'63 356B Super - should I buy?

[Glenn at Pelican Parts]

I have the opportunity to buy this 356. It's been sitting 20 years and does not run. Seller is asking $40k. He's owned the car since 1972 and it seems to be in very good condition all things considered. I couldn't get underneath the car but peeked at the drivers side jack point and it looks very solid so because it's a CA car and has been garaged, I suspect it has little rust. I checked completed auctions on BaT and 356's seem to sell all over the place $ wise. My intentions would be to clean it up, possibly get it running and make it a nice driver or simply flip it. I don't want to get upside down in it though which is why I'm here. Thoughts please?

[NYNick]

I'd love a car like this for $40K. Buy it before somebody else does.
Check it for rust again, make sure the engine turns and bring the money when you go.

[patina]

No brainer.

[MichaelB]

I had a 1963 356B 1600S coupe and luved it. Still my favorite Porsche to date. You cant lose.

[matt930s]

Buy it and drive the snot out of it.

[matt930s]

https://youtu.be/8iQjTZvRWmg

[juanbenae]

heck ya!

[Matt Monson]

Hit the buy it now button.

[Unobtanium-inc]

Depends on a few things.
1. Is it the original motor?
2. Rust, get someone to look at it that knows 356's, not just Porsches.
3. Are you going to keep it, or try to flip it?

If you are going to keep it and can do the mechanical yourself or with friends $40,000 is probably good. If you can't it can add up fast.

And the market for a tired looking driver hits a wall fast. For example, I sold this one last year, matching numbers, ran and drove good, Originally Irish Green. Sold for $56,000, full boat on ebay.

It was a C, not a B, so add deduct 10% for your car, then the fact it isn't running. Add to that the period interior, $40,000 is all the money retail. Which is fine if you want the car, not if you're hoping to make any money. So are you buying with your heart, or your wallet?
---Adam

[NYNick]

Can't argue with Adam. He's the resident expert with 356's.
Still, if it isn't rusty I'd take it on myself.

[Unobtanium-inc]

Originally Posted by NYNick

Can't argue with Adam. He's the resident expert with 356's.
Still, if it isn't rusty I'd take it on myself.

I've seen a few, this was taken last fall at the shop.

---Adam

[matt930s]

Adam, serious question, have you had any issues with break-ins or thefts (considering the increased interest in air-cooled anything the last few years)?

[Unobtanium-inc]

Originally Posted by matt930s

Adam, serious question, have you had any issues with break-ins or thefts?

Nope, never, but having the police station across the street is a plus!

---Ada

[matt930s]

That is a plus!

[Nick Triesch]

I would buy it for the cool radio!!

[mattC2993]

After sitting for 20 years it will need a lot of work. Why was it got parked? Figure $15-$20k to get the engine and clutch done plus brakes, fuel system and tires. You now have a $60k driver.

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by mattC2993

After sitting for 20 years it will need a lot of work. Why was it got parked? Figure $15-$20k to get the engine and clutch done plus brakes, fuel system and tires. You now have a $60k driver.

Lots of DIY jobs with this car if there's no rust. These are not complicated cars. I'd do everything I could myself and drive it as is.

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by NYNick

Lots of DIY jobs with this car if there's no rust. These are not complicated cars. I'd do everything I could myself and drive it as is.

My thinking as well. To me this looks like a fun project car to keep someone busy for a year or two.

[MrBonus]

It's hard to see an avenue where you end up into this project more than its worth. As long as it isn't rusty, I say keep the patina and focus on the mechanicals and enjoy it.

[mattC2993]

The car hasn't been on the road for 20 years and was likely put away for a reason. It will need brake and fuel system work, tires, possibly engine and gearbox work and likely not much more. You could be looking at a $60k driver that needs paint and an interior.