Considering purchase of 356 Notchback, BUT...

[Nate22]

...I'm just learing about these offbeat little cars. There are two posted on eBay now:

Porsche : 356 | eBay

The broker helping to sell this car says he believes it to be all original, but has no Porsche COA. He believes it is a one-owner car. He also says it is a 1962, but built from a leftover T5 shell. Does that make sense to you? Any advice and information you may provide would be greatly appreciated.

The other is: Porsche : 356 | eBay

One final question about either car is the value. Do you have any idea what each may be worth? The red car (a T6 bodied 62) is fresher and has had a restoration, is verified to be numbers matching and has a sunroof, however the blue car a T5 bodied 62) appears to be all original, but is not as fresh, and has no sunroof. Both are currently selling for around the same money. ($30-35k) Any thoughts on which is the better value?

[JerryL]

I am a fan of origional when you can find it. The blue car has been pulled, but It looks to have some issued that may be minor or also a sign that maintence in general was shoddy. rear bumper hanging low in the forward ends, why? is the oil filter hanging sort of sideways? the view in the rear seating area looks like mildue?? you would think it going for sale they would have addressed some issues that a half a days work would have presented a nicer car.
Origional?? minor issues if limited could be a good car.

Red car looks very nice, as you mention sun roof always a bonus on a sunny day car, seller seems to be trying to honestly represent the car, a few hrs left. may be the better car.
But hard to pull the trigger without a personal inspection or a PPI by someone you trust.

Good luck, the notch backs are cool.

Regards

[Nate22]

Jerry, thank you soooo much for the input and prompt response. This forum is incredible!

The beauty of the blue car is that it is somewhat local, and I plan to go down today to look at it. I REALLY appreciate you letting me know your concerns, and will address each of them when I look at it. I, too, question simple things being overlooked when somebody is selling a car, but if they are minor, maybe I can use them as a bargaining tool.

I will report back so that all can learn as I do

Thanks again!

[JerryL]

Having the car close enough to see in person is great!! And some times although it makes no sense to me, they dont address small items which could turn some buyers off where they dont even consider the car.

I will go back and look at the car, the bumper could be some half assed adjustment due to the exhaust, it not stock looking from memory like a sport muffler, could have interfeared with tips, then brackets loosened rear raised for some clearance thus pushing the forward tips down exposing the holes you see?

As they say it is origional once, it can be restored a hundred times.

Will go back and look some more.

Regards

[Nate22]

I just returned from looking at the blue one, and it is definitely NOT original paint, though the car appears to be in decent shape, other than quite a few paint-related items--bubbling and cracking, plus a few interior issues. It did start right up and idles fine, with no smoke.

Hmmm...my wheels are spinning, but thankfully I'm in no hurry. Any other input is appreciated!

Any idea what true value is?

The red one is currently $31,200 on ebay with only about 15 min left.

[Seahawk]

I own a '62 Notch. Don't hurry.

PM me if you'd like.

[onboost]

I think both cars are interesting albeit a bit over priced. However, I would lean towards the red car as;

1. the factory sunroof is rare

2. neither of these cars appears as original
- both have at least been repainted. That being said, with a 356 you can bet there was add'l body or rust repair work done.
- The red car looks as though money was spent to get it fairly nice.. where the other looks more like money was spent to get it sold