To match or not to match

[Scott Dinovitz]

I am new to the 356 world having owned several 911s (Current owner of a 1974 Carrera Targa). I am looking at a 1957 Cab. The car I am looking to purchase looks to be a correct but non numbers matching car. Is that as big of a deal as it is in the 911 world as far as reduced values etc? It seems like a lot more 356s have replacement motors. Also, the car I am looking at has beehive tail lights? is that correct? Any help would be appreciated. If I posted in the wrong place please let me know. Enclosed are the pictures of the car in case anyone is interested or has any comments.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/gullwingmotorcar/x26x68

[David Jones]

With that Vin # I would guess that bee hives were correct as the tear drops came in in 57 and that car was built in 56. A very early 57 model.
The lack of an original engine for a 57 cab will drop the price a little but I doubt it would be more than 10% max which is pithing the price variation for market value anyway.

[Norm Miller]

Nothing to worry about with that one.
It doesn't matter at all whether the numbers match, it will drive fine!
If you are a flipper it could have some bearing.
A nice dry cab!

[William Block]

Paint code 603 is white i.e. not original color.
Suggest considering three of Brett Johnson's books: Porsche 356 A Restorer's Guide to Authenticity, rev iii, Porsche 356 Defined A Pictorial Guide (hard) and the new Essential Buyer's Guide Porsche 356.
All still available at www.BLOCKS-BOOKS.com

[Doug McDonnell]

Veglia gauges? Aren't they for kit cars? Makes me wonder what else is Off? Their ad says matching numbers: https://www.gullwingmotor.com/Listing/2 ... -356A.aspx Pictures are different in their ad also.

[Scott Dinovitz]

Doug, I called on the Veglia gages, the broker accidentally put several pics at the end from a pantera.....

[Al Zim]

The first thing you need to do is to get someone that is very very knowledgeable to to look at the car. Most of the cars I have seen have been put together by amateurs instead of someone that knows how to do it correctly. If the engine has been overhauled get the specification sheet and a parts inventory of what was used once again let someone look at your paper work before you spend any money. If you live in a populated area these cars are NOT daily drivers. In March 1957 Tear Drop tail lights started being installed by the factory. From March through the end of the 1957 model year continuous changes were occurred on the car. Thee were 1958 sheet metal parts that were uses as the 1957 parts stock was used up. al zim

[Doug McDonnell]

+1 Get a PPI by someone who really knows early 356s.

[Scott Dinovitz]

Thank you all for the feedback! Any suggestions for someone who can do a PPI in California? The car is in Fresno area.

[Scott Dinovitz]

Bill Block,

I ordered the books. Thank you!
Scott