Help with value of a 356
 

I know this is the wrong forum but see allot of traffic so I want to try here to get a real world view.

My father is not going to be able to drive his 1964 356 sc much longer and I want to get a value on it for him . He is going to be going towards a porsche that has tiptronic or the likes. The car is in nice condtion but unrestored to our records. it has had spot body repairs as far as blended panels and in all honesty is probably a perfect car for restoration as it has always been well taken care of.

The engine was rebuilt about 3 years ago with big bore piston and cylinders all new bearings seals and gaskets, clutch at that time carbs cleaned and resync'd. It has 15X5.5 fuchs with new tire and also the steel wheels with new tires and proper center caps. It is champaign yellow with no sunroof. interior is in very good condition I think the dash pad is sagging in a few spots. The pan is in overall nice shape. No accidents that I can see. The car looks great from 5 foot but once you get closer you can see it needs a bare metal repaint. I will take pictures this coming week and get them uploaded in the forsale section but need an idea. The recent price guide from excellence had it fairly epensive but I want impartial ideas. keep in mind this is a very very nice driver and potential for a concours restoration.

sorry for the miss spell on the title

Drivers (64-65 C type) can be had for 20-25K. Depends on rust and if the engine original and overall stock pieces. The 356 Registry has a lot of information.

Good luck with the 356 Registry. I just posted a similar request regarding a car I come across and the moderator yanked the post since he felt like I was searching for a buyer. The site has closed its free trial membership as of the 19th so unless you are a paying member you won't have access to post.

Body condition is everything on the 356's, more so with the later years. It is very easy to put more money into a late model 356 than the car is worth so late model buyers tend to want cars in decent condition. That aside, assuming everything works and no major rust issues, the $20K-$25K range quoted above is realistic although prices have started rising again.

So the registry has converted to a pay site? Typical...while they have a lot of information they tend to be preachy and fussy old wankers. It MAY be worthwhile to join.

I'll never darken the doors again.

As someone said do the #'s match? Was the yellow the original paint? How many reprints? More details and pics showing the suspect paint in good light. After starts and stops those late model sc's are actually going up.

yes numbers match yes yellow is original paint though no idea on how many repaints if any any other then blends. to be honest my dad wants to get enough out of it to get into a 993 or 964 with triptronic that is well sorted. not sure if that is possibleaccording to what I am hearing though ebay shows promising numbers

It may be worth it to join the 356 registry hang out there awhile and get the vibe of the place ask some questions then sell it. I know it gets people that look at the cars there from all over the world. I've had several inquiries from Europe that state, let me know when you are ready to sell. It would be well worth it to take your time. I will say this I've rarely ever heard of a 356 guy say. Man I sure am glad I sold my 356. Everyone regrets it.

Is there any way you could buy it from your dad and keep it in the family? 356's are kick ass cars well sorted. They love the open road.

My dad is a member of the registry though does not do the internet thing. My dad simply cant drive the car as he once could he had polio as a child and his left leg is not as a strong as it once was so the clutch pedal is the issue. He has had half a dozen 356's over the years several 912's, 914s and a 924 turbo so he has been able to experience a wide variety of cars .

as to me buying it Unfortunatly not that liquid right now and cant have some thing of this value sitting collecting dust as much as i might want to

Take a look at European Collectibles web site.....They have three C Coupes right now. One is $28,500, the second is $80,000 and the third is over $100,000.
Without seeing pics of your Dads car it's hard to put a value on it since there is such a wide spread in values.
It sounds like your car would definitely be in the ballpark of a 964 or maybe a 993 Tip since Tips don't bring the demand six speed cars go for.
I think there is enough 356 knowledgable people here on Pelican that you can trust without venturing into the Registry jungle!

You are so right, biggest mistake I ever made! The 2 things in my life that I regret... selling my two 356's :(

HIGH RETAIL.....wouldn't use them for a reference. Aren't they guys that owned the cars on the open carrier got hit by the train coming out of German Auto Fest?

That was them....I was sitting in the Speedster an hour before they loaded it on the truck. Sickening.

As for "HIGH RETAIL"
The cars that EC has are only there for a short time.....before they SELL! Meaning people (some people) are more than willing to pay top dollar. Meaning, that's what those cars are worth....they are worth as much as someone is willing to pay.

So why shouldn't they be considered as a reference? The point is right now they have a full range of 356s to compare to the OP's car. I'm sure he would be pretty happy if his Dads car fell into the mid to high range of comparable cars.
In fact there would be a viable option.....send the car out to EC, let them sell it for TOP dollar, they send you a check minus their commission, easy!

I have always looked at these cars some what out of curiosity and some what seriously. The prices are on the rise from what I have seen. I see it this way, I have a '31 Ford Model A, A beautiful car but there is a looming issue that cant be solved. Its not fast enough. I dont mean its not fast enough to drag race I mean that its slowness is actually becoming a safety issue on the road. The brakes are so bad that its unsafe to drive with in 700 yards of some one in case they slam on there modern ABS systems. The car on occasion holds up traffic when climbing a hill because of how slow it is. The reason I say this is because cars like the 356 are getting to be the oldest cars you can drive on the road and still keep up with modern traffic. Thus there desirability has gone from a slow old car to a beautiful vintage car. That being said sales are on the rise. Pictures will make the difference here people wont say much until we see it. Rust is also a serious issue. Many of the 356's I have looked at for restoration are rust buckets. My 78SC is galvanized and I can some what ignore that issue with cars like that. The best way to price it is to hunt for similar cars and see what people are asking. Unlike a 911 this car may not sell over night. As a member of the younger generation on this forum many people around my age with disposable income, no wife, and a lot of time for a weekend sports car, are looking for some thing like a 911. Although I love the 356 and would kill for one, I am a rare man stuck in the wrong time period. It can never hurt to price it a bit to high and see what offers you get. It does not sound like you need to sell it tomorrow so I say put it up for well over what you want for it/think its worth, and see what kind of offers you get.

Regards
Dave

Feel the same, my 58 was beautiful but couldn't get out of it's own and stopped like a pregnant sow.

I was in the 356 registry several years ago when I had my 356B. I really loved that car. It just had the "cool" thing about it. But I did not like the other 356 owners. Real snobs! I know they are great cars but with only 60, 75 and 90 H.P. How can you be a snob?

AutoTrader Classics Vehicle Search - Porsche 356

I like to use this site to give me a broad example of ranges.

Would love to see some photos of the car!
I would love to see a 356 in my garage one day.
I don't think it will be soon, but maybe one day.

The extreme end but an actual sale.
Porsche : 356 Porsche : 356 | eBay
Like Dave said, you can always lower your price if you start high.

You may be surprised how many "actual" sales like that one are happening! A 356 has been the one car you can buy, drive and then sell for a profit. I've made money on every 356 I've owned, especially the '55 Speedster.
As for power....my 356 Outlaw would eat Mustangs for lunch!!!
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1335267855.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1335267892.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1335267930.jpg

I owned a couple of 356's in the past, and the last was a '64C coupe, in very good condition, all original. I sold it to a fellow 356Registry guy for $25K, and within the year prices started creeping up. I would imagine the same car would go for at least $35K now. I agree with those folks who bemoan selling their cars, as I would love to have it back now. But I am really enjoying the '87 Carrera every bit as much, just in a different way. Life's short, and there are too many cars still to drive.

Don Ivey
Smithfield, NC

here are some pictures will be posted for sale monday or so in the for sale sectionhttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1336871085.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1336871148.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1336871219.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1336871284.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1336871358.jpg

a few mope I have 17 but not posting them allhttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1336871481.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1336871537.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1336871617.jpg

The car looks pristine. If its a true SC with matching numbers, this car should be north of $50,000. Sad to hear you need to let go of this one but good luck on the sale.

Regards,

Jay

QUOTE: I have always looked at these cars some what out of curiosity and some what seriously. The prices are on the rise from what I have seen. I see it this way, I have a '31 Ford Model A, A beautiful car but there is a looming issue that cant be solved. Its not fast enough. I dont mean its not fast enough to drag race I mean that its slowness is actually becoming a safety issue on the road. The brakes are so bad that its unsafe to drive with in 700 yards of some one in case they slam on there modern ABS systems. The car on occasion holds up traffic when climbing a hill because of how slow it is. The reason I say this is because cars like the 356 are getting to be the oldest cars you can drive on the road and still keep up with modern traffic. Thus there desirability has gone from a slow old car to a beautiful vintage car. That being said sales are on the rise. Pictures will make the difference here people wont say much until we see it. Rust is also a serious issue. Many of the 356's I have looked at for restoration are rust buckets. My 78SC is galvanized and I can some what ignore that issue with cars like that. The best way to price it is to hunt for similar cars and see what people are asking. Unlike a 911 this car may not sell over night. As a member of the younger generation on this forum many people around my age with disposable income, no wife, and a lot of time for a weekend sports car, are looking for some thing like a 911. Although I love the 356 and would kill for one, I am a rare man stuck in the wrong time period. It can never hurt to price it a bit to high and see what offers you get. It does not sound like you need to sell it tomorrow so I say put it up for well over what you want for it/think its worth, and see what kind of offers you get.

Regards
Dave[/QUOTE]


I watched a show not long ago with Alain de Cadenet driving a vintage Ferrari in the California Mille. He was stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic while the brakes ended up getting a bit hot. He expressed his concern about driving an older car mixed in with modern traffic. He shortly after rear ended the car in front of him.

Very nice car good luck with the sale.

I wish but in order to be pristine it would need a bare metal respray. My dad is pretty OCD when it comes to clean cars it drives him nut when he comes over and sees my kids junk in out suburban that needs a french frie flush once every month;)

I wish I could put it for sale for $40K but I also dont want to scare people away either

^^^ This - go to eBay and browse all the 356 cars there - this will give you a feel for what others are asking.

There is a wide variation in the years, models, and conditions of these cars so you'll have to sort through these variables to figure out where you should be.

Also - if you can take the car to a local shop which routinely works on these cars - and knows their stuff - have a PPI done and document it. Older more valuable collector cars like these can bring some serious money but with that market there is major scrutiny, as there should be. It's all about the details of the condition of the car. Potential buyers will want to see this anyway - so save time and also this will help you in determining proper value of the car.

Lastly - the 356 Registry has local "groups" which operate as separate clubs...look yours up (look in your dad's recent issue of the registry magazine - they are listed in the front) and contact the local president and let him know you want to sell the car. He can help you get it listed or point you in the right direction.

The 356 group are the most structured and technically savvy of all Porsche models but yes within' their ranks you will find a fair share of snobs - but most of the owners are not that way at all.....get in touch with your local group and they will be your best resource.

And don't forget eBay is a good starting point to see what the market looks like.

You can always post a classified in PP too.

Good luck and KTF!

No offense but I'm not too crazy about Fuchs on a tub......I'm more of a purist and appreciate originality. That said mine is a driver and I embrace my jealous lover's scratch down the passenger side. :)

I wouldn't list this car for under $50K if I were you. The market is inching back up and I predict in a year it will really start shooting back up. Might be worth even hanging onto another year....just my 2 cents.

no offense taken he also has the correct original wheels with brand new tires and nice hub caps

I love this 356 so much. After completely restoring (and selling) a 62 westfalia when I moved to California because it was such a pain to drive ( too slow to get going and too slow to stop). I always thought a 356 would be similar. But this is perfect, power, breaks, good rubber, and freeking gorgeous in every aspect...lucky person is who bought this from you.....

Different strokes for different folks.

I have a friend, who is also a client, and he is a "car guy" but his idea of a classic is a Viper, which he bought, and an SRT Challenger, which he just bought. He had recently owned a Cayenne, which he got rid of because the repair bills were too much over the past 2 years. He may never know the same pleasure I get from driving an original 356 because his mind is on pure power - not legacy nor heritage. Ironically - a well tuned tub in good condition can really scoot. Most who ride in mine are amazed at how quick they are and how much fun they are to drive. A 4 cylinder. Of course, the driver makes a huge difference too in how a car performs. ;)

Yesterday he made an interesting unsolicited comment to me which speaks volumes about his slant on things...."FWIW, the SRT could outperform the Cayenne on any track." What can you say to a comment like that? It has no relevance to anything :rolleyes:

And that was the car's fault? A poor carpenter blames his tools.

Thanks!
I truly miss this car everyday. But it was not the most practical of all the 356s I've had.....It was a beast. It was not a 356 you could go for an easy quiet ride in the country in. It was obnoxious and in 10/10ths all the time......And I still miss it.

I bought it for 60K. Owned it for three years and sold it to European Collectibles for 90K.
They sold it to a guy in Ireland for 110K.
That was my point about consigning a car to EC. They will get top dollar for the car and the consignor has the option to sell it or not. If it sells EC takes a 10% fee. Of course transporting the car to SoCal is your responsibility.

posted for sale


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/677626-1964-356-sc-fs-trade-964-993-tiptronic.html

That appears to be a very nice car, I think you are in the ballpark on asking price if not a little low. $50 k starting price does not seem out of line. If I were you I would put the original wheels and caps on and sell the Fuchs seperately. Originals will enhance or not deter from the price as the Fuchs might, also if those Fuchs are 15"x4.5" they could be worth north of 3k.

David

QUOTE=And that was the car's fault? A poor carpenter blames his tools.



Alain de Cadenet certainly knows how to drive a vintage sports car... He voiced his frustration with the heavy traffic. While trying to leave enough space between his car and the one in front of him, another car would squeeze in and fill the space he just created. He was never able to get more than a car length of spacing.

Good looking car, I got my car for a deal...but that one being #s matching and the original color should be close to $50k. If you could, maybe put on a set of steel wheels with hubcaps for the "right look"...even though the fuchs will make the car perform better.

I really like that muffler, what's the story with it?

just to follow up thanks everyone for the info the car has been sold and sounds like it will get a full restoration. Sold inbetween the values that everyone gave thanks again now my dad will start searching for another car to fit his needs