If you had a choice - 356B or 356C?

[gturner008]

I have an opportunity to buy in the US either of these cars from a seller who is downsizing his collection. Both are restored, coupes, in very good condition.

I know little about 356s to be honest. I’d very much appreciate an overview of this model in terms of values and key differences. Which of the two is the more sellable/desirable? I’d buy one and get it shipped to the U.K. to bring to the market. Just don’t know enough about these wonderful cars.

Any advice would be brilliant. Thank you.

[neilbardsley]

Bs are are often considered least desirable (not in my opinion). Cs are the best driving. Some models have disc brakes. However, it will be all about condition and originality. Join the 356 registry and someone will properly come along and help you.

[vwgillybilly]

All C models have disk brakes - the only notable difference between T6 bodied B/C cars.

For me the choice in this order would be;

T1/T2 A
Pre A
T5 B
T6 B/C

Obviously spec / originality of cars could influence this order!

Gill

[Lightweight_911]

In my opinion, buying a model that you know nothing about as a potential investment/profit maker - especially from a 'collector' (who presumably does know about them) - is highly risky...

[Winston Teague]

What Andy said plus, they seem to be worth more in the USA than the UK at the moment. If it's a good example and you're looking for a flip deal, then buy it in USA, stick it straight on Bring a Trailer, and sell it over there. Saves a load of hassle. W

[Ashley James]

The C model is the better car and a better drive because it has a softer ride and disc brakes. Torsion bars were thinner, the anti-roll bar thick and the transverse helper spring was only available as an extra.
Also the seats were improved for a little more lateral support.

The C is more desirable than the B and the older (not such good driver cars) are more desirable still.

[mycar]

Have a look down this list of cars and see if you can detect any market trends for the 356.

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds ... 8&Option=1

Then check this list out.

https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/35/356/

Call all the POA adds to fill in the missing details, then make yourself a spread sheet detailing model, condition, history, price, location etc and find out where the cars you are considering fit.

Edit to add.... Blimey, some of those cars have been for sale for ages.

[kvinyl]

This really is a 'how long is a piece of string'question...color (interior and exterior), history, engine size, body condition, originality, etc. will have much more of an effect on value on a 356 over and above the difference between a B and a C. The C is more or less a B with disc brakes and would be considered (by the market) to have more desirability than a B.

This site is a great place to start to get a high-level overview of the differences between each model.

http://www.mejor.com/356/356picar.htm

The commonly held consensus is you buy the early cars for their looks and the later cars for driving. I'd agree with Gill above in that this thinking puts the 356A firmly bang in the middle as having the best of both camps i.e. a fantastically great looking driver

[Winston Teague]

Thinking again about this, I had a choice between a C and a B. I chose B because the driving experience was as good, and the T5 body and Wide 5 wheels is such a good look, In my opinion. It will always come down to exactly that, opinion. If you're dealing, you need to know your own opinion of the answer to the original question, and then you need to find the bloke who agrees with you on everything and is prepared to pay more than you did. As you know little about them, I would suggest reading all the books you can find, seeing as many different models parked together as possible, and making your decision then. Many of the cars advertised in the uk have been for sale for a VERY long time, so their asking prices are wrong. Scour the auction house results for actual sold cars and you will get an idea of resale value.
Only a fool would buy something they don't know much about, possibly unseen(?), long distance, with a view to making a buck.......
Best of luck, W

[gturner008]

Thank you so much for your responses. Very helpful.

The seller is over 80 and has health issues. Has a large collect of cars that he needs to sell off. I’ve bought and sold cars on BaT, so that might be a way forward, but I live in Canada. Cars are in US.

Both cars are between a 2 and a 1. The B a better colour and slightly superior condition. Both fully restored. I won’t get a chance to see the cars. Just going off photos. Seller is using a person I know well, having purchased cars from him in the past. He is able to verify the cars etc.

Next step for me is detailed pictures and VIN etc. I’m leaning toward the B. Go with the looks!

[Ashley James]

Apart from the extra rear grill, the Reutter badges and the different hubcaps, B & Cs look the same.

[mycar]

Except the T5 B still has the rounded bonnet front but not yet the filler cap on the wing.

[Winston Teague]

And the top of the windscreen is in the right place.......

[simon james]

Didn’t people do this back in the 80’s and wasn’t there a very scary Classic Car market correction? Almost overnight, as containers full of cars were on the high seas?

[mycar]

Looking at the amount of 356s languishing long term in the classified it looks like another correction may be happening as we type.