Started looking for a 356

I cannot help you too much, but I know one thing you will have to decide is what year/model you want. You already know you want a coupé, which is good, but the year matters too.

There are many differences between the Pre A/A/B/C models. I'm actually a huge fan of the later, 356C models. I think they have the prettiest design, and are the most modern, so - perhaps excluding the expensive models with 4 cam engines - are also the fastest/most powerful. For some reason, a lot of the time the C's are cheaper too.

Good luck in your chase! I love those cars...

 

I prefer the A model myself.....but they are much more expensive. A nice C will run you about $50k~

You may want to check here (no affiliation) Los Angeles Porsche Speedster Dealers Los Angeles Used Porsche Dealer ....ask for Jeff Trask...hes been very helpful to me.

 

Agreed! Driving coupes start around $50k now and cabs start at $100k

 

The best value is probably in the 356 B coupes. If you can find one that had a somewhat recent documented bare metal respray, you can have some confidence it's not a bondo'ed up rust bucket. If you end up having to do rust repair on a coupe, you're underwater pretty quickly. Body condition would be my foremost concern, so I would pay a bit more for a car that has been seen in the bare metal. Any of the 356 buyer's guides will show where to look for rust -- Jim Schrager's book is a very good starting point, even if the prices are obsolete.

The A coupes are more expensive, because most people prefer the original body style. But they aren't quite as nice to drive. The gearboxes in the B and C are smoother shifting and have a shorter throw. That said, my Speedster is an A and you get used to the notchiness pretty quickly.

Sunroofs are very desirable on 356s -- if you can find one, it's worth paying a bit more.

Drum brakes in these cars are excellent if they're set up properly. Drive one and you'll be impressed.

Numbers matching is getting to be a bigger deal -- I would look for it, even in a coupe. If you can't get numbers matching, try to get something correct -- i.e., not a 912 engine.

If you haven't joined the 356 Registry, consider it. Those guys are fanatics about maintaining their cars, and finding a coupe for sale by a member would increase your odds of getting a good one -- and/or an honestly described one.

 

It all depends on your budget. Open cars, speedsters, roadsters and cabs have all have gone crazy pricewise. Id tend to an A Coupe. Well sorted they are a delight to own and have gorgeous shape. Agree with everything Bullfighter said- numbers matching is very important- gone are the days of sticking a 912 with big bore kit into an othwise original car without harming its resale.

If you really want to immerse yourself in the 356 community - why not restore a car. Its incredible fun and very rewarding

My 59 Sunroof coupe rustbucket is a case study in what not to do.....but we are now making good progress
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