What Makes a 356 Worth $176,000?

This B Cab had tools, a Carrera horn ring, Hirschmann antenna, Blaupunkt radio, headrests, and its original engine

by Jim Schrager

Hot on the heels of the recent Monterey auction results, I received an email, which asked the following question:

“I just saw that nice black 1962 356B Cabriolet sell at Gooding in Monterey for $176,000 and I need your advice. I have a nice car very similar to that one, and although the condition isn’t quite the same, my car is a survivor once previously restored to a decent standard.

It’s ivory with a black interior, a 1600 Normal, in good but well-used condition. The paint is older but can still shine with some elbow grease, the interior is getting a bit tired but is all there, the engine runs well but uses some oil, and the brakes pull to the left. I was thinking about selling it and would like your advice how close I can come to getting a similar value for mine? It seems everyone wants one of these today and I’d look to get well over $100,000...