Here is the 356C i went to look at

[Steve777]

I finally managed to take a trip out to look at the 356C i mentioned in my earlier post

Let me know what you think guys

Took the car for a drive and everything mechanically seemed fine. Engine has recently been rebuilt, new clutch, overhauled suspension, new shocks, new discs, pads, new exhaust etc

Body work looks quite good. The car was resprayed 20+ years ago. Sounds a long time, but it still looked good.
The car is quite original and has never been restored, but i did notice it had had some body repairs. Areas i noticed were top of drivers wing near the A pillar, bottom of the passenger door, around the bonnet ares at the front. The rear of the car looks really good. My main concerns were doors and wings. No obvious majhor signs of rust, just a couple of bubbles on the rear bumper, front bumper and top of drivers wing. Plenty of underseal (although you never know what this is hiding!) MOT'd every year since my Uncles best man has owned it.

Summary - Mechanically i see know issues - looks to have been well looked after in this area (But he is an expert mechanic particularly with old cars and vintage bikes). Interior is good although requires a really good clean, body work reasonable

Steve

 

[jdpef356]

Let me know what you think guys

Steve

Looks OK from the photos. It looks fairly original which is good in my book. Is it a matching numbers car? The only real way to tell what the true state the body is in is to get it up on the ramps and get it inspected by someone who knows something about them. You need to get someone who deals in restoration to look at it. Sorry don't know which part of the country your in but if you are unsure of where to take it post on here and I'm sure that someone will be able to point you in the right direction. Look at other pointers:- Does the car have any history? Contact previous owners. Is it a UK car? Post further details it may be that someone on here can throw some light on it.[]

 

[Steve777]

Numbers don't match. Car came without an engine. However it is the right enginer for the year.

I'm in the East Midlands

Didn't see a lot of history as he has looked after the car himself since owning it, so family history only.

 

[jdpef356]

I'm in the East Midlands

Steve

The company I would recommend you have give the car the once over is:-
Gantspeed who are at Mareham le Fen in Lincs. Tel 01507 568474.

If you need more info PM me

 

[Steve777]

Does anyone know anyone near to the M1 between junction 20 and 26 . Isn't there a 356 specialist somewhere in Leicester

 

[garyw]

I think Helen is the person to ask..

garyw

 

[38F3E1]

Chris Sargent at GCR in Leicester looks after quite a few 356s. He may even know the car. Number is 0116 2780900.

Would definitely agree with the recommendation for Gantspeed.

Ian.

 

[jdpef356]

I'm in the East Midlands

I don't think that a cursory inspection by a fellow member is sufficient however well intentioned.

You really do need someone who knows these cars inside out and works on them on a daily basis to look at the car.
Ian's suggestion is good option..
You could also consider one of the 356 specialist like Mike Smith a PR Services and ask him to travel and and do an inspection where the car is based or take the car to him.
It's a case of 'All that Glitters is not Gold'