new to 356

[armandodiaz]

I've been toying with the idea of getting a 356. But not sure which way to go. The price range is all over the place. Of course I've seen totally restore examples for $$$. But then have seen some good projects, no rust, matching #s, at reasonable $$. I'm trying to only look at the coupes.
Right off the bat I'm looking at this example on ebay:

Porsche : 356 | eBay

Advise please.....

Thanks.

[lupin..the..3rd]

Whatever you decide on, go out and see it in person. The crappy camera phone pictures on an ebay ad never tell the full story...

[Seahawk]

That is pretty rough. The final price depends on what you want...if is a driver, the mechanicals alone could run you 20k to get sorted, BEFORE paint and interior.

Go post it over on the 356 Registry and get their opinion. I can tell you they are a hoot to drive.

Originally Posted by armandodiaz

I've been toying with the idea of getting a 356. But not sure which way to go. The price range is all over the place. Of course I've seen totally restore examples for $$$. But then have seen some good projects, no rust, matching #s, at reasonable $$. I'm trying to only look at the coupes.
Right off the bat I'm looking at this example on ebay:

Porsche : 356 | eBay

Advise please.....

Thanks.

[mattC2993]

I think it depends on what you want in the end and if you really want a project car. A $30-40k 356B is a bargain compared to the cost of buying a $15k project and doing everything ( I bought an A project coupe as I didn't want a restored car. It runs and drives but is probably the wrong car if I wanted to totally restore it.) Have you decided whether you want a preA,A,B or C yet? I would make this decision first. B's are the least expensive.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

You really need to look over any potential car, or have an expert check out the car for you. They rust. A lot. Additionally, engine parts are becoming scarce and are expensive. It's even more expensive to build a 356 motor to get a bit of power out of it. Some people choose to build up a hot VW Type 1 engine, install it and keep the original for when they decide to sell the car.

It's probably a better idea to spend the money for a well sorted car then spend close to $15-25K to bring a rusty car just into good mechanical shape.

Also, you have to ask yourself what you want the car for. A fun classic? a project? an investment? You can spend $10K on a rusty coupe or $150K on a nice Speedster.

They are VERY fun cars to drive once sorted out.

[armandodiaz]

Originally Posted by Jared at Pelican Parts

Also, you have to ask yourself what you want the car for. A fun classic? a project? an investment?

All three!

I wouldn't mind getting a project car, with little to no rust (I know that's a difficult feat), that I can finish and have fun with, and eventually be worth some $$$. I know I'm asking for the moon. But that would be an ideal situtation.

As far as which type, preA, A, B, C. I don't know them well enough to decide which one I would like. I'm just looking at what's available out there.

[vracer]

You need a LOT more homework. These are very complicated "simple" cars. Pre school will explain the merits of pre-A's, As, T-5 Bs, T-6Bs, and Cs. The 356 Registry is the place to go.

[Darren at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by armandodiaz

I've been toying with the idea of getting a 356. But not sure which way to go. The price range is all over the place. Of course I've seen totally restore examples for $$$. But then have seen some good projects, no rust, matching #s, at reasonable $$. I'm trying to only look at the coupes.
Right off the bat I'm looking at this example on ebay:

Porsche : 356 | eBay

Advise please.....

Thanks.

Perhaps our cars for sale section might be helpful:

Porsche Cars For Sale - Pelican Parts Technical BBS