As some of you may have followed Traitors thread from a few months ago regarding a 1956 - 356A that he thought was available "near a shopping center" I thought I would bring you up to date.

After spending numerous days roaming the area for auction signs to no avail and yet knowing it had to be out there somewhere, I continued on with whatever small "hints" that Tim (Traitor) could gleen from the folks that originally saw the car and the lead started to get warm.

We then found out the last name of the estate that was supposed to have the car. Inquiries to the local auction houses turned up nothing as far as a Porsche for sale.

Then it dawned on me that the last name of the estate, sounded familiar as I had a friend years ago with the same name and figured I would call him. After asking if he or any of his relatives had a Porsche going up for auction, he replied no. I thought another dead lead.......then he said "wait a minute my cousin is handling the estate of his aunt although as far as I know there's no car in the estate but he used to have a little white Porsche"

BINGO!!!!

Well he called his cousin who eventually called me back as a favor to the guy I knew, we spoke and he said he wasn't interested in selling the car as it was originally his older brothers car, who bought it in Germany in 1956 when he was in the Army and brought it back, and he bouight it from his cousin in the early 70's and really hadn't drivin in much...yada yada.....

Asked him if he would like to go have a few drinks to talk cars a few weeks after that.......had a few single malts and tequilla....he folds like a lawn chair....agrees to sell me the car after I (practically crying!) tell him its been a lifelong dream to have a 356, it's just sitting there, I can get it back on the road where it belongs....

The car is tonight sitting in my hanger (the man cave) keeping the 993 and other toys company.....

So with many thanks to Tim for the original lead as well as JoAnne, Mother Superior for the technical guidance, I proudly present to you for her first coming out party .......

The girl of my dreams......

Fraulein Greta Traitor

 

Bill, you did just what you have to do to track down an old 356 in private hands these days... persistence, patience, pressure... oh, luck & cash too - Congrats! it is in good hands & remains here in the USA (a friend just sold his '64 Cab - on its way to Italy, a shame, but inevitable). Tell us more of its spec, mileage, & condition (looks quite fine) as things develop.

 

Thanks ked,

I guess that gives me some OJT then for tracking down parts! The engine is frozen on it so I am looking to buy another engine that I can put in to make it drivable (as well as doing the brakes and suspension) then I will take my time and rebuild the original and keep it for a spare for later. Overall it is in good condition with a bit of rust on the edges of the drivers door, some bubling under the paint on the left front fender, no rust on any of the pans or longitudinals, battery box. Interior is also good, no radio. Should probably replace all rubber seals as well. It's going to be "fun".........

Bill

 

Congratulations!!! Great story and looks like a great find! Is it is clean as it looks in the pics?

 

Jim,

Yes and all I did to it so far was blow the dust off it with a power blower. Last time it was driven was in 1993. Had been sitting in a garage for all but the last few months when the PO moved it to an semi enclosed porch type thing where it didnt even get wet. Just lots of dust and pollen.

 

I've had alot of survivors over the years, & I did not want to farm out the effort & just write checks to make them nice drivers. So, if you will forgive me, here's my (rather obvious) checklist...
a) First, do no harm.
b) Due diligence - research the heck out of 356s, join the Registry (now! with a Forum! sort of!) & find the local chapter, read Kellogg's & Schrager's books, Elfrink, etc., talk w/ restorers, long-time owners.
c) document everything, make notes, photos, too.
d) clean it gently & comprehensively, top & bottom.
e) attend to preservation treatments for all surfaces - there are so many great products now that are just right for each item - car care specialties has a nice selection.
f) attend to the safety-critical systems (I don't mean to insult a pilot w/ this obvious point). brakes, steering, tires & susp, lights.
g) change all fluids (ok, just top off the steering box & who needs ws washers right away).
h) get a motor that you won't have to rebuild right away (you've already got one of those)... perhaps a lightly used 1600N, so you don't have to pay top $ for a S or SC (unless you want to, then pay up to $8K for a fully rebuilt 912 & be done w/ it).
i) get it on the road & drive it to assess just where it is at, short trips then longer ones... the car will speak to you, it will tell you all about itself, & how you should proceed for the long haul (driver / racer / concours / outlaw).

& remember, "assembly is the reverse of disassembly"...

 

Another tip - buy the electrical schematics and descriptions book from Joe Leoni - this has been invaluable to me and I can't imagine owning a 356 without it!
http://www.356electrics.com/books.htm

 

My pleasure Bill. It looks nicer than I expected. I can't wait to see it!

 

Ked & Jim

Excellent advise. I am on it like a hobo on a ham sammich!! Have any suggestions on a 1600N or complete 912 let me know. Many thanks.

Bill

 

It was my pleasure to help you out, what little I did..................

This will be a fun project to tear into, but remember that once in a while it will be a MAJOR headache too... Just breath deep............. It's all love, ALL LOVE

Keep our phone number and anytime you need help give us a call anytime. Just remember we are on the west coast and sometimes a phone call at 5:00am can shatter a good nights sleep <hear that Alexis? lol>

Enjoy your FIRST 356. I have a feeling it's going to be a beauiful example (it's ALREADY beautiful) when you are finished with the mecnahical restoration/s.

BTW: Gunter (our 356) Can't wait to meeet up with Greta SOMEWHERE, maybe a 356 event in middle America??

 

Oh, that Gunter!!! A new girl on the block and he's already got his RPM's up. As long as he can promise to be gentleman, I see no problem. It's been a while for her you know.

 

Completely envious! These are my favorite Porsches ever. Congrats!

 

Can I get dibs when you sell it Bill? That would give me dibs on the 356 and the BBS's!