joplin had the artwork recreated, hence this pair of signatures. You can notice that some details, like the side mirrors, turn signals and luggage rack have changed through the years.
The gas flap is one of our favorite parts.
Like any good piece of art, you can see plenty of brush strokes.
Four 1964 date stamped wheels are present, all pressed by KPZ.
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Plenty of Dolphin Grey still visible on the underside.
We really did crawl under there...
