Used Car Connoisseur:
Check out this 1962 Porsche 356 on Kijiji
In 1948, the first Porsche 356 rolled off a makeshift assembly line in a converted sawmill in Gmund, Austria. Since then, the 356, imagined by Ferdinand “Ferry” Porsche (the son of the company’s founder), has gone on to write itself an enviable history. It has also earned an equally enviable racing pedigree — there were race-prepped 356s entered in the 24 Hours of LeMans, which remains the world’s oldest active race. This car also paved the way for everything from the Mazda Miata to its spiritual successor, the Porsche Boxster.
The interior of this 1962 Porsche 356 is clean and uncluttered.
Supplied, Kijiji
The 356 remained basically unchanged throughout its life (1948-1965), with evolutionary and functional improvements taking precedence over any significant stylistic changes. In this case, the 1962 Porsche 356B Cabriolet arrived with a rear-mounted, 1.6-litre flat-four, air-cooled boxer engine — so named because the cylinder format resembled that of a boxer in his “fighting” stance. While the push-rod engine was originally designed for use in the Volkswagen Beetle, it was heavily modified for the 356 — unique cylinder heads, camshaft, crankshaft, intake and exhaust manifolds along with twin carburetors. This work more than double the original output. It was now rated at a heady, for the time, 60 horsepower, although there were other derivatives that ranged all the way up to 90-hp Super 90.
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While far from a high output engine, at least by today’s standards, it delivered lively performance with the power being channelled through a four-speed manual gearbox and the rear wheels. The reason for the pep boiled down the curb weight — most 356s came in at under 1,000 kilograms!
The 356B brought significant improvements in the driveability and comfort when compared to earlier models, which made it easier on the driver without sacrificing the pleasure of the drive. The suspension proved to be compliantly comfortable and capable of holding a line through a corner — the 15-inch wheels certainly helped matters.
Gallery: Reasons to fall in love with Porsche … again
1962 Porsche 356
Supplied, Kijiji
The car featured here has two notable options — notable because the 356 was more about the drive than pampering its riders — an AM/FM radio and leather upholstery.
The value of any vintage/collectable car is subjective at best — most of the time it boils down to whatever a potential buyer is willing to pay. However, in this case there are some rough (and I stress rough) guidelines. A 1962 Porsche 356B that’s mechanically sound, but in need of some serious TLC is currently garnering around $55,000. At the other end of the spectrum is the Concours d’Elegance-ready trailer queen that’s in better condition than the day it was built. These rare gems are commanding over $200,000. Between the extremes, a 356B in nice condition with little to do to it is averaging $123,000. The car featured here is for sale for $129,900, which seems about right given the condition and low mileage (99,000 km).
How precious is that luggage rack with the leather straps?
Supplied, Kijiji
Used Car Connoisseur’s Note: Buying any collectable requires the expert eye of a professional appraiser, and preferably someone who is familiar with the make and model in question. These pros can determine, based on the condition of everything from the mechanical aspects to the quality of any restoration completed (including rust repairs), a real-world value. It is also wise to watch for phrases like “The body is nice, but the engine could use a little work.” A little engine work can mean anything from a simple tune-up to a full-on rebuild. In the case of a 356, the latter can run anywhere between $10,000 and $15,000 depending upon the extent of the work required. Doing the right legwork up front not only establishes a realistic value, it also generates a valuation for insurance purposes.
