356?

For <$75K, you'll be looking at a coupe with a pushrod (not four cam) engine. "Good" all comes down to the body -- you can buy rusty ones all day for a lot less than that. A sunroof coupe is more pleasant because no a/c, also brings a bit of a premium. Other than that it's sort of a tradeoff between aesthetics and mechanical refinement -- early ones had more of the former; later ones had more of the latter. The good news is that if you find one with good metal and good compression that you don't need to set aside the usual Ferrari "$20K just in case" fund, because an engine rebuild is probably less than a Boxer major service.

The "pre-A" 356s ended in 1955, and were very primitive, VW-based, etc. They're also very collectible so if you find one under $75K it's probably more of a project car. Not great to drive, with ultra-skinny tires and little power.

356As came next and tend to be worth more than the 356Bs due to prettier looks and vastly improved suspension, gearbox, tire/wheel package, etc. All 356s look kind of the same to casual onlookers, but Porsche changed nearly everything with the 356A. The early ones have the beehive tail lights; later ones have teardrop tail lights.

356Bs are the cheapest, and actually nice to drive with an improved gearbox and more powerful engine options. They have bigger bumpers and raised headlamps to comply with federal regulations, so most people find them less attractive. They're also pretty common for such old cars. My first long 356 drive was in a '61 coupe in Bali blue. Terrific car. They tend to sell for less than more attractive 356As, and less than the more mechanically refined 356Cs. So, in a sense, they can be a lot of vintage sports car for the money.

356Cs are also sought after, and had the first disc brakes in the Porsche lineup. Probably the best one to get for lots of driving. Also better power, although the earlier engines can be rebuilt for better output.

I would look for one that's already had a documented restoration or has always been a dry climate car. They rust badly, and full restorations can run $100K-$200K.

Make sure you drive one before committing. They're LOUD, and with the floor-hinged pedals and elaborate shift linkages they don't feel anything like a late model 911.

 

Join the 356 Registry - and speak to some 356 guys best source for guidance and where to have work done if you're not planning on doing it yourself.

Bullfighter has got it spot on - they all rust the mechanicals are the easy part - if the body needs work it will be 5 to 10 times more than you can see .....

If you can get a restored car then I would recommend that route ......

 

You should be able to find an excellent example for $75k...It will be a coupe of course. I've owned, driven and restored dozens except Carrera's and Pre-A's. They are great cars to own, drive and work on. These cars have excellent club support, parts are plentiful so is good advice.

Indeed the body condition is paramount. The mechanicals are extremely robust and once sorted need very little attention and money to run. I disagree with the previous post that it takes 100-200k to have one restored properly, it can be done for a fraction of those numbers unless your trying to go to Pebble or the Parade.

Keep in mind these are not powerful cars but the balance, handling and smooth controls of a properly sorted car more than make up for raw horsepower. I might also add the the idea that these cars are tail happy and take some special skills to pitch around corners quickly is nonsense, I've whipped and autocrossed stock cars plenty and they give lots of feedback to safely hustle one around a mountain road.

Join the club, buy Jim Schragers book, get expert help inspecting the body...enjoy.

Tom in So Cal

 

Bare minimum for a complete cab will be $50,000. Probably closer to the low $60's. Rule of thumb: Cabs are 2x the price of coupes, roadsters are 2x the price of cabs and speedsters are 2x the price of roadsters. The cab is the best deal

 

You will want to consider an early 911 as well.

We watch values and 356 values are increasing but..not at the same rate as any early 911s.
Note the S.

Earlier the better.

From what I have seen:
1967 911s fully restored near perfect car...up to $175-200k. There was a sale of a 67S about a year ago for $250k. There are 3-4 (that I know of) restored cars for sale now that are in the mid $100s. The details on the 67S are unique to that model year...the 67S was also the first year for any 911 S. In terms of obvious potential collectibility...go for the 67S.

Newer cars up to 73 UNRESTORED but, great drivers are selling fast between $75k-100k.
There have been sales of restored 70-70 911 S (esses) selling in the mid $100s.

Folks are projecting that the pre 73 911 S (esses) will follow the 73 911 RS's appreciation curve. *$350-500k.

I want to get a 356 as well. Great looking cars. I may switch to an early 911 because they are vastly more advanced and offer a less antiquated driving experience. AND it appears the early 911 esses are on quickly going up in value vs the 356's that are appreciating but, not as fast.

Watch the Monterey auction results this August for the true current pricing trend...

also, check out early 911 s registry dot org. Those dudes are insane with their level of knowledge.

 

^^ Depending on what you're into the 356's are for putting around while early 911's you can have some real fun in with more power. Personally I like the '74 Carreras and turbos are great too. With a 991S I doubt you'll like the rickety old 356. Either that or you'll get tired of it fast.

 

I think $50K isn't going to get a very nice cabriolet. Probably more like $100K for a nice driver.

Here's an admittedly top end pushrod cab at $175K asking: http://www.europeancollectibles.com/inventory_detail.aspx?@page_inv_id=Po2462

 

These guys are always high. If you shop around you'll be able to find a cab but it'll need some sorting out. If you have it inspected you'll limit the expense after purchase.

 

Exactly. Here's an old fart putting around the side streets in Coronado.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Gbdh3bB_J4[/ame]

 

They are on the high side, and that car is pretty high end. Certainly more than you need to spend for a 'driver'. But I would guess Parkerfe isn't going to be happy with a tired old 356 cab ~$50K. I looked at them at one point and couldn't pull the trigger on the lower end cars -- no confidence that the metal under the paint was any good.

 

The joy of owning a legacy car like the 356 can be more that offset by the disadvantages of its antiquity, compared to more modern cars. And I agree that they're cars that are good more for puttering around.

I had a stock '76 912E with a "mighty" 86hp...not much performance and not much fun to drive. Anyone buying an older car must be prepared to deal with systems/performance far below today's average cars. Brakes, steering, suspension, ignition, fuel systems, etc. have all leaped ahead by light years.

This doesn't mean that you won't enjoy a 356, but I agree with an earlier post that you may very well get tired of it.

Good luck in your hunt.

 

What I meant was a complete 356 Cab (engine, trans, interior), will start at $50k + needing restoration. A decent one will run you $100k and a restored one will be $150.

 

My dad owns a 356 Roadster that he bought from new. He runs it every week. while its not the fastest or best handling Porsche out there, it does have an elan all its own... its old fashioned motoring - heel & toe double clutch etc... so it test's your driving skills...suprisingly when you get it going it handles pretty well... but you have to master the sliding and drifting... and Dont jump off the accelerator in mid corner...

as for mtns - its pretty basic, lots of documentation on issues - Harry Pellows series of books can basically walk you thru all the in's and outs.

rust is the nemesis... Locally in Ga. the owner of Wolf Mtn winery is a Porsche guy and has a really nice speedster and coupe ... he would be a good one to walk you thru and get a ride in both to make up your mind. I have to say on a nice sunny day top down its hard to beat a 356 on a twisty country road.

 

First decide if you are looking for a body style or the best driving 356.

If you want a certain body style, go with whatever makes you happy, if you want to best driving one for under $75k you may want to look into a well sorted SC. I have a well sorted SC and it's a fantastic driver, I love the confidence I have with the disk brakes and the power is good enough (mine has a mildly worked over 1720).

Make friends with 356 guys in your area and the 356 registry, they'll look out for you if you are really into them and not just looking for a flip.

 

Great cars! The coupes are solid and quite fun, I used to drive my Moms "C" a lot and I am sure one will be in my garage when I suffer a vintage car binge down the road.

There are a bunch on Ebay to geek on and sometimes on www.thesamba.com in the classifieds.

The clubs are VERY active and you can also join the 356 registry and get some connections. The beauty in getting a nice clean one or even a restored model is that you cant loose any money unless you wreck it. So to you I say, "Happy hunting".

Interesting to note in the race vid above: The coupe seemed to be just as fast but not quite as nimble in the corners. A weight penalty for carrying a sold top and heavy doors I assume.

 

I currently may be selling my 65 356C as I am out of storage space for my extensive collection. No stories! Exceptional Plus. I am the third owner and have all records, the books, service , parts from day one. Entire life in Fl. Silver,red leather interior, original radio etc. 2 sets of wheels-orginal 356 plus very hard to find 65 911 Fukes.

Docf

 

356 pictures requested. Car is close to museum quality as are all my collector cars.

Docf
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I think the '76 912E was a heavier car. You're right about the performance capabilities of the 356 being way behind any modern car, but the brakes are OK (even the drums were oversized), the steering is actually better than on some modern cars and overall they're nice to drive.