What is the most comprehensive book on 356's?

[wolfturbo]

I'm thinking about going to the dark side and picking up a 356, but want to do my homework first. Isn't there a comprehensive book that is essentially the "bible" for wannabee 356 owners?

Please advise!

Thanks to all!

Wolf

[gulf908]

Wolfie,
The two best are -
Dirk Conradt's Porsche 356 and
Brett Johnson's Restoration Guide.
There are other 'picture' books around but they are of limited or misleading help.
BEWARE of Conradt's restoration chapter- DONT let the wife or the cheque book see it !!
If you can get a later one that has had much money spent on it,the 356 is a pleasure to drive even today.

Cheers,
Dennis.

[69Sman]

Wolfman, Brett's Johnson's book "Porsche 356 Defined; A pictorial guide" is GREAT! Simple, looks of great and important pictures, and a GREAT, not-confusing starting point. OF course, you can ALWAYS call Dr. Schulman for advice, help, ppi, etc....Good luck!

[Soterik]

Rob,

Got ahold of Boyer...thanks for the help!

I'll get you a list of references on Monday...I've got almost every book, you're welcome to borrow the one's you don't want to buy.

Regarding the one to have....well, it's very personal in my opinion....a late A, set up right is an absolute blast to drive.

Regards,
Eric
56 Speedster, disc brakes, 912 big bore, 741 gearbox etc. (not as fast as Dick's Speedster.... )

[GB68]

Wolf,

By all means join the 356 Registry and start reading everything you can about them there as well. Also, you might consider visiting one or two experts (a lot of them are in the LA area) to see what to look for (happy to recommend a couple - no affiliation except as a customer). Beware of the vast price difference between drivers and concours cars. I think 356's are a great addition to any Porsche collection and they are a blast to drive when they are "right". Take your time and know what you are getting - it took me 2 years and 4 trips across the US to find the right Speedster. IMO,the late A cars look the best and drive very well. If you can, come to the 356 Holiday in Texas in April to see about 150 of us!
Happy to send you details of the event if you like.

Galen
'55 Speedster
'59 Sunroof coupe (very late A)
'64 Cab
'68 911
'04 Cayenne

[69Sman]

Regarding the one to have....well, it's very personal in my opinion....

Eric, you can CERTAINLY say THAT again...And while I agree that a late "A" properly set up CAN BE A BLAST...in my opinion, I prefer a well set up and 'tweaked' C. I have always liked the 'look and feel' of these last of the 356's most of all. Again, just my personal opinion....

Rob, its funny...I NEVER really took you for a 356 guy....

[wolfturbo]

Rob, its funny...I NEVER really took you for a 356 guy.... [/QUOTE]

Stacy,

I'm preety sure I'm getting old!!!!!

I just want a little putt-putt ragtop for driving my girls around in. Nothing fast, just something cute.

Note to self: Never ever publicly say that again!!!!

[das908kind]

The 356 Registry recently released it's entire library of magazine back-issues on CD-ROM. Completely searchable. Definitely become a member and look into getting your hands on that.

[MarkP]

I would add to the book list: Buying, Driving and Enjoying the Porsche 356 by James Schrager.

59A Coupe, Stock original - love it
60 Roadster, vintage race car - love it more!

[Zeke]

Rob, its funny...I NEVER really took you for a 356 guy....

Stacy,

I'm preety sure I'm getting old!!!!!

I just want a little putt-putt ragtop for driving my girls around in. Nothing fast, just something cute.

Note to self: Never ever publicly say that again!!!![/QUOTE]Rob, I'm glad you're not on the dark side finacially. A "little putt-putt ragtop" that would suit your tastes and not need a lot of work has gotten to be a mid 5 figure car anymore. All the way to 6 figures.

There's a great little Speedster GT at European for about $225,000. MIght be a little quick for the "girls."