The 'Maverick' Classic Porsche Forum and Classic Porsche Club for Porsche 356, Aircooled Porsche 911, Porsche 912, Porsche 914 & Porsche Replicas. 'We join for the cars but stay for the people'
Ashley James wrote:I’d definitely go and see PRS, they eat sleep and breath the cars and really know their stuff. I think they’d inspire confidence and make sure you get the right car.
+2 you might not find one in your price but they have a selection for sale so you can get a feel for where the market is for dealer cars. Unfortunately given the low level of the pound I think that the chances of finding something that doesn't need quite a bit of work for £50k are challenging.
“A REMINDER. I would be grateful if those members who have borrowed bits from me in emergencies (e.g starter motor, oil cooler, etc) would return them and/or contact me”. – Chris Turner RIP
oldtimer wrote:
Hi Sam , can you define 'prime 356 buying age ' for me first ? ( what is special about being almost 50 with respect to 356s
They’re like gardening. In your 30s you just don’t understand the appeal of a slower, more contemplative existence, enjoying things for the detail rather than the speed. Then by your mid 40s you can’t understand why you were rushing around so much and missing all the good stuff in life.
A friend is looking into buying a 356 and was chatting to a guy who is currently selling 2 of his collection through Border Reivers. I am aware of some recent feedback about Border Reivers and SOR, but he would buy from the owner directly. Can you let me know your thoughts on these please
Has your friend seen many 356s ? I'm in Harrogate and have an A if you'd like to come and have poke about and a drive out. My car isn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination but I use it most days through the summer and it's a practical and reliable car which serves as a good example of what to/what not to buy. I have a lift so you can have a wander round underneath and see what's what.
If your friend doesn't already have a copy I recommend 'Buying, Driving and Enjoying the Porsche '356 by James E Schrager. Probably find it on Amazon.
Thanks for this and the offer, may just take you up on that although will be in touch.
Jonny
Current custodian of 1976 Porsche 912E, 1973 VW Camper
Mille Miglia or even Goodwood Revival. This is something that my friend is potentially interested in doing
There’s a vast difference between being eligible for something prestigious and getting an entry.
If you analyse what goes round Goodwood it’s the same cars year after year or it’s an owner/driver with connections.
I’d not suggest buying that first car on the assumption you’d get to drive it in prestigious historic events. Unless your friend knows the right people of course.
I would, however, buy it because As look utterly beautiful and Cs look awkward and top heavy.
Indeed my 56 is eligible for the Mille Miglia but I suspect < 1% chance of getting in (if I had eur 15k spare). The Type 64 was turned away.
Tell him to go and see mine currently for sale at PRS. Price recently reduced significantly ..... currently asking £89,500. Its the 56 (built 55) very early T1 RHD coupe. Its not perfect, but one that can be improved over time. Mechanically sound and really nice to drive (and over long distances).
Keith
Early 1956 RHD T1 (101st AFN)
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DDK# 0458
I believe I was significantly under the ' agreed value ' insurance level and had noticed the over the past few years the increase in presumed sales of 356 cars. I looked on the Hagerty classic car insurance valuation website as a guide on this matter and on the vast selection of car types they detail, chose the 1959 356A coupe fitted with the super engine.
They detailed in fair condition £70,200 in good £102,000 in excellent £125,000 and concours £245,000.
They also give a description of what these conditions refer too condition wise and in any event 6 or more photos would be required for their perusal. Fair condition leaves a lot to be desired really and concours seems to mean every nut and bolt perfect everywhere. Having the choice, I decided ' Good ' and added in my estimation the fact my car is RHD with history on service going back to the early 60's and fifty years with me running it and doing all the work. My existing insurers confirmed the alteration to the higher level without problem on supply of photos.
These cars in fair condition might involve many thousands and a lot of time to get into the top league and like anything you buy, you cannot say for certain how your investment might fare. I have few pieces of nice mahogany Georgian furniture I thought bullet proof price wise 20 years ago maybe fashions will change for the better there in time, who knows!
Probably best anyway, to buy a really good condition 356 rather than taking a chance and have a good 356 person check it out before parting with so much money.
