Market Values

[LongRanger]

I haven't followed 356 values that closely . . . . but I do remember looking for my 356 20 years ago. I suspect values are tied to the supply of cars, as much as anything.

When you consider how few 356s were built to begin with (versus the 911), and all the mis-adventures that these cars could get into over the intervening decades (before they were considered anything more than Hi-Po VWs), it amazes me how many of these cars survived at all, in any condition, even back then. 356s have a completely different level of assembly and finishing, from most cars, including 911s. 356s with 'original' bodywork are super-scarce ---these are not cars I would look forward to restoring. Believe me when I say that a 'good' 356 is a very rare car.

As for Speedsters, D Convertibles, and Roadsters ---- these were never built in large numbers to begin with. Factor in attrition, not to mention all the 'restorations' and 're-dos' that have taken place since . . . . then the values for good cars would come as no big surprise. The number of vehicles available --- let alone being offerred for sale --- could not be a big one.

As for Targa values, well . . . Targas remind me of Porsche's 356 Cabriolet. I guess an open car is always fun to have. But, to me, on-the-road performance is what makes a Porsche. To me, Targas, like Cabs, offer a less-than-elegant profile to go with an 'open air' experience that I don't think is worth the performance cost. 356 Speedsters and Roadsters are lower-content cars by design, but offer some performance for their lower-spec, whereas the Cabs are deluxe, extra-everything cars that are heavier to boot. Cabs are top-of-the-line, and that's what they're built for. What's a Targa built for? On-the-road perrformance? Or something else?

I suspect that, when we're talking about longhood values, given the number of cars available, and their relative affordability/accessibility, there'll always be more butts than seats --- for coupes or Targas --- so values will always stay high, either way.

For what it's worth, I remember guys talking about buying and socking away '67 S soft-top Targas, like, 20 years ago. 'Be worth a ton of money, some day.'

Didn't buy one then.

Wouldn't buy one now.

Rick Kreiskott

[jaudette3]

For what it's worth, I remember guys talking about buying and socking away '67 S soft-top Targas, like, 20 years ago. 'Be worth a ton of money, some day.'

20 years - that brings up an interesting point. It wouldn't be too outlandish to think that 20 years from now that there won't be any daily cars left powered by fossil fuels. Except maybe in undeveloped nations. What effect will *that* have on our beloved gas burners? At some point I wonder if they will become a curiosity like steamers are today.

Cheers,
JohnA

[BBausser]

Damn John. I've been thinking the same thing for near 50 years now, ever since I got my first DL in Virginia.

[LongRanger]

I remember reading somewhere that car values (and a lot of 'collectables') had a periodicity, tending to run in 20-year cycles. Values for cars were tied to the ages of their audience; people would see things, like cars, when they were young, that would make a strong and/or lasting impression. These people would move on with their lives, grow up, get jobs, raise families, and then, when the nest emptied out and they had some extra money to spend, go back and buy those things that had made such an impression on them. The time it's supposed to take for all that to happen is about 20-years, give or take.

Maybe; maybe not.

As for myself, I can't say I remember Porsches fondly, at all. I grew up with big American cars and always thought European cars were basically crap. It was only after I got out of school, had to feed a 7-MPG Pontiac, and was forced to drive one, in my 20's, that small cars made any impression, at all. Porsches, to me, are just the ultimate expression of small cars.

But. If I were considering future values, I wouldn't look at the cars.

I'd look at the Buyers.

Ever been to a 356 meet? What do think the average age of a 356 Registry member is now? I joined when I was 30, and lemme tell you --- any thoughts that I was gonna get laid at a club meet went right out the window FAST with the first 50-something polo-shirted Collector and his boob-jobbed wife. Wash-and-Shiners outnumbered Operators by, like, 5-to-1. Yikes. When I think of all those perfect little cars, sitting on perfect painted floors, surrounded by perfect little collections of plates and posters and steering wheels, that only come out for a few hundred miles a year, well . . . . makes me shake my head. These are the people I see hanging around 911s now --- the people who buy them now. I miss that car --- but not That Crowd.

So think about who will be buying longhoods in the future. In twenty years, what do you think that that scruffy-looking kid with the skate-board and iPod would be willing to pay for your nasty little car that he can't even properly pronounce the name of, let alone shift the gears in or maintain? Or suppose that kid's not even American? Maybe Russian? Or Chinese? Or Indian? I love Porsches. But not for their pedigree. When I think about how I got here, I have no idea where the Guy Behind Me will come from. I wonder if he'll even know how to drive, let alone want to.

Our world --- the demographics, the economics, the politics, the climate --- is going to change spectacularly, in ways I can't even begin to imagine. What's changed just in the last 20-years takes my breath away.

So, you know what? I'm not gonna worry about it. I'm gonna kick back, have a seat, and watch the world I know disappear. Marvel at it, enjoy it, maybe make some money on it, while it all happens in front of me.

And when I have some time, while I can still get gas (and they'll sell it to me), before my eyesight and reflexes and spirit fade . . . . I'm gonna be taking some drives, some really epic drives. In a Porsche.

I didn't buy an investment.

I didn't buy a collectible.

I didn't buy a car, really.

I bought a tool to use for a purpose . . . to drive and enjoy for as long as I can.

I bought a Porsche.


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[demo]

Here is my 356 Road Warrior. It is a strong runner, but its still a 356. Nothing puts a smile like my 914/2.8.

[andyjboy]

What a fabulous picture !

[a911s]

Great post, Rick!

The best I've read in a long time..

[Chuck Miller]

I second Randy........ GREAT post Rick

The only thing I over-think about when I'm driving is how amazingly this 36 year old car of mine solidly performs.......

GREAT thread........

Cheers