DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

Hi
Malcolm McKay here, I write the Buying Guides for Classic & Sports Car and my next subject is the Porsche 356.
We've got a dealer car lined up to photograph tomorrow (hopefully, if they let it out at this time of year, a superb all-original 1960 356B) but I need your help for the 'owner panel'.
This is a small interview with a keen 356 owner who'd like to tell me a bit about your 356, why you bought it, what you love about it, what you hate about it, what you've done with it, what's gone wrong with it, what your future plans are for it etc. Basically loads of info which I will then somehow condense into 140 words! Can be done either by email or phone, whichever you prefer.
It does need to be someone who's really keen and has owned their car for long enough to talk knowledgeably about it and have some helpful advice to give.
Please PM me or send me an email on MMcKays (at) aol (dot) com if you'd like to be in it. Oh, and you have to send me a head-n-shoulders shot of you (pref plain background or your 356 behind you, but as it's used smaller than a 1st class stamp, the car's not essential cos you won't see it anyway!).
Thanks!
Malcolm
PS Very urgent, please, because I've been waiting for someone else to come back to me on this and they've let me down...
PPS If anyone has some tips on things to think about when buying, especially things that don't usually get mentioned in the buying guides or that others get wrong, PLEASE let me know - likewise recommendations on who are the good specialists and any to avoid (you won't be quoted).

sorry i only just seen this post.

proberly too late now ? the one thing that really impressies me about the 356 is just how usable it is Today. and how bullet (famous last words) proof it is. over the last 3 years and with the help of Andy Prill & also PR Servces i've driven all over europe, up-down mountains, across sea(on ferry), long haul motorway runs and speed/driving trials on airfields and it has only once let me down. That was 3 miles from my house

the other thing never mentioned in buyers guides is that when you buy a 356 you are also buying into the 356 family. where ever you go, anywhere in the world you'll bump into one of them. all willing to help,guide and talk for hours about the cars.
The other thing i've seen said time and time again on forums that 356 and 912 will be cheaper to run and maintain than a 911 as they are just VW engines. This is a mistake, and one that can cost you dear in a very short period of time. but, invest in the correct Porsche part's in the first place and you won't regret it. these cars were Made to be really USED and so were built to last/endure.

Hi Malcolm,

Near the back of Classic and Sports Car, you will spot an advert that has a picture of a 356C in it. Sterling Automotive of Newbury is the name if I recall and their workmanship is first class. I would definately recommend them.

I think the owners name is Kalvin or something similar. Nice chap, good looking.

Well said Helen,

Your comments about the reliability of 356`s - the 356 Fraternity and the need to buy the right parts were very pertinent and not repeated often enough

Thanks also for the mention

Kind regards

Thanks all for the responses, there's been a terrific response but Higs got in there first!
Great too to have some advice and recommendations - it's encouraging to see how strong the 356 community is and I hope you'll all enjoy the buying guide when it comes out in the May issue (out early April) of Classic & Sports Car.
I'll be finishing putting the article together over the next day or two, so any last-minute tips still welcome!

Thanks again
Malcolm

Hi Malcolm

Anything else you need to know should be on our web site
www.prs356.com
The blog gives you a day to day work-shop view of 356s
Including the picture galley I think there is around 5 years worth of work and over 100 cars.
I'm always on the phone should you need to know more.

All the best
Paul.