Field find 356A

[field356A]

I found this in a field. Battery box rust is all I can find. '59 engine is out, top end off, heads rebuilt. The transaxle is part way apart. Pretty straight, needs everything, no bumpers or exhaust. Mousey and mildew smelling interior. She wants to sell, but won't price it, offers only. I don't know what range it would be in for this economy. Here's some pics.





So what do you guys think of this old beast? I want it, and am willing to pay a fair price, but don't want to pay too much. I have been told the transaxle alone will be $3-4K. $5-6K for the engine, and it looks like going through the brakes could easily reach $1K. The it still needs so much other stuff....but what a fun toy when done! Am I nuts to consider this? I am a decent mechanic, but body, paint, and interior are not my forte. I hope you enjoy the pics!

[Rusty 356]

All you can do is offer her a fair price for the car and take your time and do things as they make financial sense. Close to 10 K for the car, knowing you'll double what you think you'll have in her to do it right. Is that a wood overlay on the dash? Must have had British iron before the Porsche.

[dial 911]

i say go for it! this is the type of project that when finished, makes an owner even more proud of his accomplishment!

[BReyes]

It looks like it is easily doable, and from what you write it has little rust. You can get it running well. Good to hear another A survives!

Regards,

[vwhammer]

Hi there

Naturally if they won't give you some idea what they would like to get out of it then just start way low.
That may sound terrible and lack all the morals that a proper Porsche owner should possess but in the car buying world that is the only way to get the ball rolling.
Are there any other Porsches lying around?
If so then they know what it's worth.
If not then start at 3k.

Depending on the number of people looking at it she will either laugh at you or take it.

If He/She/They wants offers then "they" need to put it on ebay.

[dial 911]

looks like they gave up on keeping their vw alive.

[Zeke]

One sold lie that recently for almost 8K. I couldn't do it.

[field356A]

This car is sitting in neverland right now. I made a good and fair offer for a car in need of total restoration. She had said she'd sell it, but when I made the cash offer it was more like "Well, I'm not ready to sell it right now." I suspect she is going to run it by her son, but I am thinking this is likely a dead deal. He has no interest, she hasn't used it since 1978, and I think it will more than likely rot into the ground. Too bad. I haven't given up yet, she has no place to store it, where it is now wants it gone by yesterday, and I have told her she could dump it on my property for now if she'll consider selling it. I might charge her 10-$20 a month to store it so it doesn't sit here forever as a rotting eyesore. I have seen many neat old cars go to ruin because of deals like this. My indoor storage is not available for a car I don't own, it is already crowded. I will keep mouse bait in it to keep that down to a dull roar, and block it up so nothing is touching the ground if she goes for the storage here. I'd store the engine inside, of course. But she will very likley hang on to it until it is beyond redemption. Back burner for this one pretty soon, there are lots of neat cars out there that ARE available, not to mention junk I already own.
Later, Bob

[Robert Adams]

From the sounds of your conversation you may have already suggested this, but I'll throw it out there anyway.
You might mention to her that the longer it sits there rotting the lower the value of the car is going to be. It will not be increasing with time sitting out in the elements. That NOW it's right on the edge of needing MAJOR work vs over whelming work. Sometimes if I get resistance in a situation like this I just try to get it all out in the open and ask them what it is that might be holding up selling the car to you or anyone, it may not be money. Once you have that response it might make moving forward a little easier. Maybe she just has to get used to the idea of no more rusting lawn ornament? Who knows?

This is a little unorthodox, but have a friend who would clearly show an appreciation and interest in the car, offer less? If I were closer I would volunteer. The point of this exercise isn't to low-ball, but rather to keep the idea of selling the car on her mind. Sometimes people just need to get used to the idea of selling an object that has been a part of their lives for a long time. That other people value the car as much if not more than she does. If there is a son involved, ask if you might speak with him. It just seems ashame to watch a reasonably rare and salvageable Porsche go down the tubes.

Just some thoughts.
Good luck, keep us posted on any progress

[poorsche930]

I people like that get me REALY angry. That's a piece of automotive history, just going to waste. It's not like these are still in production. They just remember the times they had in it and possibly hanging on to it for the memories. Well if they loved the car they'd sell it so it can live again. COME ON LADY, give your beloved 356 a second life.

[field356A]

After many trials and run arounds I finally got the little beast...It's MINE now! I was ready to tell what I thought about getting jerked around so many times, but I bit my tongue...hard....it was up in the air to the last day, with others trying to come in sideways on the deal. But I gave her cash and she gave me the title, the keys, and an old Clymer's 356 owner's manual. Patience and having better manners than she possessed finally paid off.

[w21055]

Sweet!! Show us some pics!!! Nice to see another one saved.

Phil

[bxtech]

Nice!! Please keep us updated on how it comes along. It looks like a nice solid restoration candidate.

[peachvw]

Originally Posted by dial 911

looks like they gave up on keeping their vw alive.

- Great Book

Good score on getting the A too!