Best books for 356 knowledge

[Jonnyla]

Hi, I looked for this topic already but here is my question. I have always been into the 356 coupe since I was a kid and my neighbor always let me sit in theirs. Due to cost I have been settling for early VW's which I love as well. I now find myself wanting to find the right356 to build up and make an actually "date night" driver for my wife and I. It's that said I don't want to jump into a project without learning as much as possible about year differences and details. I can currently differentiate models, pre a, a, b,c, etc but my goal is to be able to identify parts for each model and basically become very versed in the early Porsches. Does anyone have suggestions on literature as to what would be the best to begin learning these details. I know a lot of my knowledge will be hands on learning but I'd like to get a good foundation of knowledge.
Coffee table books on the history are fun too but I am looking for more details than the typical picture book.

Oh and just cause I know it will come up...
yes I know what type of work it isn't to restore these cars
Yes I know it will cost a small fortune over time

Thanks to all,
Jon
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'55 3 fold sedan, stock with lower stance (project)
'57 sedan, future old speed outlaw style (project)

[James Davies]

Brett Johnson - A Restorer's Guide to Authenticity
Brett Johnson - Porsche 356 Defined
Heinrichs et al. - Speedster Typ 540
Frank Jung - Porsche 356 by Reutter
Dirk-Michael Conradt - Porsche 356: Driving in Its Purest Form

[Jonnyla]

Awesome James! I appreciate it! I'll check them out.
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'55 3 fold sedan, stock with lower stance (project)
'57 sedan, future old speed outlaw style (project)

[roy mawbey]

Jon,

Look on e-bay for ' Elfrink 356 repir manual ' written by Henry Elfrink it cover all the repair of 356 cars and allows you to see how they progressed over the years. They are usually available on e-bay and are really useful.

Also have a look on www.abcgt.com and you will see in depth restorations showing all the pitfalls and the way they are repaired particularly with regard to bodywork.

Roy
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Roy
RHD356A super75 106954

[Jonnyla]

Wow, awesome! Thanks Roy. I ordered a couple of the books james suggested. Well the ones in my budget anyways.
A few of those books get pricey. Especially when I know I need to save a lot for 356 parts.
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'55 3 fold sedan, stock with lower stance (project)
'57 sedan, future old speed outlaw style (project)

[Starbucket]

If you just want a "date night cruiser", you will be dating a lot sooner and have `enuff money to get dinner and a movie if you get a 356 kit car. Then look for a 356 or 912 motor to put in it for the real Porsche sound and feel. If you buy a real 356 you will quickly find out why they call the parts "356 GOLD", they are as hard to find and worth as much or more.