Value Question - 1964 356 C
 

Hey - friend of mine has recently 'obtained' what appears to be very nice 1964 356. It has had one repaint, was a California car. I do not see any rust repair and the fit /finish is good.

The bad: The motor is gone and has a hot-rod bug motor in placeand recarro seats in front. Guy is asking $15K / he says he can put his hands on the OE motor for an additional $4K

Opinions please. I know almost nothing about these cars other than rust issues. thanks

Would need to see good photos and more details or confirmation of condition, but $15k is definitely the bottom of the scale for any 356 these days. Just check ebay instead of asking here, that's where actual bids and completed sales are. Everyone in the world looking for a cheap 356 is on ebay.

If I bought this, I would flip it - but am really shy because it has a bug motor. I know it is all about condition. It is a very solid car. I have pics but took them late yesterday and they did not turn out well enough to post.

Ebay is where you would flip it. To someone overseas. Re-read my last post.

Yes I did check ebay prior to looking at car last night - completed listings seem to be all over the place. I'd like to find someone near me that could look at it or advise me further.

Of course the completed listings are "all over the place". They are valuable cars, depending on condition. Did you see any that actually sold around $15k? What were they like? This is not rocket science.

I'd look and see what else is not original. You say you don't know much about the cars. You might want to find someone who does to go over it. 356 motors have become very pricey. A friend of mine has a 912 short block that would go well in a car like this, but that's not much of a start. I mention that because I don't think he'd sell it for a grand. Probably cost more.

So flipping the car might bring some profit or it might be a gamble. For the hassle factor involved, I would walk. Sounds like some speculation is already in progress.

$15k for a running 356 in decent shape?
Even with hamster power, that is a DEAL!!
$19k with original motor is a no-brainer.

+1
If I found a 356 like that with the original engine available for under $20K, I'd snap it up in a microsecond. Wothout rust is a huge plus.

Just talked with the guy again - I will go back (possibly this afternoon) in nicer weather and do a more thorough inspection, the car is only @15 mins from me. Then I will post pics and more info.

I'd be really careful doing that, it might get snaggled from you. The web is a big place. :cool:

no worries - he is not an 'internet savy' guy - just a good old school hot rod guy. time is my side

the seller now says he may have access to a lot of spare parts that came with the vehicle from the previous owner (who is also local) and possibly may have the original front seats. stand by.

We have a guy on the R1100S board that would skate you in a heartbeat.

$15K for an original 356 with good panels/frame doesn't sound bad, even with a workable engine.
Even the decent aftermarket clones start at $30+ new.
Engine is separate.
You should research the market.

There's one for sale in Colorado for 21k with an non matching numbers engine but still the right type and a little rust in the floor pan. It's been up for a little while now with steady price reductions.

Mine, original, rusty and not running, but all there except the dash clock (Dad replaced it with a volt meter forever ago) had an agreed/stated value policy on it of 10k.

If it doesn't need body work and just needs an engine put in it, probably worth clse to 15k or maybe a little more. Engines crop up every so often, right now there is a running ready to drop in 912 engine for sale in the 356 section

double post

Thanks guys, still watching the market. The seller has been very busy (he does not have a 'normal' 9-5'r)and we have have not gotten together yet. We have talked tho.

So I will update possibly later this week prior to Carlisle

if it is running and NOT RUSTED BUY IT

seats and motor are dirt cheap compared to a rust restore

50k car if nice and mostly original