Rotten Robby

Let's just say I am a fan of 356 Coupes and I saw one that was interesting. It is a 1956 coupe in a light blue with a "1600 Normal" engine. It is a driver with nicks and bruises but ran very nicely. What is a range that these cars are presently worth? I am a 911 and 914 guy so while I admire the 356 I never have seen one that was on the market.

ked

Rotten, I think you are getting little guidance because you provide very little information about the car you are considering, there is a great variance in price among 356s, & the market is unsettled at this time. It is usually the "unseen" aspect of a 356 that influences its value the most - is there rust... deeply hidden rust that is not readily apparent? has it had accidents / poor repair? mechanical & cosmetic repair & restoration is not cheap either.

I can conceive of a '56 as you describe being worth anywhere from $10k to $40k.... "it depends". If it is an example you are really taken with (how many 356s have you examined & tested?), then I'd find an expert who could inspect the car in detail & then w/ that report talk w/ dealers who specialize in 356s for guidance (& take lotsa pictures). Happy Hunting!

see Specialty Dealers here:
http://www.356registry.com/clubsvendors/vendors/

cal44

Spot on Ked.

Kahdmus

Also, if your serious, I think joining the registry and perusing as many ads as possible can give you an idea of what types of ranges different cars can command. Searching and posting here can provide details as to what sort of cost is associated with necessary repairs etc. This can help greatly.

jcnesq

If you intend to buy a 356, join the registry - best $35 you could ever spend. But you don't have to be a member to peruse the forum http://356registry.com/forum/index.php.

Ked gives great advice. But just to venture a wild guess, if it runs and drives well but cosmetically is rough, $10-20K is probably a better range. Any value could be destroyed by serious rust or other problems.

Rotten Robby

I am looking for a WAG. $10K - $20K and $10K - $40K is fine. I have local experts I can have examine the car. I just want the WAG to see if it is worth bothering them to appraise it.