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Pre-Purchase Car Inspections

Electronic communications have made it possible for us to find cars for sale from all over the world. For example, there are normally a number of 356's for sale on eBay. But it's often difficult, if not impossible, to determine the actual condition of a car without a first-hand inspection. And while information delivered by the Internet is almost free, travel is time consuming and expensive. It becomes very tempting to buy a car sight-unseen, a risky business indeed.

Fortunately, the 356 Registry community includes a large number of knowledgeable enthusiasts who are willing to inspect cars on our behalf. Consult the following list to find someone located close to the dream 356 you are considering buying. The money you pay them for a personal inspection should greatly increase your knowledge of the car -- and help you to make an informed decision.

If you prefer to do the inspection yourself, you can use the Pre-Purchase Inspection Check List.

Finding Listings

You can find listings by clicking on the map below, or by scrolling down the page. The listings are more or less ordered from West to East. Happy Hunting!

Add Your Information to the Listings

If you would like to be added to this list, send me an email with the following information:
  • Name
  • City, State
  • Phone
  • Email
  • Qualifications
  • Cars Most Qualified to Inspect
  • Geographic Area
  • Fee
Send to 356ja@adventive.com.

Listings

  • Geographic Area: Oahu, Hawaii (Big Island)
  • Name: Rick Woltz
  • City, State: Kailua, Hawaii
  • Phone: 808-262-5417
  • Fax: 808-528-2281
  • Email: rdwpoorboy@hawaii.rr.com
  • Qualifications:
    Owned one since 1974, restored two cars to date, co-founder of 356 Registry in Hawaii (Hawaii Owners Group). Car then elevator mechanic by trade since 1968. Have studied several books on the subject including two by Brett Johnson, three by Pellow. Have factory workshop manuals for my B Coupe and my A Cab. Have been to the last 4 or so concourses in Hawaii know all the winners and the 356 category and have helped them with their cars. Have helped at least 10 other individuals work on their cars from ground up restorations to tuning their cars up.
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    All 356's
  • Fee:
    $100 for Oahu, $200 outside islands


  • Geographic Area: Seattle (100 mile radius)
  • Name: Harvey L. Smith
  • City, State: Seattle, Washington
  • Phone: 253-582-6800
  • Qualifications:
    Qualifications: 356 Porsche owner since 1956. Have completed two dozen plus restorations since 1974, all to concours standards. Qualified to inspect all 356 models; having done my own rust replacement, body work, paint, and some upholstery, I feel qualified to make a comprehensive report on condition of a 356. To report on an engine or transmission, other than simply driving the car and noting my impression of its handling, the car would have to be inspected by someone specializing in Porsche service.
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    All 356's
  • Fee:
    Will provide a written report and a roll of photographs for $150. Will provide a telephone or faxed report for $100.


  • Geographic Area: West Coast
  • Name: Stan Hanks
  • City, State: Portland, OR & Scottsdale, AZ
  • Phone: 503-704-7472
  • Email: stan@tta.com
  • Qualifications:
    Qualifications: 20+ years of hands-on Porsche experience focusing on the vintage cars and race car development. Owned a shop for a number of years where I employed a factory trained tech, who taught me a huge amount. Have completed several restorations to full concours. Frequent attendee of the major auctions as buyer, seller, and spectator.
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    Late A's, all B & C's. Four-cam cars, especially Carrera II. All race cars.
  • Fee:
    Varies with level of work. a quick look at a car someplace that I happen to be anyway, free. If you want photos, full mechancical checkout, etc., we need to talk.





  • Geographic Area: San Francisco East Bay Area
  • Name: Douglas Melvin (ZuffenHaus)
  • City, State: Pinole, California
  • Phone: 510-223-7702
  • Email: ZuffenHaus@mindspring.com
  • Qualifications:
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    Cars most qualified to inspect:356As through 1973 911/912
  • Fee:
    Travel time.



  • Geographic Area: Southern California
  • Name: Rolly Resos
  • City, State: Newport Beach, California
  • Phone: 949-650-0546
  • Fax: 949-548-2547
  • Email: rolly356@ix.netcom.com
  • Qualifications:
    Have owned and restored 356's including Carrera's and early 911's (pre 74) since 1964. I have made a number of pre-purchase inspections for customers over the years.
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    All 356's and early 911's
  • Fee:
    Negotiable, depending upon the level of evaluation required.

  • Geographic Area: Los Angeles
  • Name: Jim Gordon (submitted by Bill Sampson)
  • City, State: Paramount, California
  • Phone: 562-531-4643
  • Fax: 562-531-4457
  • Email: none
  • Qualifications:
    Restoring 356's since 1978 (possibly earlier)
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    Don't know. He had about 20 at his shop in various states. They ranged from Pre-A to C although I saw no 4-cams.
  • Fee:
    Don't know.

  • Geographic Area: Los Angeles & Surrounding Areas.
  • Name: Jose Gochez (Jomart 356 International)
  • City, State: Pasadena, California
  • Phone: 626-793-7155
  • Email: Jose@jomart.com
  • Qualifications:
    Restoring 356's since 1978 (possibly earlier)
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    Owner of 356 business for 20 years. Currently doing appraisals for State Farm and other insurance companies and private parties.
  • Fee:
    $250 - ten page report provided.

  • Geographic Area: Los Angeles area – car must be brought into the shop.
  • Name: Auto Werkstatt
  • City, State: Manhattan Beach, California
  • Phone: 310-379-3228
  • Email: werkstatt@earthlink.net
  • Qualifications:
    356 to newer Porsche Cars.
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    Been in business over 26 years. Repair of 356, 911,912, all Carrera models, turbo, Boxster, 996. see www.autowerkstatt.com. Member BBB.
  • Fee:
    Contact us.



  • Geographic Area: Arizona
  • Name: Jeff Gamble / Steve Proctor
  • City, State: Tucson, Arizona
  • Phone: 520-299-6714 / 520-577-9507
  • Email: JGambleART@aol.com / stp356@theriver.com
  • Qualifications:
    Jeff Gamble: Owned 8 Porsche's 1953-70, Restored, showed and time trialed since 1966. Current PCA Southern Arizona region Tech Advisor. ("As a sculptor know the body, gaps and what it is")
    Steve Proctor: Owned Porsches for 25 years, from '55 356 to '84 Carrera, including P356 Pre-A, A and B (7 total). Rebuilt at least 8 Porsche engines, performed maintenance on every system on a 356.
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    All 356's
  • Fee:
    Inspection includes comprehensive written report based on detailed inspection checklist, with digital pictures of findings. Recent inspection references available. Reasonable fee, let's talk.







  • Geographic Area: Austin, Texas
  • Name: Gene Schaeffer
  • City, State: Austin, Texas
  • Phone: 512-346-8855
  • Email: gene356@ev1.net
  • Qualifications:
    I have owned over 35 356's, all series.
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    All 356's
  • Fee:
    $100.00

  • Geographic Area: Dallas, Texas & Surrounding Area
  • Name: Ibrahim Kuzu
  • City, State: Dallas, Texas
  • Phone: 972-414-1310
  • Cellular: 214-460-0144
  • Email: Kuzu356@aol.com
  • Qualifications:
    356 Registry Member since 1987. Have bought and sold 45 356 porsches over 20 years. Currently own: '53 Coupe, '58 Coupe, '60 Roadster, '63 Coupe, '69 original 912.
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    All 356 -- specialize in Pre-A's
  • Fee:
    N/A

  • Geographic Area: Fort Worth / Dallas, Texas & Surrounding Area
  • Name: Zim's Autotechnik
  • Contact: Al Zim or Wayne Hall
  • City, State: Bedford, Texas
  • Phone: 800-356-2964
  • Email: al@allzim.com
  • Qualifications:
    I haveworked on the cars since they were new. We maintain a large inventory of 356 parts and service 356 automobiles on a regular basis. The buyer can request a written evaluation of the car.
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    We are qualified to inspect all Porsche models and most Mercedes-Benz models.
  • Fee:
    Start at $80.00. We like the car at our shop so that it can be put on a lift for underside evaluation. Depending on the season,appointments may be necessary. Inspections out of the Dallas / FT.Worth area can be arranged. We work for the person who is paying for the inspection. Under no circumstances will we try to usurp the car away from out customer.






  • Geographic Area: New England
  • Name: Charles Kourmpates
  • City, State: East Greenwich, Rhode Island
  • Phone: 401-885-8002
  • Fax: 401-885-8002
  • Email: miamiair@aol.com
  • Qualifications:
    30 years experience in the metal and paint area of the restoration of automobiles. Includes experience with the following cars: Triumph TR2, TR3, MGTD, MGTF, MGB, XKE, 190SL, Morgan, 240Z, 260Z, Ford 55-58, 356s. Tasks performed were metal fabrication and replacement. Specialize in metal work. Finish paint.
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    I've had direct hands on experience with all of the above cars. No experience with fiberglass cars at all.
  • Fee:
    $250.00, within driving distance for one day. Includes photographs, processing and outlined description, evaluation and personal thoughts. Overnight fees based on phone or email agreement.





  • Geographic Area: Northern to Central New Jersey, New York City, Western Long Island, Northeastern Pennsylvania
  • Name: Robert Boyle
  • City, State: Newton, New Jersey
  • Business Phone: 973-300-9211x103
  • Home Phone: 973-300-9491
  • Email: robert@tellurian.net
  • Qualifications:
    Years of working on Mercedes and Porsches, rebuilding engines, brakes, electrical systems, restorations, buying bad cars and over-paying before I know what I know now...
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    356C/SC Cab or Coupe or T6 Bs. also 993 or 964 cars
  • Fee:
    First dibs if they aren't interested and $25-150 based on distance and how nicely they ask. :)

  • Geographic Area: DC, Maryland, Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula
  • Name: Bill Romano
  • City, State: Berlin, Maryland
  • Phone: 410-208-3531
  • Email: wsr6@mchsi.com
  • Qualifications:
    Mechanical Engineer. Doing ground up rebuild of 64C, overhauled engine.
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    C, SC, B - drivers rather than concours
  • Fee:
    Cover expenses.

  • Geographic Area: Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Suburban Maryland
  • Name: Timothy Berardelli
  • City, State: Alexandria, Virginia
  • Phone: 703-461-3436 (B)
  • Phone: 703-971-8139 (H)
  • Email: tbr356@hotmail.com
  • Qualifications:
    30 years experience in repairing, restoring and maintaing Porsches, 15 SCCA E-production career, owner of Tim Berardelli Racing, a 356 only repair and maintenance facility.
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    356, 912, pre-1975 911's
  • Fee:
    $50.00 per hour

  • Geographic Area: Connecticut, Westchester-Duchess NY & Western Massachusetts.
  • Name: Ed Hyman
  • City, State: New Milford CT
  • Phone:860-355-1804
  • Email: edwardh@gullwingsearch.com
  • hmbl wbmstr -www.vscca.org - www.Gullwingsearch.com
  • Qualifications:
    visual – Inspect & report on a physical condition by a 30-year active Porsche 356 registry member (#57) – Will test drive (weather permitting) and inspect on lift when available.
    Active 356 vintage racer & long term owner: Porsche 356A Coupe & 356A Speedster, 356C Coupe, E-series 911 and 930 Mk II. This inspection will not include invasive testing such as leak down unless specifically authorized by car owner in writing in advance.
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    356A, B & C, early 911, 912, late model 900 series.
  • Fee:
    Travel to/from inspection - $30.00 hour
    On-Site - $45.00 hour – Average two hours
    Report preparation - $25.00 hour (Two hours max)
    $100.00 Minimum - All expenses or as agreed in advance - Plus Connecticut Sales Tax
    Vintage Porsche location service available. Common 356/900 series location/inspection services = 5% up to $60k and 3.5% $60k & above + client covers all reasonable expense.



  • Geographic Area: Virginia, West Virginia, Western North Carolina
  • Name: Mick and Dawn Michelsen
  • City, State: Vinton, Virginia
  • Phone: 540-981-0356
  • Email: chathamms@aol.com
  • Qualifications:
    Have owned and wrenched on 356/912's and an occasional VW since 1966. Current 65 coupe owned since 83. Took it totally apart and rebuilt and really more reassembled than restored in late 80's. Did all work except paint, carbs, and recovering the seats myself. Drove from Vancouver and took first in class 94 Lake Placid Parade with this car (with flamingos still bolted to the luggage rack for extra points). Took second in class Portland Parade 1980 with 69 912, and took 3rd in class in the Seattle Parade sometime in the early 70's with 62 Coupe. Would have been a Parade Concours judge for 95 Portland Parade, but moved to the Blue Ridge about that time. Have operated Chatham Motorsports as a hobby business fooling with these things since 1974.
  • Most Qualified to Inspect:
    B and C/SC, 912 cars. I know the others pretty well, but most qualified with these little guys, also not bad with mid 60's factory hot rod chebbies -- own a 64 SS Wagon. Weird special order by a dude in Hood River.
  • Fee:
    Nothing for Registry members -- unwilling to do it for non-registry members. If you want to buy some gas and a cup or two of coffee, that's OK, but not required. Reimbursement for any film shot or tapes recorded is appreciated but again not required.

Important Notice

356 Registry Inc. provides this page as a service for individual members to exchange help to one another in regards to pre-purchase inspections. The individuals listed on this page are not affiliated with 356 Registry Inc. The stated experience of these individuals has not been verified by John Audette or 356 Registry Inc. and no claim whatsoever is made on their suitability to perform pre-purchase inspections. Any dealings using this list are between private individuals and do not involve 356 Registry Inc. or John Audette. Members are urged to rely on their own judgment in determining the experience and suitability of anyone offering to perform a pre-purchase inspection for them.

Updated 12/02/02 by John Audette

 
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