Yet another value question: '54 356

[jim72911t]

Hi,
Normally I lurk on the 911 side of Pelican but got an interesting email today, since I'm apparently a "Porsche expert:"

.......We have a 1954 356 in our driveway, covered, that has not been driven in at least 10 years. It was running good then. So of course it needs work, tires, etc. It was hit in the front a few years back when it was parked at the curb while we were getting a new roof on our house. There is a lot of bondo, but we never had it repaired after that. I would like to get it out of here. My brother has offered to fully restore it so we can sell it. That would probably cost a lot of money and we do not know if we should just try to sell it as is. If so, how do we determine the value? Do you have any idea.........

This car belongs to the parents of a very good friend in Socal, and I've seen it on several occasions when it was parked in my friend's garage. (He had plans to restore it, but life got in the way) From what I recall, the car was in pretty decent shape.

I've already asked if it is a coupe or cabriolet (I'm almost positive it is a coupe); still waiting on a response.

I've advised them against trying to restore it and then sell, as the restoration would no doubt cost more than the car is worth. (The "brother" referred to owns a repair/restoration shop in SoCal and does good work; in fact, he's the one who would take us to Riverside Raceway in the eighties while he was racing his C Sports Racer )

I've done searches on this site and the 356 Registry, but thought I'd post another one of those annoying "What's it worth?" threads anyway.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Jim

[id10t]

All depends on what is missing. A complete pre-a project is worth $, even if it is "just a coupe". Its the fact that it is pre-A, and completeness matters.

If nothing else comes of it, please post the VIN and engine number so it can be added ot the Registry's database. Transmission number too, if you can.

[Bhoff55]

If you decide to sell the car, please give me a call. I have a couple of other early Porsches and would be interested.

Thanks,

Bill Hoff
(815) 262-6373

[912UK]

I agree when I bought my Pre-A I was told not to buy the Pre-A the A was a better car.

Well yes they are right and no they are not. The A has more parts available but the Pre-A is still the first and in my eyes the best.....

I would say I am out of touch on USA prices now but projects range from $5000-$16-17000 all depends on what you have to start..

The nose is the costly bit $3000 will get you a new clip yep no typo..

It's all down to what you have..

I have a mate here in London who is looking for a project pre-A
No dealer private buyer why a pre-A cos he has seen my car slowly being restored

www.classic356.co.uk

I paid $7500 back in 99/00 and it was a complete car and I mean complete and one of the best rust free cars I have EVER had from CA

I have replaced the batt tray and repaired the n/s sill area floor is ok bar one bit I am going to cut out and replace..

Get a pic up and I will let Garfield know...

He has a budget for the right project and is looking for a long term project

not a paint in two weeks bit of duck tape and drive car. But a text book resto..

Mark UK
356 54
912 65
912 69
912E 76 now sold