Where to find a good 356?
03-01-2005, 01:37 AM
#1
Race Car
Thread Starter
Where to find a good 356?
And what year for a beginner? I'm seriously thinking of getting one now. Seems like there are tons of parts available for the 356 so restoration/upkeep should be easy? This is my current project car, but getting parts for it is hard and very expensive.
03-01-2005, 02:33 AM
#2
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Prather, California: somewhere in the middle of the State
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Tex
I'd recommend a "C" model. They were made in '64 and '65. They are the last of the breed and have the most improvements, such as disk brakes, easier to tune carbs (on the "normal" version at least) and are pretty much available. The 356TALK net had one posted today for the asking price of 21K. That seems to be the asking price for a very nice coupe. You can find them from about 13K for one a bit rough to whatever the market will bear for a highly desirable version. For a starter, go for a coupe with as little rust as possible. Have a knowledgable 356 person with you when you inspect the car. You won't be sorry you got one. I personally think the 356s and the XKEs are the prettiest cars on the road, but the Porsches will still run and run and run. No offense to your beautiful Merc or Jaguar owners.
'91 cab
'67 912
'64 coupe
'55 speedster
I'd recommend a "C" model. They were made in '64 and '65. They are the last of the breed and have the most improvements, such as disk brakes, easier to tune carbs (on the "normal" version at least) and are pretty much available. The 356TALK net had one posted today for the asking price of 21K. That seems to be the asking price for a very nice coupe. You can find them from about 13K for one a bit rough to whatever the market will bear for a highly desirable version. For a starter, go for a coupe with as little rust as possible. Have a knowledgable 356 person with you when you inspect the car. You won't be sorry you got one. I personally think the 356s and the XKEs are the prettiest cars on the road, but the Porsches will still run and run and run. No offense to your beautiful Merc or Jaguar owners.
'91 cab
'67 912
'64 coupe
'55 speedster
03-01-2005, 02:43 AM
#3
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Along w/ Italian exotics, old MBs make 356 o&m seem pretty economical. Yours is a beauty though.
Step 1 is education - 356 Registry is holding the Gulf Coast Holiday this Spring (early April) in Texas - check out www.356.cc. You'll get $1000 worth of wisdom in one day. If you aren't careful, you might drive home w/ a 356...
The physical condition & history of the body is the #1 most important factor about a 356 (excepting historically significant examples). Then, of course, the mechanical specification & condition - interior is right up there, too. It seems that almost every single part of a 356 (esp Bs & Cs) is available. Not to mention the cottage industry of craftsman, specialists & nut-case enthusiasts that fabricate parts from scratch. It is a pretty amazing community.
Beyond all other old sports cars, 356s are a BLAST to drive - just plain fun - at every speed (& corner & hill & dale) + can be driven regularly, reliably, operated cost effectively, and make a fine investment (as cars go).
If I were to blindly suggest an approach for a first timer who can afford it, I'd strongly urge paying a premium for a very well preserved or restored example. (if restoration is your thing, pick up another one) Everyone has their personal favorites. As or Cs? Coupe, Cab or Roadster (Speedster if you want to jump in deep $s right away). All things being equal (which they're not) the T5 & T6s (late Bs & Cs) are a great place to start (or end). A solid S, S90, SC or 912 motor (common "upgrade") are also great - if healthy.
So, you are at risk of buying a nicely restored (on a straight , no major issues example) Silver '62 S90 Coupe. They can be a great deal, relatively speaking, these days. Would look nice amongst its progeny in your driveway, too...
Step 1 is education - 356 Registry is holding the Gulf Coast Holiday this Spring (early April) in Texas - check out www.356.cc. You'll get $1000 worth of wisdom in one day. If you aren't careful, you might drive home w/ a 356...
The physical condition & history of the body is the #1 most important factor about a 356 (excepting historically significant examples). Then, of course, the mechanical specification & condition - interior is right up there, too. It seems that almost every single part of a 356 (esp Bs & Cs) is available. Not to mention the cottage industry of craftsman, specialists & nut-case enthusiasts that fabricate parts from scratch. It is a pretty amazing community.
Beyond all other old sports cars, 356s are a BLAST to drive - just plain fun - at every speed (& corner & hill & dale) + can be driven regularly, reliably, operated cost effectively, and make a fine investment (as cars go).
If I were to blindly suggest an approach for a first timer who can afford it, I'd strongly urge paying a premium for a very well preserved or restored example. (if restoration is your thing, pick up another one) Everyone has their personal favorites. As or Cs? Coupe, Cab or Roadster (Speedster if you want to jump in deep $s right away). All things being equal (which they're not) the T5 & T6s (late Bs & Cs) are a great place to start (or end). A solid S, S90, SC or 912 motor (common "upgrade") are also great - if healthy.
So, you are at risk of buying a nicely restored (on a straight , no major issues example) Silver '62 S90 Coupe. They can be a great deal, relatively speaking, these days. Would look nice amongst its progeny in your driveway, too...
03-01-2005, 04:30 AM
#4
The Hoffinator
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nice BENZ!! my dad had one like that but it ws green. awsome car! what makes you think finding 356 parts wont be hard or expensive? 
where to find a good 356? well in the words of John Perry Barlow and Bob Weir..
California, a prophet on the burning shore
California, I'll be knocking on the golden door
Like an angel, standing in a shaft of light
Rising up to paradise, I know I'm gonna shine...
where to find a good 356? well in the words of John Perry Barlow and Bob Weir..
California, a prophet on the burning shore
California, I'll be knocking on the golden door
Like an angel, standing in a shaft of light
Rising up to paradise, I know I'm gonna shine...
03-01-2005, 10:40 AM
#5
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where to find a good 356? well in the words of John Perry Barlow and Bob Weir..
California, a prophet on the burning shore
California, I'll be knocking on the golden door
Like an angel, standing in a shaft of light
Rising up to paradise, I know I'm gonna shine...
California, a prophet on the burning shore
California, I'll be knocking on the golden door
Like an angel, standing in a shaft of light
Rising up to paradise, I know I'm gonna shine...
I agree with all of the above, especially about a "beginner" buying a finished, complete car, that needs very little done to it. Unless you really want to learn the 356 inside and out the hard way by restoring one. But this would be quite a job not being familiar with the 356.
If you haven't already, check out www.europeancollectibles.com
They usually have a range of 356s from rough cars needing total restoration to Concours winning beauties. They can be a little bold in the prices they ask, but they sell every car they list. The 58 Speedster just sold for $120K. And prices are rising all the time!
If you can, come to the Gulf Coast Holiday (as ked suggested above) . There are about 75-80 356s registered so far. A little over a month from now!!! I gotta get busy! We'll be taking our 55, and it needs some cleaning.
Robert
PS Harry.....JoAnne's brother is good friends with John Barlow, hangs together all the time!
Last edited by RJT 993; 03-01-2005 at 11:27 AM. Reason: fix quote
03-01-2005, 12:50 PM
#6
Race Car
Thread Starter
Will try and make it to Bourne. That sounds like fun. As for parts, I just got the Perfomance Catalog and they have tons of parts for the 356 available and not priced outrageously. For example, the tail lights on my 280SE goes for over $500 each! And the only place to get it new is at the MB dealership!
Looking forward to maybe meet up with some of you in Bourne. Thanks.
Looking forward to maybe meet up with some of you in Bourne. Thanks.
03-02-2005, 06:15 PM
#7
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Didn't see as many answer to "where" as I saw to which car...
For the best deals, (a deal means a nice car in that context: pay now or pay later, U know) buy from a known 356registry list member (do not subscribe in digest mode or the car will be gone by the time you read it): then be patient... there are greta deals from time to time !
European collectibles was mentioned above: good cars, priced with a decent markup but if you want one now and are Ok with paying extra for the assurance it's an honest car, a good source..
PCA mart, hemmings, collectorautotrader for classifieds car ads but for those you NEED an inspection performed !
Bob campbell at 356sales.com
The samba.com
and I'd browse the big california newspapers ads from SFgate or LAtimes...
As for which one, I'd say get either a late C or SC for convenience and power, or an early A for looks and ... for looks ! I am starting to think y'all missed the boat as prices really have skyrocketed this year... So unless you believe a real estate bubble is gonna bring the economy down soon and force 356 sales for cheap, buy your 356 quick before it gets even worse !!!
For the best deals, (a deal means a nice car in that context: pay now or pay later, U know) buy from a known 356registry list member (do not subscribe in digest mode or the car will be gone by the time you read it): then be patient... there are greta deals from time to time !
European collectibles was mentioned above: good cars, priced with a decent markup but if you want one now and are Ok with paying extra for the assurance it's an honest car, a good source..
PCA mart, hemmings, collectorautotrader for classifieds car ads but for those you NEED an inspection performed !
Bob campbell at 356sales.com
The samba.com
and I'd browse the big california newspapers ads from SFgate or LAtimes...
As for which one, I'd say get either a late C or SC for convenience and power, or an early A for looks and ... for looks ! I am starting to think y'all missed the boat as prices really have skyrocketed this year... So unless you believe a real estate bubble is gonna bring the economy down soon and force 356 sales for cheap, buy your 356 quick before it gets even worse !!!
