VinnyC

Hello Fellas.
I am from the 911 forums and recently came across an opportunity which I would like some info and advice about.

I know almost nothing about 356 and would like some opinions about the value of a non-matching engine 1954 Pre-A cab. The car has some rust issues and needs to be restored. Apparently the car has an 60's SC Motor right now.

1) What is the current value of a '54 cab with the wrong motor in unrestored condition?
2) How much could a '60's SC vintage motor be worth if sold at market today?
3) How much and how difficult would it be to find the appropriate '54 motor?
4) What's it worth when all that is said is done?

Keep in mind, the car is not a total rust box, but certainly needs pans and other major restoration.

I would appreciate any advice or opinions related to this opportunity.
Thanks!
-VinnyC

ked

Vinny,
In your position, I would first educate myself on the 356 models. The Excellence Market Update is one place to start. Also, Schrager's (Buying, Driving & Enjoying the 356) & Kellogg's (Guide to Do-it-Yourself Restoration) are recommended. Of course, the 356 Registry is the crossroads of serious 356 enthusiasm.

here are my quick opinions in response to your questions...
as you no doubt know, each is prefaced w/ "it depends..."
1) anywhere from $5K to low twenties.
2) SC motors are worth from high hundreds (worn out core needing a full rebuild) to $5K+ (fully rebuilt & benefiting from the latest hi-perf wisdom, but not a race motor)
3) not so much or so hard to find, once you get inside the Pre-A specialist community. prices are probably about the same for any rebuilt 356 pushrod motor. you'll need to determine which '54 motor this particular car had (1300 or 1500? 2 piece case or 3? etc...) via CoA from the factory or online db w/ the VIN to guide you.
4) the Pre-A market is small & thinly traded. {warning: the following is my subjective opinion} it is more a collectors / historical interest market than that of user-drivers (though that is certainly possible - if these cars weren't great, there would've been no A, B, or Cs). it seems there is little point in restoring these cars unless it is executed to museum / concours level, in which case the market may not pay more than your investment. restorations can cost $30-60K (or more in some cases!). indeed, the best car to start with (aside from the Speedster, which is kinda a spl case) is a Cab w/ a 1500S motor (70hp!), so at least you have a chance to not lose $, since you might find someone willing to pay $60-90K for a well-restored car, eventually. For making the most $s (& % margin) in the least time, just buy low & flip it to S. CA or back to Europe.

One must really examine their intentions when they come across such a car. If you clearly define your exit strategy (which includes driving off into the sunset, smiling...), you will make wiser & more $-efficient decisions from the start. Given your other cars, it appears to me you might "need" a Porsche from the '50s & a Pre-A Cab would be a great one. good luck!

ked

one (gray on the left) was a family barn-recovery in CA as driven to Dana Point in '05... the other is, well, just as it appears... very nice!

VinnyC

Ked,
Thank you very much for your advice and opinions.

RJT

We've had two Pre-A's. The brakes and suspension are more along the lines of a Flintstone mobile. You can't compare it to a Boxster, 911 or even a 356 C. It would be impossible to find the matching numbers engine for this car,and nearly next to impossible to find any original '54 engines. In the early '60's it was cheaper to install a newer 60's engine, than rebuild a 50's engine, plus it gave the driver more horsepower. IMHO you should keep the SC engine in there. Then at least, you can get out of your own way! On the other hand, the brakes and suspension on a Pre-A are not matched for the power of an SC engine so that would have to be upgraded.

We love the Pre-A's. The lack of Power / Suspension / Brakes just make them more of a museum piece than a driver, unless you do this to it:



Just one of the fellas ,
JoAnne

VinnyC

oops - I apologize for that.

Sorry. Let me restate that as Hello "Folks"

Cupcar#12

for more info check out Brett johnson's restoration articles on his Pre-A in Excellence Mag - they have been running on and off for the past 5+ years (7 i think).
I agree with Jo Anne - an orignal Pre-A is better for Fred Flintstone - but they are fun in thier own way as long as you have plenty of room and arn't nessecarly trying to keep up with more modern (think 1965 as modern) cars.
A cab can be anywhere from 10-100K+ they are finiacially worth restoring correctly.
rust buckets are being restored now - for a top quality restoration think $30-75K - and a couple of years - sure you can do it cheaper but in reality there are very few shops that can do it right.

RJT

That's okay Vinny. I enjoy hangin' with the fellas, so it's no biggie to me. I just like to joke about it once in a while....

JoAnne

VinnyC

Here is a photo of the car as it is today. Anyone like to comment on price?? How much is it worth in this condition??
Thanks!

RJT

Vinny,

That's rough...... not the worse we've seen (by far), but still rough. It would be a long BIG project. You can turn it over to someone like John Wilhoit (So. Cal.) or Gary Kempton (Florida) and with $100,000.00 or so it could be a Concours car. Maybe 25,000.00 less and farm the work out yourself.

Can I ask what he is asking for the car? You can PM me if you don't want to say how much here....

JoAnne

VinnyC

Joanne - I sent you PM.