thf944

keep the info coming. i appreciate this. i know enough now to determine that i can't afford to restore this car, as much as i'd like to. i'm going to get some pictures and serial numbers of everything they have. i'll put them on my website. if anyone is interested in buying this car or one of the engines let me know. of course it would help if i had the s/n's already. i'll keep everyone posted on the details as i get them.

hoffman912

Brett, i thought the Kardex was now up to $100? (maybe im thinking of the certificate of authenticity, or is that the same thing?)


by the way, hows the tub comming along?

thf944

i just talked to them. they are going to take pics and get the serial numbers. they said something about it being the 250th car?

RJT

It could possibly be the 250th car produced for 1955 model year. On March 21,1951 the 500th 356 rolled off the assembly line. On March 16, 1956 Porsche celebrated their 10,000th 356.
I've been searching through my Porsche books for any statistics regarding how many Continental coupes came into the US. A total of 1992 356 coupes were produced, but it's really vague as to how many were sent to the US. And it sounds like not all the US coupes had the Continental badge on the front fenders. As stated earlier there was a legal confrontation between Porsche and Ford about the use of the name Continental.
I think we all look forward to seeing pics and serial number.

thf944

they're getting pics this weekend. they gave me some old books/mags to look at. one is a panorama from the 60's. kinda interesting. also some old magazines from early 80's.

thapimp356

Hey-
The COA from Porsche is over $100 now and is very limited. You get Vin #, date manufactured, engine #, original color, and any special option from the factory. Email bkurz@sspci.com this is Barbara, she handles COA at Porsche. Also, for a quick valuation check out ebay, this is what cars are really selling for, not what someone thinks they are worth.
See ya-
Adam
Tha Pimp 356
63 Coupe 212104

RJT

Sorry Adam (thepimp).....But I sort of disagree about Ebay being a true indication of prices. Sure, some cars sell for X amount of dollars on Ebay, but the majority have not met a reserve. When is the last time we've seen a nice 356 on Ebay? The only 356 Speedster's on Ebay are crap replica cars. 356s on Ebay are mostly junk or really rough cars needing restoration. The REALLY nice 356s never make it to Ebay. They are sold by word of mouth to friends, fellow PCA members or Registry members. My 65 Euro C Coupe is valued at 35K. I have two peope waiting for me to call them anytime I'm ready to sell at that price. I doubt I would get mid 20s on Ebay.

hoffman912

i agree with robert,

for anyone wanting a true valuation, look at the porsche market letter. http://pmletter.com/

Bruce's prices in the excellence valuations are pretty close, some times a little off. the pml is usualy much closer.

no one looking for a great condition porsche should ever try ebay, although sometimes even a blind squirl finds a nut. deals can be had, and rip offs can be made. the only thing i get on ebay are some parts i cant get else where -mostly nos parts or oem parts off of parts cars.

thf944

FINALLY! got some pictures. the wait is over!

tell me what you guys think.

thf944

more...

thf944

some more info.

they have the headlights. the tail-lights and front hood handle were updated by the previous owner. i believe they have the parts to return it to original beehive tails and the correct handle. they also have some newer seals for the car not sure which ones. notice the license plate? its been sitting since at least 1975.

hoffman912

have you crawled underneath to see the pans? how is the rust on it? either way, total resto needed. especially after sitting 30 years. but it all appears to be there!

wheres robert when ya need him?

thf944

actually i haven't seen it yet. they gave me the pics. he said the floors were good. besides the floor pans, is there other prime rust areas i need to look for?

Brett Matthews

You've found a pretty complete Bent Window car.
Rust areas; battery box, longitudinals, floors, bottom of doors, wheel well areas, and just about everywhere around the bottom of the car.
Best to check about if the brakes work; my father's '56 sat for a few years, not decades, and the hydraulic part does not now work.
Count on flushing the fuel system. You could take a wiff of the fuel tank.... 'probly smells like varnish!

Still, it looks like a worthy find! Great job!

RJT

Like Brett said.....There's lots of places for rust to "party" in an old 356. I doubt seriously that there is not a rust problem in a car that has been pretty much forgotten in a barn/shed/garage in Colorado. This appears to me at first glance to be one of those, WOW, cool, I want it, kind of cars. But then when I start thinking more realistically, it's OK, a 55 coupe, bent window, and as it sits right now might get 6-8 grand, maybe less, maybe more. To restore it to good condition, 20K. To great condition, 25-30K++. What is it worth after restoration? 25K? But if you are restoring it for YOU and not to resell and try to make a buck, then it doesn't matter. I think this would make an Extreme Outlaw. Purists would think that's sacreligious though. I'm both a purist and an outlaw at heart.
So again I agree with Brett, a worthy find....Great job!

What's next? Will it be for sale? Or restored and then for sale?