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

[Ashley James]

I think it’s an international market, that Britain isn’t strong in it and that buyers want perfect or exceptional provenance.

Lesser cars (not much) are difficult to value and to sell unless they’re a steal.

Just been re-insuring mine and discussing valuation with broker. I’ll talk about my Healey which is a BJ7 and 500 RHDs were made. Low figure for a sound driver is £22,500 and top price for an as new car is £87,500. They rely on Hagerty as a guide but accept customer’s valuations and charge accordingly. They don’t care if you’ve over valued cos the premium is higher.

They or Hagerty reckon a top price for a 356C Coupe is £120,000 and a bottom around £25,000.

I think this is why cars don’t sell.

[Adrian3]

be careful....what is his definition of 'restored'....another layer of bondo and a paint job?....even a detailed inspection of these cars won't reveal all the rust, by a long chalk

[gturner008]

Thanks Adrian, sound advice.

Having bought two cars from the seller agent, I trust his expertise. I’ve now seen the detailed photos. One owner since 1977. I am pretty sure this car, the B, is in exceptional condition.

The 912 I have seen the pre, during and post restoration photos. Very happy with the story the photos show. I’ve decided to buy both cars and ship them across to the U.K.

[Ashley James]

Good plan, wish I could afford to do that. I hope you’re pleased with them.

[Phil Parry]

Interestingly, Quentin Wilson has just tipped Bs and Cs in his column as cars to watch.

Picking up on one of the earlier comments (and admitting my owner’s bias) I think BT5s are much the prettier car with their rounded bonnet and smaller windscreen. But as others have said, it’s all about personal opinion. In terms of value, I really don’t think there’s anything in it. The market wisdom that Cs are more desirable is outdated I think and hails from the days when only As and open cars were seen as worth saving. They’re all desirable now and jolly good too!

[POR68]

I tend to agree. The bias against the B was there for some years but there really are minor differences between the two cars. There were fewer T6B's sold in RHD in Australia (44) than in most markets and thus they are not so common and are well sought after. I really like the hub-caps off look with the lovely big brake drums. I find the ride on the T6B extremely comfortable, compliant and quiet. I wouldn't want it any softer. Any final decision depends on the quality of the actual car.

[hot66]

These days I really prefer the B hot rods / outlaws . If I was in the position to, that’s what I’d be building

[gturner008]

Well, thanks for all the comments. Good discussion.

I couldn’t choose between the B, and now I find is actually an SC, rather than a C. So decided to buy both!!!

Sorting out the paperwork now, then shipping to UK. I’ll be promoting those two cars shortly.

[Ashley James]

I’ll be interested to hear how you get on with both. The disc brakes are definitely an advantage, but Alan Clark, the MP and lothario, wrote in his book that he preferred the less powerful engine because it pulled better from lower revs and was a more relaxing drive.

356s are surprisingly free revving anyway, but it’s a bit frantic and easier to use fewer refs, relax and accept that more modern cars are faster

[gturner008]

How nice it will be to back to back drive these and compare. I’ll try and have a trip to the UK to actually do this.

Not an advert, but if anyone knows anyone interested in buying one of these cars, then please do pm me for details. They will both be in the UK in about 6-8 weeks.

[kvinyl]

As delighted as I am to think of two more 356s coming to this side of the Atlantic, would you not have had a larger market available to you in the US? All the same, can't wait to see some pics of them, any model 356 is a delight provided the rust is kept at bay

[mycar]

Not an advert, but if anyone knows anyone interested in buying one of these cars, then please do pm me for details. They will both be in the UK in about 6-8 weeks.

Why not list them here on DDk, as a non trader it won't cost you and if they're going to sell anywhere, they're going to sell here.

[Winston Teague]

I really like cars that have suffered a market correction.......
W

[gturner008]

That’s a good point about selling on DDK. Let me sort the deal out and get them heading over and then let’s see. Give DDK’ers first dibs. Both cars will be in the range £70k to £80k. Fully restored to a high level in my view.

I’ll obviously get full details and photo book done. I have a few pictures, but don’t want to jinx the deal by sharing atm.

[hot66]

Buying multiple cars specifically to sell puts him as a trader in my book