Porsche 356: Minimalist appreciation

Is there life beyond the 911? Forget, for a second, the obvious classic Porsche and consider its glorious lightweight predecessor, the 356. We ask the experts for advice on the joys and potential pitfalls of owning an example of the first production Porsche…

With more than 75,000 built over a 17-year production window, it's vital to choose the right model of 356 if you're to reap the full rewards of this agile little sports car - and make a sound investment, rather than being financially stung. Our experts explain:

Early desirability

“The most desirable models are the early cars: the Pre-As, the As, the Bs, and in particular the Speedsters and those with Carrera 4-cam engines,” says John Hawkins of UK-based dealerSpecialist Cars of Malton, a company held in high regard for its Porsche expertise. “Well-preserved, unrestored examples still wearing their original paint are also increasingly sought-after,” adds Bernhard Kerkloh of Düsseldorf-based specialist Movendi. Prices range from just below €50,000 up to, in some cases, well beyond €500,000 – but regardless of the model, the condition of the bodywork and chassis should be the prime concern.

The importance of a good example

The usual buying requirement of finding a good, rust- and accident-free example is magnified in the case of the 356. While its monocoque construction has its advantages – one of them being the featherweight mass for which the 356 is celebrated – it also conceals breeding grounds for all-consuming rust. “Restoration costs are currently much higher than the value of a 356 coupé,” explains Peter Iverson of his eponymous company that has long specialised in the model. “The important thing is to find one from a reputable dealer that’s been well restored, otherwise you could end up with snowballing costs,” adds John Hawkins. 

The path to excellence

Some buyers might be put off by the complex differences in model year and bodystyle (the result of evolutionary development by a young manufacturer); not to mention the challenge of finding a solid example. But the rewards are clear: our experts all agree that the 356 has a unique dynamic repertoire, decent investment potential and a genuinely individual character. No wonder the 356's success on both road and track helped Porsche become one of the most celebrated marques in the industry.

Photos: Jan Baedeker

Numerous Porsche 356s can be found for sale in the Classic Driver Market.

1971 Norton Commando LR Fastback Special

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Written by Martin Hodgson

The Norton Commando with its Isle of Man heritage and five times Motor Cycle News “Machine of the Year” award is special enough, but this particular 1971 Fastback Special has a tale that starts with the man who rescued Norton from its British grave. Across the Atlantic Kenny Dreer was the man behind Portland based Vintage Rebuilds who salvaged the Norton name in the 1990’s and commenced work on reviving the brand to its former glory under the Norton America banner.

George Kraus from GEK Restorations tells how his dream of building the ultimate Commando that is now pictured before you first came to mind. “It was an all-night drive back from the San Jose BSA Clubman Show, about 1993 or ’94 with Kenny Dreer. The sleep deprived drive developed a drug-like effect on us two vintage crazed individuals and in our hyperactive minds, we designed the perfect “Manx Commando”. To get his hands on a Commando, George designed Kenny’s original Vintage Rebuilds and Restorations brochure in exchange for a core bike and all the parts and services at cost price.

To get the most out of the legendary Norton, George set about working in his small home workshop performing all the upgrades that Dreer had designed over the years. From the three bolt swing arm to the 30mm belt-drive and the handmade wiring harness with aircraft connectors and complete solid state electronics only the very best was added to the ’71. Custom designed and handmade rear-sets were added along with an external oil filter, machine turned and polished stainless steel hardware and machined vents in the drums.

For the Cafe Manx look ‘Roadholder’ Front Forks with full covers from the late Atlas models were installed and the wheels are Aront aluminum rims laced with Buchanan stainless steel spokes. The seat is an aftermarket design originally intended for use on a Triumph, it was split down the middle and widen to suit the Commando frame then re-molded to add the mounting hardware. So good was the result the design was used on a number of Dreer’s restorations at Vintage Rebuilds.

The tank was discovered at Fair Spares America and turned out to be an old Interpol unit complete with battery and radio trough. As it was just like the Long Range tank George desired he had a new top section designed and welded in to restore the flowing lines to non-police spec. While many may believe the paint is a factory Norton colour it is actually a Chrysler hue spotted at the Portland Auto Show complete with graphics and pinstriping by Mitch Kim. Hand-made aluminum front fender stays and license plate frame complete the clean look.

From its very early days in Birmingham to the Dreer years in America, Norton has been known for quality design and workmanship. That ethos is continued not only with the immaculate presentation that this Commando displays but affirmed by more than 23,000 miles of trouble free riding George has had at the controls since the restoration was completed.

via PIPEBURN

VINTAGE PATENT APPLICATION POSTERS

There’s something genuinely magical about patent applications, it’s stunning when you think that the overwhelming majority of world-altering inventions were first proposed in this way – little more than a sketch with notations.

This collection of blueprint patent applications is the work of the Oliver Gal collective, each is taken from the original patent application and printed on long-lasting 100lb gloss cover paper.

Grab yours here

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