Former 356 owner in mourning.

[sawmecoming]

Hello everyone

My first ever post on that bloody orange website (my wife's words not mine!).

I've been lurking for a few years but have been too lazy/busy to post anything and the irony is that I've just sold my dream 356 (57 356 rhd a Coupe) after 9 years of ownership. It was an Ivory White/Red car which I'd lived the dream for a while. When it was on top form it was fantastic but over the years it had begun to lose its place in my fleet for a number of reasons and with a young family, redundancy, no seatbelts and 2 other classics ( VW Splitscreen and 65 fintail Merc) something had to go!

I'd learned a lot over the years of ownership and the biggest lesson has been to take it to the right people which took a lot of trial and error . As usual the same suspects offered wonderful service (PRS, Barry Curtis, Chris Turner, Wonderland Classics) but I had my fingers burned a few times by other guys who thought they knew about 356's which was when my wife christened me with my username!

Anyway,its gone and I'm feeling the blues a bit. The way prices are going I'm not too sure I'll be able to afford a decent one again. I sold it to a dealership Chelsea Cars who weren't the greatest to deal with but in the end practical matters took priority. £28k. I understand they sold it for £36.It needed some more work which I knew I couldn't afford. I think they made a fair amount on it but I hope the new owner had their eyes open on the work needed.

However, it was a great little car for a great period of my life.

What will I miss the most??

Driving it home when I first bought it thinking I am the coooolest man on earth despite driving the biggest steering wheel ever!

The kids at my school laughing when I drove it into the car park (I'm a teacher) because its not a BMW 5 series or Lexus Eurotractor.

The early morning drives from Hertfordshire to Camden Town ( just to pick up the Sunday papers)

Convincing my wife of its practicality (going to the tip, weekly shop etc)She never got over me putting the frozen chicken within the spare tyre and then retrieving it stinking of petrol!!

I won't miss... the tailgaitors half a mm of my rear on the M25/a406 etc. I drove it with the 356 Registry mantra of everyone's out to get me! and it served me well. If I'd kept it I think seatbelts and a 3rd brake light would have been the next few things to do.

Anyway sorry to ramble on about a car I no longer have. But I'm sure you've all been there.

So whats next. Possibly a 912 early 911 but they don't have the same allure for me. Once I get over being 356less I'll get my thinking cap on. Will try to put up some pictures.

Cheers
Ced

[decapman]

comiserations
but great to get a perspective on the car from a long time owner.

[Disco]

DUDE!!!

we could have swapped!!!

shame you've sold the car of your dreams, I did it to buy a house that I didnt buy in the end.. still miss 150 XUS!!!

good luck in your next purchase!

[Hendrik Moulds]

A shame you had to sell.
But welcome to the forum, hope it's not too upsetting on here for you!