Another Barn Fresh 356 Convertible Found

914turboford · 02-27-2006, 11:15 AM

I went to a garage sale the other day and saw a 356 in the guy's backyard. The guy was selling a MB 250C sitting next to it but the 356 was not for sale, or so said the man's friend who showed me the car. I did not get a chance to talk to the owner personally. I think he is ill. I have a feeling, though, that a nice cash offer might convince him to sell it, given that the car is one of many foreign cars on the property in various states of disrepair.

I could only see the car partially behind another car but determined:

1. It is a 356 of some vintage

2. It is a convertible.

3. It is light blue and appears to have been at least partially sanded.

4. I could not see any rust on the hood.

My question: Approximately what is the minimum value for a complete basket case 356 convertible? Assume it is the least desirable year and has an average amount of rust, needs new top, interior,paint drivetrain and brakes rebuilt.

Next question: If, by chance, it is a speedster, then what would be the minimum value for it as described above?

I would not plan to keep it. I would buy it and try to sell it at a profit. I would not want to hold out for the last penny I could squeeze out of it. I would want to buy it and sell it pretty quick.

Brian

TC/TeamEvil · 02-27-2006, 01:27 PM

Have I told you how much you $uck today . . . ?

914turboford · 02-27-2006, 01:53 PM

I don't want to go back and talk to the guy until I have a figure in mind. I want to be able to say "I'll give you $x for your Porsche". If it is not a fairly decent chunk of change I doubt he will listen. I obviously don't want to offer too much, either. If he bites then I'll inspect the car before I seal the deal, of course.

id10t · 02-28-2006, 05:40 AM

All depends on whats in it, etc. and what year/model it actually is. Can you at least get the VIN and engine # for adding to the Registry's database?

914turboford · 02-28-2006, 10:06 AM

Maybe at some point I will be able to. I was told the car is not for sale so I can't go looking at it. I want to knock on the guy's door with a fist full of cash. I need to know how much to have in my fist.

id10t · 02-28-2006, 11:25 AM

It could vary widely... from $1k up to ??? depending on what year, body style (pre-A, A, T5 B, T6B, C/SC) and other options, like if it has a Carrera engine.

Edit - I'd show up with $1k (in smaller bills - say $20s - so it looks like a lot), and tell the guy you are serious about buying but want to know exactly what it is you'd be buying.

914turboford · 02-28-2006, 11:47 AM

So you are saying a complete convertible with average rust could be worth as little as $1000? That is a lot less than I thought. Do they really change hands for that sum?

Jump2xs · 02-28-2006, 03:38 PM

Yes they do occasionally change hands at $1,000, but you will need your hands and and several friends hands to help you carry away all the chunks that the car has broken into, but even rusty chunks sell rather quickly.

targa80 · targa80's Garage

I am certainly no expert but I know of a 1965 356C cab that has not been on the road for 10 years and needs a restoration. The car has minimal rust with a second paint job, needs new rubber seals and top. Original engine and tranny, the car was taken off the road for a left front caliper problem (leak). I have first dibs on the car when the person finally decides to part with it. I am now looking at $20,000 ~ $25,000 for the car. As other people have said you need to really know what it is and what it really needs befre coming up with a price.

914turboford · 03-02-2006, 12:47 PM

If that is the case then I'll just give up. I don't know why people have so much trouble answering a question like this. I said assume it is complete and has an average amount of rust. If you asked me this same question about a car I am familiar with, say a VW 914 or a Fiat 124 Spider, I could give you an answer in two seconds. Alas, I have mailed the guy an offer of $6500. I'll keep you guys posted.

GSpreeman · GSpreeman's Garage

Convertible D...maybe $6K in the condition you describe. Speedster...maybe $25K.

Paul T · 03-09-2006, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 914turboford
If that is the case then I'll just give up. I don't know why people have so much trouble answering a question like this. I said assume it is complete and has an average amount of rust. If you asked me this same question about a car I am familiar with, say a VW 914 or a Fiat 124 Spider, I could give you an answer in two seconds. Alas, I have mailed the guy an offer of $6500. I'll keep you guys posted.

The reason it's difficult is because it's almost impossible to put a figure on something you can't see, and without having the slightest idea what it is? In your first post you say it has "an average amount of rust" but then in the same post call it "a complete basket case". How bad is it? Is it just surface rust or is there a tree growing through the pan? Are the longitudinals shot? As others have said, depending on condition and model (is it a speedster, a pre-a, etc) value can be $1k to unlimited. I'd be more than happy to help but these things are so difficult based on descriptions. Any chance of snapping a pic from a distance?

914turboford · 03-09-2006, 08:06 AM

To me a complete basket case means it needs assembly. It is not meant to describe the condition of the actual components. I could not see any rust from where I stood but just assumed there would be some. I mailed the guy an offer of $6500 on Friday and have not heard back yet.
Brian

TC/TeamEvil · 03-09-2006, 08:06 AM

What would you figure that this one worth? I found it in a junk yard recently and just hate to see it sitting there getting destroyed further . . . some things are still there, most of the dash pieces are present, and glass and bright work and such. The front brakes and suspension are surprisingly still there as well.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v136/TeamEvil/070e9e9a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v136/TeamEvil/61eeefb1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v136/TeamEvil/42fd449a.jpg

even if it only life is as a stripper or MAYBE a shell for a race car of some sort, anythings better this where it is now.

Thanks,

TC

914turboford · 03-09-2006, 08:15 AM

The car I saw looks about a hundred times better than that )(

targa80 · targa80's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by TC/TeamEvil
What would you figure that this one worth? I found it in a junk yard http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v136/TeamEvil/070e9e9a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v136/TeamEvil/61eeefb1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v136/TeamEvil/42fd449a.jpg

I agree with you that there are things on that car that could be salvaged and stored away for later use or resale. What is it worth not much I bet. Twenty to thirty years from now those parts would be worth as my brother would say " their weight in gold" My older brother (the junk collector) for years scoured the east coast looking for Ford model A and woody wagons junk yard finds. He hauled everything home he could find. He is retired now and sells the parts for a decent profit to Antique ford collectors who can't find original parts anymore.

drauz · drauz's Garage

"I don't know why people have so much trouble answering a question like this. ... If you asked me this same question about a car I am familiar with, say a VW 914 or a Fiat 124 Spider, I could give you an answer in two seconds."

neither of those cars, in recently concours-restored condition, are worth over six figures, as are certain open-bodied 356s. They also don't cost upwards of six figures to restore (parts & labor), as a 356 might.

So, a 2 sec answer: somewhere between $1K (vin plate with pieces of chassis & mechanicals) & $50K (4 cam motor, rare options & special history).

912UK · 912UK's Garage

it's the classic how long is a bit of string!!

it's worth 100% what some one is prepaired to pay for it..

The basket case 356 in the pictures is at best worth $500 as i have know cars like that go for that sort of money..

As for a cab well I have seen a Pre-A cab go for $3000 as not too far off the one in the pic.. but it will need about $60-90,000 spent in total some people love the chalenge......

With out pic's it's a lost thread.. but starting at $6500 is a start he might go yes and you have a cab forsale.. But he might think well 6500 is his first offer what's his next offer..?

keep us informed.. If you do get to talk to him then say it's the car you have been looking for and would like to restore it.. it goes along way.. if you get the car you might get the bug to do it up..and join the faith!!

Jayone · 07-21-2006, 07:16 PM

I have to thank Brian with all me heart. It turned out to be a 56 speedster he found. It is on its way and needs a lot of work but it can be restored. Another one saved. Three cheers for Brian.

earlr85944 · 07-21-2006, 07:38 PM

Talk to the owner and see what he says. Don't mention a dollar amount, find out how he values the car and what hes got into it whether its for sale or not. Let him set a ballpark value first, it may surprise you.