Discussion
I think very few people would deny that the 356 in particular the A model is one of the prettiest Porsche's ever made.
I have thought about going the 356 route for many years but never got around to seriously looking or thinking of pulling the trigger.
Having driven countless Porsche's over the years the one model I have never driven was the 356.
Two weeks ago I got a phone call from my very good friend to say that one had come up for sale. A 1958 356A. A car that had been known to him for many years and with a history file two foot thick. He sent me some pictures and I went to look at it a week ago Friday. Not so much to inspect it as I have implicit trust in him but to actually drive one and make sure I could fit in it. My other half came with me of course. We both loved it. I was surprised just how torquey the little 1600cc motor was. The experience was just an awakening. Driving a car that completely involves you in the process of just driving a car. Quite incredible. I collected the car this Friday just gone and drove it back home. A nice run of some 80 odd miles. What a joy. 70mph in top gps verified is bang on 12 o'clock on the rev counter. So easy to measure your speed through the cameras and it really does nip along very well. I really am looking forward to many smiles per gallon. I was out in the car yesterday and I just cannot help but grin. Even had a couple of Boxters coming the other way giving me a wave. What a delight. Incredible fun at sensible speed. I wish I had pulled the trigger many years ago. I now completely get the whole 356 thing. Awesome little car
I have thought about going the 356 route for many years but never got around to seriously looking or thinking of pulling the trigger.
Having driven countless Porsche's over the years the one model I have never driven was the 356.
Two weeks ago I got a phone call from my very good friend to say that one had come up for sale. A 1958 356A. A car that had been known to him for many years and with a history file two foot thick. He sent me some pictures and I went to look at it a week ago Friday. Not so much to inspect it as I have implicit trust in him but to actually drive one and make sure I could fit in it. My other half came with me of course. We both loved it. I was surprised just how torquey the little 1600cc motor was. The experience was just an awakening. Driving a car that completely involves you in the process of just driving a car. Quite incredible. I collected the car this Friday just gone and drove it back home. A nice run of some 80 odd miles. What a joy. 70mph in top gps verified is bang on 12 o'clock on the rev counter. So easy to measure your speed through the cameras and it really does nip along very well. I really am looking forward to many smiles per gallon. I was out in the car yesterday and I just cannot help but grin. Even had a couple of Boxters coming the other way giving me a wave. What a delight. Incredible fun at sensible speed. I wish I had pulled the trigger many years ago. I now completely get the whole 356 thing. Awesome little car
Cheib said:
Lovely ! 356’s are something I am currently very interested in. I was lucky enough to drive a 356 A, 356 SC (both Coupe’s) and a 356 Super 90 Roadster last week and a passenger ride in a pre A Speedster. The A Coupe was very original (still has the original interior) but the rest all had very recent and top class restorations.
It was very interesting comparing the models/how they’d evolved which was a pretty big difference. The 356 A I drove was I was told a particularly well sorted example, gearbox was longer throw than the other’s but had more character for it and lovely to use. Engine was running Weber’s which I believe wasn’t standard but apparently makes a big difference to the driveability.
Currently thinking about buying one and trying to decide which was to go...Coupe or Roadster(don’t want a Cab as don’t like the lines). Speedster is too much and I don’t fit !
My car is running the original Zenith two barrel carbs. I definitely would recommend going the 356 route. Very engaging It was very interesting comparing the models/how they’d evolved which was a pretty big difference. The 356 A I drove was I was told a particularly well sorted example, gearbox was longer throw than the other’s but had more character for it and lovely to use. Engine was running Weber’s which I believe wasn’t standard but apparently makes a big difference to the driveability.
Currently thinking about buying one and trying to decide which was to go...Coupe or Roadster(don’t want a Cab as don’t like the lines). Speedster is too much and I don’t fit !
Edited by Cheib on Tuesday 30th June 08:41
Taffy66 said:
Beautiful little car and so much more enjoyable and relevant on today's speed restricted congested roads compared to new Turbo fast cars.
many thanks Taffy. Exactly one of the reasons for purchase. Great fun at the posted speed limits and not something that could land you put in jail for just winding it out through the gearsmrtwisty said:
Lovely. My uncle has one that he bought about 30 years ago as a bit of a wreck and has lovingly restored it (including sending a flake of the original paint off for analysis and reproduction if my memory serves me correctly). He and my Aunt do classic rallies in it across the continent - I've always been impressed that they actually use it, unlike so many trailer queens out there.
Just looked at current prices
Old Rick made the right move there! 
Why do the cabrio's seem to fetch double or more than the coupe's?
I think your uncle made the right choice. I should have done this years ago. That said as you get older your tastes change. 20 years ago I probably would not have got the 356 vibe. Now with all the unmarked cars around going fast is finishedJust looked at current prices
Old Rick made the right move there! Why do the cabrio's seem to fetch double or more than the coupe's?
Prestonese said:
Oof! That's a stunner! Congratulations.
I've just gone down the classic route too. Waiting to pick mine up and I must say I'm more excited about it than any other car I've bought.
Many thanks Prestonese. What did you go buy. I do agree. I think the last time I felt as excited as I do now is when I drove a 3.2 Carrera back in 1990. Which sounds very bizarre when I think about what I have owned and still own. I've just gone down the classic route too. Waiting to pick mine up and I must say I'm more excited about it than any other car I've bought.
Mikebentley said:
Great car particularly like the coupe body. There is a timeless simplicity of shape to it. It’s what I like about my XK and Vitesse I could sit and look at cars like these all day. I think the 356 is so much less complicated than my XK and all the better for it. Congratulations.Sehr sehr schön.
Thank you Mike. Agreed one of the timeless classics. I have a real love of the XK140 coupe. I just cannot fit in one. Beautiful car though along with the Vitesse. I have a couple of friends that own Vitesse's. They are into their early Triumph stuff. I did have to google translate your last sentence. Thank you again evodarren said:
I would love a real 356. One of Porsches greatest shapes.
Unfortunately i could only aford a replica. Made by Vintage Speedsters in California.
Funnily enough I have looked at adverts for these as well. They do represent fantastic value against paying £300K for a real one.Unfortunately i could only aford a replica. Made by Vintage Speedsters in California.
In truth I am not big into convertibles so a coupe makes far more sense and of course an original 356 coupe is way cheaper than an original 356 speedster. Many years ago I was in the south of France and we drove by a parked PGO speedster. We parked up and had a real good look at it. Pale yellow with red interior. My other half only has a license to drive automatic but they were only available in manual. So no good for her and she's still stuck with a Smart car
2.4te said:
To the OP, what a fabulous car you have bought.
You might enjoy Denis Jenkinson's 'A Passion for Porsche'. I've just read it after years of procrastination and ore years as a Porsche enthusiast. He loved his 356.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/223847675242?ul_noapp=t...
(no affiliation)
Many thanks 2.4te. I will take a look at a copy of thatYou might enjoy Denis Jenkinson's 'A Passion for Porsche'. I've just read it after years of procrastination and ore years as a Porsche enthusiast. He loved his 356.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/223847675242?ul_noapp=t...
(no affiliation)
Geneve said:
I'd agree with that. Had most Ps over the years from 365 (quaint), 2.7RSL (fabulous) etc, etc, to GT3 Touring.
But, for some reason, the little 3.2 Carrera (esp G50) - is my benchmark 911. Not the lightest, not the fastest, not the best handling, but such a useable blend of classic and modern.
I had two, bought new, in the late '80s and used everyday, plus a CS for 12 years. Revisited a perfect non-sport example recently - immense fun on UK roads.
Spot on. I reckon you could easily live with a 3.2 as a daily driver todayBut, for some reason, the little 3.2 Carrera (esp G50) - is my benchmark 911. Not the lightest, not the fastest, not the best handling, but such a useable blend of classic and modern.
I had two, bought new, in the late '80s and used everyday, plus a CS for 12 years. Revisited a perfect non-sport example recently - immense fun on UK roads.
Gassing Station | Porsche Classics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff