Researching 911s

[bcgreen]

I am the early stages of researching 911s and I would like to know what is the upper limit for a restored 1973 911s coupe with a/c? How about one with just a rebuilt engine?
I hope this is not a stupid question, but I am researching this vehicle and hope to get more info at some local shows as well.
Thanks

[silverc4s]

Well, you might consider that the sale of Steve McQueen's 70 S Coupe as a upper limit example. In the market place, price is determined by the buyer and seller coming to agreement. Many transactions will not be made public.

[jaudette3]

I am the early stages of researching 911s and I would like to know what is the upper limit for a restored 1973 911s coupe with a/c? How about one with just a rebuilt engine?
I hope this is not a stupid question, but I am researching this vehicle and hope to get more info at some local shows as well.
Thanks

I mean this constructively - you need to do a lot of research. In the meantime, here are some general rules of thumb:

- Condition is paramount in determining value.
- Provenance and documentation are important.
- It's very rarely as good as it looks in pictures.
- Whatever rust you can see is probably 1/10th of what is there.
- Numbers matching can be important: stamped panels, engine, transmission, etc.
- Gaps matter.
- Extras affect value: original tool kit, cool accessories such as sport seats, 100L tank, LSD, etc.
- Does it have that almost indefinable "Porsche Feel" when you drive it?
- Seemingly insignificant signs of mousiness are significant.

I'm sure others here can add much more. Best of luck with your search - it's worth it!

JohnA

[NorthernThrux]

For a car with no particular history unlike the McQueen 70S, but a well documented restoration by a noted shop, you are looking at 130k to 220k at the the upper end. Thats with a proper body/suspension/engine/gearbox rebuild. And I mean proper. Original, NOS or handmade replicas. Numbers matching....that sort of thing.

Something that drives OK, with a documented rebuilt engine and MFI, will set you back 70-90k these days with no major body disasters.

[bcgreen]

Well, you might consider that the sale of Steve McQueen's 70 S Coupe as a upper limit example. In the market place, price is determined by the buyer and seller coming to agreement. Many transactions will not be made public.

I thought about that, but since I am a plain old hard working bloke, that is stratospheric and not the norm.

[bcgreen]

For a car with no particular history unlike the McQueen 70S, but a well documented restoration by a noted shop, you are looking at 130k to 220k at the the upper end. Thats with a proper body/suspension/engine/gearbox rebuild. And I mean proper. Original, NOS or handmade replicas. Numbers matching....that sort of thing.

Something that drives OK, with a documented rebuilt engine and MFI, will set you back 70-90k these days with no major body disasters.

Thanks, but is it reasonable to say I would be able to find one for 70-90, and what direction should I focus to find one at those prices?
Since this is a very long, long time (longer that some of the ages of individuals here) in saving, I have to be careful, not to buy incorrectly. This is going to be my investment retirement toy.

[bcgreen]

Thanks for the info.

[bcgreen]

I mean this constructively - you need to do a lot of research. In the meantime, here are some general rules of thumb:

- Condition is paramount in determining value.
- Provenance and documentation are important.
- It's very rarely as good as it looks in pictures.
- Whatever rust you can see is probably 1/10th of what is there.
- Numbers matching can be important: stamped panels, engine, transmission, etc.
- Gaps matter.
- Extras affect value: original tool kit, cool accessories such as sport seats, 100L tank, LSD, etc.
- Does it have that almost indefinable "Porsche Feel" when you drive it?
- Seemingly insignificant signs of mousiness are significant.

I'm sure others here can add much more. Best of luck with your search - it's worth it!

JohnA

I see you're from Bend, we just came back from Grant's Pass visiting friends.
Provenance is going to add to the price of the car, so that's not important as long as it is correct.
Drove one in '73, but not since, so I am not sure about the Porsche feel, but I think I know what you mean.

[fryardds]

This may be obvious but you should look at this car.

http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...les-Two-Owners

[NorthernThrux]

The car Brian mentions looks like a very good, solid car to peck away at over time. Seats look like they need work, the rear parcel shelf should not have those speakers and you really need to repaint to silver to unlock the value. Use that as an opportunity to fix any rust and galvanize the tub. You can clearly drive it as is, but don't expect it will stay that way for the next 20 years. It will need work, it will need an engine rebuild, there is no such thing as rust free and that all costs money. You'll see my car in that thread too...it needed $30k in bodywork, original paint, interior, but it sure looks good in that picture from the original Ad, doesn't it ? Full engine rebuild as well. Complete suspension detail and undercoat. $$$. Pictures can be deceiving (not to impune the seller of 9113300021 in the least).

Now I knew my car would need the work, having inspected it carefully, but you'll need to do your due diligence too....and then budget appropriately. Don't stretch yourself financially to buy one of these if you can't afford what the next 10 years of ownership may bring.