The 356 Cabriolet I bought didn’t meet reserve on Bring-a-Trailer last September. Why? I’m not sure. But, I think not having the Kardex played a role. And not being able to prove that the engine was original to the car also played a role in the price I was willing to pay for the 356. I had a hunch it was the original engine. But, I wasn’t sure.

Before I bought the car, I pulled the number stamped on the engine. It is Engine Number 716901.

I then checked the engine numbers used for Porsche engines manufactured in 1965, the year the car was built. What I found was that the engine was the 96th engine built that year. I then checked the VIN number. The car was the 93rd cabriolet built in 1965. Pretty close. It wasn’t unusual for the engines coming down the assembly line to follow a progression that was slightly different than the chassis. Some engines were used in coupes. Others were set aside for other purposes. So the numbers related to this car and engine were close enough that it seemed very likely that the engine is original to the car.

Immediately after buying the car, the first thing I did was order the Kardex. I waited patiently for a week or so until it arrived. And here it is:

When the Kardex came in, I was elated. Engine number 716901. Confirmed! Yes, the engine is the original engine to the car. Next was the transmission number. Today, I checked the transmission lube while I had it on a lift at a friend’s house. While under the car, I pulled the transmission numbers.

Transmission number 85 174-741/2C. The transmission is original as well. I still need to check the numbers on the hood, engine lid, and doors, all of which are numbered on a 356. But, having the original engine and transmission in the car makes me pretty happy. Does it add value? Yes. How much? I don’t know. It doesn’t really matter to me. It’s just cool!