356 values??

[naparsei]

Originally Posted by onboost

Again they aren't the fastest/most powerful things out there.. but for most that own them they aren't the only toy in the garage either.

+1

I've also seen some pretty fast 356s on short autox courses.

As rallies, tours, driveouts become more popular, so will the "drivers cars".

If you drive a longhood 911s hard, you are WAAAAY over the speed limit; if you drive a 356 hard, you are "reasonably" over the speed limit...

[Danny_Ocean]

Sign me up! (Not an "old guy"):

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by onboost

And again, I can't see why people keep trying to compare 356's to 911's. Other than comparable money being spent the two cars don't match-up any other way.

I can understand why you'd feel that way, but I suspect to someone looking for his first vintage Porsche rather than his 5th, the two cars are simply old Porsches. The fact that the question keeps coming up (mostly on non-Porsche forums) is proof of that.

More and more driver-quality 356s are being outlawed, which is proof that even among 356 enthusiasts the car is proving too slow to enjoy in stock form. This typically leads to a decline in the "nice driver" level cars.

[J P Stein]

Prices falling? Dream on.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-1960-356-Roadster-Factory-Rudge-Wheels-/160581737158?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &hash=item25636adac6

[onboost]

Originally Posted by epbrown

I can understand why you'd feel that way, but I suspect to someone looking for his first vintage Porsche rather than his 5th, the two cars are simply old Porsches. The fact that the question keeps coming up (mostly on non-Porsche forums) is proof of that.

Then these are the guys who aren't ready yet in terms of knowing what they want and thus need to do some more homework, talk to those in the various clubs/in the know, and maybe get to a few events and get someone to go for a ride so they can get a better handle on what they're desires really are!

Old 356's are pretty, they just look neat.. but they're not for everyone. You've gotta know how/learn to drive them to really enjoy them or its gonna get old for you fast. Its in no way a modern car, nor is the experience.

In some cases, neither is the earlier 911.. they're faster though.


Pic from last weekend.
Car is 57A, uprated engine (not rodded) non-outlaw.. Leaving show, his trip was 70 miles each way.

[onboost]

Originally Posted by epbrown

More and more driver-quality 356s are being outlawed, which is proof that even among 356 enthusiasts the car is proving too slow to enjoy in stock form. This typically leads to a decline in the "nice driver" level cars.

I think most of the 356's being "Outlawed" are below driver-quality to start.
Still usable cars, but when the assessment is done, and you factor what you want out of the car, what/how you want to use it.. the cost is compared regarding a show quality restoration to stock, driver quality stock restoration or to outlaw.
Parts needed for the restoration can play a huge role in that decision..
It's easier/a little cheaper to go outlaw.. and that's why many of them head in this direction... and many of the outlaw cars are used and enjoyed.. as are the driver quality 356's.

I own an outlaw awaiting its turn for restoration. It's been an outlaw since the
60's or 70's. I was talking with a guy at a show a few weeks ago who was belaboring on about how I should restore it back to stock.. the look on his face was priceless when I told him "why would I do that, and mess it up?" It's been an outlaw since before the term was coined to relate to 356's.

[onboost]

Originally Posted by J P Stein

Prices falling? Dream on.

Porsche 1960 356 Roadster Factory Rudge Wheels | eBay

Yes, as I stated above, the price of particular pieces can easily set the tone for the direction of the build.

How about an $8,300 Carrera GT gas tank? Of course there was another available that wasn't as nice for $6,500

[BK911]

Everybody seems to compare the 356 to a 911. I kinda see the 356 as a pre-early 911. The S90s and SCs are not much slower than the SWBs and 2.2Ts.

How about comparing to a Ghia? Nice Ghias are in the low teens now.

[daepp]

I'm 47 and I drool over ANY 356.

[daepp]

Last week on the 210 East

[super9064]

As someone who has owned quite a number of 356s, I can tell you that of all the sports cars built in the 50s and 60s, they are some of the most drivable, robust, and reliable cars made. I can drive my 356 on the highway and maintain speeds of 70-80mph with ease. Most old British sports cars can't manage that. They may not scream up in value like Ferrari's have, but I think there will always be a solid market for them.

There is a lot going for them, that other old cars simply do not have.
They were built in large numbers with little changes over many years, but in small enough quantity to still be exclusive, they were always an expensive car. This means that there is a thriving after market, the patent company is still around and sees value in supporting their older cars. There is a huge and well organized club the 356 Registry.
My rides:

[Seahawk]

Truth in advertising, I'm 54. As a long time Porsche/BMW owner, I wanted a 356 to complete the cycle, enjoy going fast slow, which I can in my rural area. The closest freeway is 30 miles away. This is my second 356, the first I owned back in 1983, the first BMW in 1975.

I bought the rust free car below, a good runner in Cali its whole life, for 16k. I wanted a driver 356 and I found one, for a very good price.

I had a friend of mine rebuild the motor, brakes, suspension, and a TON of other stuff in Cali. We then had the trans done by a recognized shop. All this for way less than you'd think.

So, for less than I'd pay for a Toyota Venza, I get to enjoy a driver 356 for as long as I feel is reasonable. I may put more money into cosmetics, who knows.

The best line I know about these cars: There's no retail price on used items.

[Seahawk]

I believe I owe a picture: