Getting back to 356’s over 911’s...

[rower]

I started my classic Porsche phase with 356’s: almost all A’s, both roadsters and coupe, finally settling on a few great examples. They were my first love. Then I added a 67s which I loved driving, along with other long hoods.

I’m now back to spending more seat time in 356’s especially a ‘59 all original coupe. There’s just something about the look and driving of a 356 thst is so involving. And of course the only true open car.

I assume on this forum most prefer the 911? (And I love the 67 S but by the time I get to ‘73 they feel too modern)

Does anyone else here prefer 356s? Or like them equally?

[Jules Dielen]

equally for me. Engine howl in an early 911 has few comparisons but for me, the 356 gives me a similar feeling. The open air feeling in a SWT is pretty close to a D or roadster or a 356 cab.

[swcarroll]

I started with an early 911 and have gone through several 911s and 912s. Other than thinking notchbacks were kinda handsome (pause here for collective gasp), I never gave a 356 much thought until about a year ago, when I had the chance to drive a very well-sorted C-coupe. I was shocked at how nicely it drove, and the feel of the car was, well, like an old shoe. That started a casual search for a notch, but a nice B-cab popped up recently with my name on it. I love it, and the hardtop still offers that notch look.

Now my shop runneth over. Stay tuned for at least a couple 9-series cars for sale.

[steve shea]

I like them equally but I am done with them. In stock unmodified form that is. I have had many since my first in 1964. I could own another speedster but it would have to be my version of souped up. For me my 67S offers enough 356 DNA to scratch that itch. I like my 73 as well but for different reasons. I have been fortunate to have had so many and have enjoyed the characteristics and experience of each one. I'm actually looking for a newer 911 but haven't found the right one. I once owned a GT speedster but the ultimate would be a T5B GT. I once had the pole position on a stone grey 59 GT coupe with an RS 60 engine. I would have had to trade two speedsters for it and backed out. And on and on.

[rower]

Steve-
I went through a hopped up stsge where I had polo motors and 901 gear boxes in a speedster and a coupe but went back to well sorted stock. While the hopped up ones were beautifully built and wonderful to drive, I wanted the 1950’s experience; to be back in the period.

[steve shea]

Rower I agree with you on the stock feel as opposed to modified. I think what I meant to say is that I like the speed of the sixes. And that old S really does have a 356ish feel to me. Also if I did have another speedster I would put the original engine up and install a well done C engine and some suspension upgrades, nothing too out there. I like the torque of a C in a light speedster. Good clean fun.

[rower]

Rower I agree with you on the stock feel as opposed to modified. I think what I meant to say is that I like the speed of the sixes. And that old S really does have a 356ish feel to me. Also if I did have another speedster I would put the original engine up and install a well done C engine and some suspension upgrades, nothing too out there. I like the torque of a C in a light speedster. Good clean fun.

I do the big bore kits so I agree!

And I really like the 67S feel too...
Interestingly on a 356 group drive last month through tight twisty and often rough roads, the 356 suspension was so compliant I felt it was better suited than a later 911 for the road. I do however prefer my sport seats in the S!

And the 911 is so much tighter and focused . I suppose it just depends what mood I am in.

There’s also something really happy about the 356 shape.



Anyway, I love both but if I had to pick only one it would be the 356.

[Scott72]

Our 65 SC will always put a smile on my face, but the one thing the 69 S has is that glorious sound that the 356 will never have. That alone will always put the 911 as my number one.

[Scott A]

I have the three cars listed below....but I enjoy the 914 the most...I like the layout, the extra trunks, the seating, the low-ness, the center gauge thingy, the non-cushy seat, the outside shape, the pop up lights, the feeling of a beach car and a go cart, the crazy roof and storage. I like the that whole car inside and out was designed with a yard-stick, and seems like they started with a 2x4 and just shaped it on a disk sander. (by profession, I am a vehicle designer). It is so unique in the car world. I have often wondered how it got past the opinions of executives, designers and sales force and was actually produced, it was so weird. (When I did design work for Porsche Stuttgart, I was told that the race cars are not styled, -just a few were-, and the 914 just fits that idea, that it was never styled, it was just based on their mid engine race cars. purpose built).

I do like the other cars immensely.

[Greg D.]

I'm on that boat too at the moment... Probably more rose-tinted glasses than actual desire... I miss my A (for looks) and C (for handling). But at current prices, the ratio of fun/price/repair costs is even stupider on the 356 than it is on the early 911, so I don't think that'll happen for me unless I can do a swap... I even used 356 classifieds offering that, got interesting answers but none practical...

At the end of the day unless you can have both, I see myself regretting the early 911 i'd sell even more than the 356 I'd gain. Maybe? All the oldies I love are $100K+ now anyway, game over for me, best keep what I have. And If I'm truthful, I drive the bimmer most of the time because it's so much cheaper I can beat the crap out of it without a second thought...