Notchback question
 

I saw the earlier post about knotchback pricing and one of the responses raised an issue I have been kicking around in my mind.

I was given a 1961 (T5) knotchback with a numbers matching super engine that is just starting to be taken apart for pretty major restoration work. My likely engine builder suggests, as body work already needs to be done, that I cut the top off and fit a removable hard top that he thinks he may be able to get for a good price. It is his opinion it will increase the value of the car and make it more enjoyable as a weekend driver.

I really like the concept of an open car and know that original open cars go for much more that coupes. Any thoughts on what such work (assuming done well) would do to the value of the car (either up or down). The knotchback look and novelty is really growing on me, but an open car would be nice. A removable hard top would seem to be the best of both worlds but would not be original. Thoughts?

Dont do it!

There were so few notchbacks built in 61 & 62 that the survivors are a rare sight. The value of these specific coupes are actually increasing.
Removing the original welded hardtop will definitely decrease your notchbacks value.

Agreed..

Back in the 80s I had an 65 SC Cab... which of course the notch reminded me of only with a hardtop. Had the opportunity to pick-up a couple of notchbacks on the cheap back then and passed on them because they needed more work than the value they offered,... or so I thought.

At this point, many have been readily parted or cut into cabs as you have considered doing.. making for even fewer numbers of these. If I were you I'd keep it as a notch and maybe "Outlaw" it a little.

Good luck!

I too have a 1961 T5 Notchback and have owned it for the past 16 years. I restored the car about 12 years ago but asked myself the same question. I don't have any regrets of restoring the car to its original hardtop configuration given the rarity of these cars and the seeming increasing popularity of the body. At 356 events I typically have people coming up to me asking questions about the car - even folks with much nicer and rarer models.

Plus I have recently priced out the cost of converting it to a cab - assuming you can find them, the parts alone whether you go with a removable hardtop or folding cab top is very cost prohibitive. Add that to the labor of the conversion, I doubt the math pencils out even if you assume the car is worth a 70% (just a guess) of the value of a real cab.

Here are a couple of pics of mine. Trust me, you'll appreciate your rare car much more once it's restored.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1201829270.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1201829283.jpg


KTF!

Gabe

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'82 911SC Targa
'61 356B Karmann Notchback

Gabe, Nice car and pretty color too!!

Thanks. I got lucky on the color - this is Aetna Blue and was the original color on this car.