The Official 356Talk Forum

Hello all,
So finally the restoration on my 55 coupe started.
During this Process your suggestions, knowledge and experience will aid this tread to uncover some of the car's history, and will guide me to restore the car to its original glory.

I do have some history and apparently the car was used as a rally car, so most probably someone knows something about it.
I will try to keep you posted with photos of the resto.

One other important thing before all I would like to Thank Kester Bishop an Irish guy living in Minnesota US, One of the kindest persons I have ever met, without him I could have never owned my Dream car.

OK so lets start rolling!!!!

Pics of the Advert.

Building the Rotisserie
Pics.

Going to MN and WI to see the car.
OHH that was cold.
November 2014

Landing


From my hotel room, the next day


Hired car, Definitely not used to this!!!


When I first saw the 55,

Shipping the car Home
It was a hassle as the car transporter could not go in the house to take the car as there was too much snow and the truck was big.
So they had to go and get the 55 out with a smaller truck than shift it to the car transporter to make its way to New York Port.

Late November usually isn't so bad in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Try late January when the high is -8 F.

You did the right thing by visiting the car personally to verify that it was all there. A lesson for all of us...

Good luck on the restoration. Looks like it has mostly good bones. Keep us all posted!

=rds

Restoration, I don't think so. New upholstery, carpeting, sure. But when that's finished, just drive and maintain it. Nice find. Treat it well and it will be your friend for life.

Thanks for the comments,
I believe you should always see the car before buying, however, saying that you can still not see all bad points.
Some times and not saying always, ones you want the car you can get blind and not see the bad of it....
thing is that finding a Pre A is not something easy and ones you find it you have to go for it.

So more pics....
arrived home in beautiful sunny Malta!!!!!!!





Customs in Malta....checking all the paper work inspection and increasing the value so they make me pay more duty.....

Taking the 55 to the shop for dismantlement and prep for blasting.

What a beautiful car in an even beautiful country. Please keep us posted.

At the Shop
Striped and placed on the Rotisserie,
Getting Ready for Blasting.







Some of the original Turkish Red under the Dash




On the Way to Blast the body shell

Steven De Smedt wrote:What a beautiful car in an even beautiful country. Please keep us posted.

Thanks Steven.

Cleaning the shell after Blast and pre-pairing for primer.

The start.
A long way to go.

THE absolute labor of LOVE!