West Coast Autosport

West Coast Autosport is a classic Porsche and European car dealer based in Burlingame, California, on the San Francisco Peninsula about ten minutes south of San Francisco International Airport, according to its own website. The company says it has been the trusted name in selling, buying and shipping classic Porsches and European marques worldwide for more than 30 years. It sells cars from its own stock, takes cars on consignment, and also sells parts and manuals.

What it sells

The site lists early Porsche models as the core of the business: the 356, 912 and 911. Alongside them it handles other European classics, including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, MG, Triumph and Jaguar. The dealer says it selects its inventory by hand, sourcing mostly from long term California owners, and that it supplies vehicle histories and original documentation when they exist.

At the time of research the inventory page showed a 1972 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia coupe, a 1973 Porsche 911S 2.4 Targa described as having had the same keeper for 34 years, and a late model Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan, with prices shown as "price on application." A sold gallery on the site shows earlier Porsches, Volkswagens, Mercedes, MGs, Triumphs and Jaguars, plus at least one newer 911 from the 2009 model year. So the business is classic-focused but not exclusively pre-1980 cars.

Buying from West Coast Autosport

Visits are by appointment only. The company says it works flexibly around buyers' schedules and offers complimentary pickup from SFO for out-of-town guests. It also advertises worldwide shipping for vehicles and parts, and says it will search for a specific car on request. Because prices are listed as price on application, expect to call or email for numbers. Before you commit to any early Porsche, plan an independent pre-purchase inspection by a Porsche specialist, especially for a long distance purchase.

Selling or consigning

The company says it offers consignment as well as outright purchases, and that it gives free, no obligation advice to people thinking of selling. Terms are not published, so ask about the commission, how long a car is expected to take to sell, who covers insurance and preparation, and where the car will be stored while it is for sale. Our guide to selling a classic on consignment explains the usual questions to ask. Owners of air-cooled Porsches may also want to browse current classic Porsche 911s for sale to see how comparable cars are priced.

Parts and manuals

West Coast Autosport lists parts and literature among its offerings, aimed at owners of early Porsches and other European classics. The company says it ships parts worldwide. Compatibility on 356 and early 911 parts can be tricky, so confirm part numbers and model year ranges before ordering.

Reputation

The company's website says it has more than 30 years in business and highlights five star Google reviews. A Birdeye listing showed a 5.0 star average from 7 reviews at the time of research; that is a small sample, so it says little on its own. We did not find a BBB profile we could verify. As with any dealer, rely on the documentation, the inspection and a written bill of sale for the specific car rather than on star ratings.

Visiting and contact

The company's site does not publish a street address, and directory listings disagree on one, so confirm the location when you book your appointment. Burlingame is the city listed on its site. Contact details published by the business are [email protected] and a cell number, (650) 703-5263. Directory sites show different opening hours from the "by appointment only" policy on the company's own site; go with the company's own policy and call first.