Looks like the beginnings of a fine race car to me.

• one roll cage
• 1000 pop rivets
• 10 to 20 gallons of Bondo
• 5 gallons of Rustoleum (anything but black)
• one brush

I'm with Jaguar, don't wreck 'em, restore 'em.

Not too many 356's around of any condition.

Looks like the tires held up fine, but why is there no windscreen?

-A-

good question. perhaps it was busted out before it went into the drink?

dan

I've seen a lot worse restored to perfect condition. With the right amount of $$$$

The key to as whether or not it is worh restoring is:

1. What shape is the engine in?

2. Does the transmission need to be re-built.

3. Can the electrical system be salvaged or does that need to be repaired also?

To me, the remaining issues appear to be only cosmetic--just a few nights and weekends and this machine will be roaring down the highway once again.

What? Look, I understand Mr. Jag was kidding.

But what the. . .? Did you SEE the picture?

Engine? Tranny? ELECTRICLE SYSTEM?!?

And as to the rest being ONLY cosmetic?

Good grief.

-A-

Trust me. I wasn't kidding. I've seen a lot worse, AND less be redone. Race cars are only a roll cage/purpose built monocock with a shape attached to it...mostly. Real race cars that is. (Yes, sports cars CAN be race cars with only a hoop.)

I love you car guys. You're all nuts, but I love you guys.

Drive a new car up next to the rusted hulk of the old car, transfer the VIN tag, and call it a restore.

Like I said, nuts!

-A-

If the owner wants to they could have it rebuilt with just the vin tag. There are certified shops that can even build panels from scratch. When they are done it is recognized by even the most prestigious auction houses as "original".

In many if not most GOOD restorations, ripping through the engine and trans and replacing most if not all of the wiring is a given...if not prudent. Body panels can be repaired, salvaged from wrecks, purchased NOS or re-pro or made from scratch. The key is the chassis/frame. It needs to be repairable/replaceable enough to keep the wheels on it AND have the original VIN number. Yes, I know that departments of transportation can reissue a VIN with enough documentation, but sometimes it's a headache.

I know of a special historic Porsche race car that the cowl section with the VIN number was cut out of and sewn into another chassis. Both owners claim to have the original since the original VIN is located in at least two locations on each body. Each can easily be reproduced. Buyer beware!!!

I think the owner of the fake knows it but won't admit it. It's a cornerstone of his collection and cost him a bundle before he found out.

There is too much talk of restoration these days, most exceed the original specification with too much chrome, superfinished paintwork. This car is a prime case for preservation in it's 'as found' state. Be the head turner at the next Porche rally and turn up with this car, albeit with the chassis straightened, and you would be the envy of all the owners of restored cars. A bit of tuning and you might get it firing on all cylinders. Make sure the engine oil level is checked with the engine horizontal and the car standing on a flat surface so you don't get a false reading and run the bearings; having a low oil reading is false economy and this is one car you don't want to damage any further.