My Dad's 356 FOUND!

[YTNUKLR]

I grew up with this car. My Dad bought it in the 1980s, from someone he knew back when he worked for Jack McAfee. Jack McAfee incidentally was the first owner.

I remember many fond weekends with my Dad in this car.

Dad sold it in early 1999 to an elderly gent, to cover some debts I believe. Unfortunately, my Dad had a heart attack shortly thereafter and passed away. The old guy continued enjoying the 356 for the last 10 years. I looked him up in the phone book once, and told him to give me a call if he ever sold the car (just to keep track of it- I couldn't afford it in high school).

Well, the elderly guy apparently passed on this year--he was 89--and his son found a note in some things to call me. He tracked me down and said he was free today if I wanted to come by and see it.

So, here she is. Originally it was Black/Red, now it is Red/Black. Original motor, recently rebuilt. It is a VERY rare (1 of only a couple hundred T6 cars) 1962 Karmann Hardtop T6 Super. Needs some things, but it has a log book back to 1967 (only 185 miles in 1967!) and is still a great car to drive. Felt really amazing having a short drive around the block in the car. Just like I remembered it from when I was a kid. It has been thoroughly enjoyed - 172,000 miles today.

Anyway, I can't be buying an old car right now--student debt, getting my life off the ground--but thought this would be a cool story that you would enjoy hearing.

The feelings of all this just really touched why these old Porsche's are so cool, and why they exist: for some instants of pure bliss and connection to something beautiful.







Scott

[Racerbvd]

Very cool, you should try & swing a deal, these chances don't come up often.. I would love to find the Speedster my Mother owned & raced back in the 50s...

[9dreizig]

That's very cool Scott,, so you've still got dibs on it if the son ever sells it ??

[Looking_for_911]

Dammmmm fine story! Maybe, just maybe, one day it'll be yours.

[masraum]

Fantastic, it's too bad you can't afford to buy it.

[ckissick]

I wish I could track down my Dad's 356. He bought it new in 1953 in Heidelberg, but sold it in 1956 in San Francisco. Odds are it no longer exists.

[pwd72s]

Scott...this is the one to go for...someday. Sure wish my daughter was a car nut...but alas, it wasn't to be.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by racerbvd

very cool, you should try & swing a deal, these chances don't come up often.. I would love to find the speedster my mother owned & raced back in the 50s...

+1 !

[porsche4life]

I'm still in college but I'd be in debt for that car....

[aigel]

Is it being sold? Cool story.

George

[YTNUKLR]

The owner is not in a big hurry to sell it, but the answer is probably yes. He isn't much of a car nut and doesn't want to see it fall into disuse.

[DavidB911]

Cool story. I think you should try to swing a deal with a family member, where they buy it and you pay them per month. These stories don't come up too often so you should really try to get it. You may get some female action if you tell them the story.

[Rick V]

Dude, You have got to get this car. There is no way it will ever come back on the market. If someone buys it, it will be to collect.
I never advise anybody going into debt but in this case. You almost have to.
Great story, now finish it with an even happier ending. JMO

[DUK]

Originally Posted by Rick V

Dude, You have got to get this car. There is no way it will ever come back on the market. If someone buys it, it will be to collect.
I never advise anybody going into debt but in this case. You almost have to.
Great story, now finish it with an even happier ending. JMO

Exactly.

[Hard-Deck]

Originally Posted by Rick V

Dude, You have got to get this car. There is no way it will ever come back on the market. If someone buys it, it will be to collect.
I never advise anybody going into debt but in this case. You almost have to.
Great story, now finish it with an even happier ending. JMO

+2 Do everything you can to get this car back into your life.

[azasadny]

Very cool! I wish you could buy it!

[Steve Carlton]

What's it worth?

[widgeon13]

Nice story, hope it finds it's way back to your garage someday. It has an AOPA sticker on the back window, is that from the previous owner or was your father a pilot?

[aigel]

Man, not sure if a car forum is the best place to get car advice I agree that this car has lots of sentimental value to Scott, but is it really worth going into debt for? He is just finishing college - such a car will be a ball and chain even if you can pay for it. Where are you going to store it? You are going to drive it daily and park it in the street of an urban apartment area? This is all easy for older folks that already have a ball and chain called a family, a house and a 3 car garage. We move only when a company pays for it.

Unless the car goes for very cheap, I'd save the pictures and attempt to continue to keep track of it. It may likely come up again - IMHO the notchbacks still don't have the same collector's appeal than the coupe.

Cheers,

George

[Les Paul]

What does he want for it? I've seen drivers go for mid to low teens. That isn't that much debt in my book for something like that.