Need advice on buying a restorable 356
07-09-2016, 01:20 PM
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
Need advice on buying a restorable 356
Hello 356 folks. I usually am over on the GT3 forum, but I have caught the 356 fever again. I say again, because I bought a complete, non-running '65 356C while in grad school for $4000, but had to sell it, because, well...I was in grad school.
I am looking for a project car again. I am looking for something to work on in the garage as time permits. I am more concerned about the mechanics than the body. Any advice on prices, least expensive year, what to look for, etc?
Thanks,
Marc
P.S. Have you seen the 356's in the latest issue of Christophorus? If so, I am looking for something like the blue one in Cuba.
I am looking for a project car again. I am looking for something to work on in the garage as time permits. I am more concerned about the mechanics than the body. Any advice on prices, least expensive year, what to look for, etc?
Thanks,
Marc
P.S. Have you seen the 356's in the latest issue of Christophorus? If so, I am looking for something like the blue one in Cuba.
07-11-2016, 01:42 PM
#3
Instructor
If going the restore it yourself route, would seriously encourage you to reconsider unless you have reasonable talent in body/paint/upholstery work. For the mechanicals, it only makes sense to farm that out to a reputable source.
My '63 cab project took a long time and was way over budget (not unexpected, but none-the-less, expensive) because the skills necessary to do the work was not from my hands. Lots of hidden rust, prior incorrect body work and botched interior/top work.
However, the car warranted a correct restoration and the buy in during 2008 was right.
Was lucky to find (year and a half ago) a '59 A Coupe where mechanicals were perfect and the only necessary attention needed was cosmetics. A pretty poor "driveway" paint job and took the time to wet sand and polish back to acceptable condition. Single family owned since 1960. Always garaged and cared for over the years and included were lots of spare parts, books, manuals, and a well detailed journal of all the work completed on the car. This kind of car is out there, but think there will be a premium to buy. In the long run, it is more cost effective and less trauma to life. Join 356 Registry.
My '63 cab project took a long time and was way over budget (not unexpected, but none-the-less, expensive) because the skills necessary to do the work was not from my hands. Lots of hidden rust, prior incorrect body work and botched interior/top work.
However, the car warranted a correct restoration and the buy in during 2008 was right.
Was lucky to find (year and a half ago) a '59 A Coupe where mechanicals were perfect and the only necessary attention needed was cosmetics. A pretty poor "driveway" paint job and took the time to wet sand and polish back to acceptable condition. Single family owned since 1960. Always garaged and cared for over the years and included were lots of spare parts, books, manuals, and a well detailed journal of all the work completed on the car. This kind of car is out there, but think there will be a premium to buy. In the long run, it is more cost effective and less trauma to life. Join 356 Registry.
07-15-2016, 01:25 AM
#6
Instructor
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Santa Monica
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Marc, no offense intended, but it appears you aren't very familiar with these cars. The values have increased substantially, so the stakes are high.
A car needing bodywork can be a real financial hole. You can easily spend $50k + on metalwork and paint. Mechanicals aren't cheap either, but not so open ended.
Think about what kind of experience and car you want to end up with, and find somebody knowledgeable to assist you. A good guiding principle is to buy the nicest car you can afford.
A car needing bodywork can be a real financial hole. You can easily spend $50k + on metalwork and paint. Mechanicals aren't cheap either, but not so open ended.
Think about what kind of experience and car you want to end up with, and find somebody knowledgeable to assist you. A good guiding principle is to buy the nicest car you can afford.
