W: 911 Coupe, project, driver, not concours, etc. Budget ~$15k - NYC - will travel

[Jbaker1121]

Hello, longtime lurker. Not sure why my thread in the 73+ forum was deleted since I am looking for a range of cars from the 60s-80's to see what I can get for my budget......

Anyway,

I've been a fan of the more classic air-cooled 911s my entire life, and It's come time to look for one of my own. I'm partial to mid-70's ... I love the 930. I love the older, more classic 912, But I also grew up in the 90's so I had a 964 Turbo S poster in my bedroom....

As the title states, I'm looking for a 911. My budget is AROUND $15k for a decent drivable specimen....that means I prefer that it can move or needs little work to get driving.

It does not need to be numbers-matching nor perfect, but strong drivetrain and minimal rust preferred.
As long as there is no life-threatening issue with the car, it will be considered.

I prefer a COUPE. Color does not matter (especially if unoriginal anyway) Cabrio 2nd. No targa.

I am located in NYC area, but am comfortable with long-distance if the price is right.

I'm also on pelican parts and have been scouring Craigslist for cars - currently have inquired about 25+ cars in the last few weeks ranging from 1 hour away to the other side of the country.... If the price is right for the right car, it's worth it.

Please comment here or PM me.

- JBaker

Dealers welcome.


I've received some flak in the 73 older section considering my budget, but please keep in mind that I am not expecting a car that needs no work.... even if it's a decent chassis, or a driving car that is missing a few body panels, etc... it will be considered. I've even seen a few monstrosities of mid-70's cars with 993 body kits, etc. Those are OK too....depending on price...

As far use, it will be mixed street/track/weekend/coffee run. Not expecting to create a show car.

[Jbaker1121]

here are a few I've found in California. What do you experts think? I'm liking the 1980 and the 1976....not into slant nose cars.

http://www.beverlyhillscarclub.com/1...upe-c-3079.htm

http://www.beverlyhillscarclub.com/1...sc--c-3033.htm

http://www.beverlyhillscarclub.com/1...ion-c-3045.htm


Any opinions would be great, or even if someone is local to take a look for me...

[Haasman]

JB- an interesting project. For me, I would be much more interested in what a specific car would required to bring it up to where I would want it to be, i.e. budget. I have seen cars that look horrible but really only required paint and cosmetics, while others that actually appear well, required so much work they would of killed my enthusiasm. that being said, I would first look at the basic bones- any rust, if so realistically how much? Engine, then trans in term$ of time and money.

With every vehicle you are considering, take a note pad and simply jot down everything you see that will need attention. Everything. Doesn't matter what it is. You'll observe the human trait of "keeping" or "kicking". By that I mean the cars that you are drawn to you'll make excuses for and overlook items, sometimes in a large wholesale fashion. Hey, you like it. The opposite is also true- the car(s) you don't think you like you'll be much more harsh and critical with. In the end you are approaching your project with a project and a scope.

The more you look, the more you'll find certain year's cars have common problems and areas that need work. I'd try to look at least at 10 cars.

Finally, don't believe what the seller tells you. Confirm it yourself. Take your time. Never rush to make a mistake.

My $0.02

[Jbaker1121]

JB- an interesting project. For me, I would be much more interested in what a specific car would required to bring it up to where I would want it to be, i.e. budget. I have seen cars that look horrible but really only required paint and cosmetics, while others that actually appear well, required so much work they would of killed my enthusiasm. that being said, I would first look at the basic bones- any rust, if so realistically how much? Engine, then trans in term$ of time and money.

With every vehicle you are considering, take a note pad and simply jot down everything you see that will need attention. Everything. Doesn't matter what it is. You'll observe the human trait of "keeping" or "kicking". By that I mean the cars that you are drawn to you'll make excuses for and overlook items, sometimes in a large wholesale fashion. Hey, you like it. The opposite is also true- the car(s) you don't think you like you'll be much more harsh and critical with. In the end you are approaching your project with a project and a scope.

The more you look, the more you'll find certain year's cars have common problems and areas that need work. I'd try to look at least at 10 cars.

Finally, don't believe what the seller tells you. Confirm it yourself. Take your time. Never rush to make a mistake.

My $0.02

Thank you for your wisdom. I agree with all that you said. I'm a very detail-oriented person (a bit nitpicky in fact) Currently 'looking' at about 20 cars. there about 3 or 4 that seem to be "the one" including the 1980 and the 1976 I just posted. They just so happen to be far away so not one I can just casually "go look at" without being pretty serious. I'm partially drawn to ones that are at a dealer vs. private sale because although they are likely charging a few $$ more than a private seller would, they are held to a certain standard. The dealer claims "mechanically sound" - the car must in fact be "mechanically sound" despite the fact that it's a 30-40 year old car. You just can't have the same with a private seller. The problem is although I say that it's worth it to travel to find the right car, I do not want to spend 5-10% of the car's price just to go look at it if it ends up not being what is advertised....

I'm waiting to hear back from the dealer regarding those cars. I wouldn't mind a trip to Beverly Hills for some sightseeing and to pick up a Porsche....

What do you think of the ones I've posted?

The few CL ones Ive found have expired ads with no response from the sellers, and there are a few @pelican parts that I am looking at - but those tend to be on The pricier side:

@pelican cars:

1977 911S project 'mechanically sound' matching #s needs a brake booster $13k in CT
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...mbers-car.html

^^^This one is at the top of the list for its close distance away and lower price, but it SOLD

1977 911s Renegade 383 v8 conversion. Runs fine, no rust, heat issues. $15k SF, Cali.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...-chevy-v8.html

1983 911SC wide body for $18k w/ broken head stud and minor issues but it runs fine. Located in Hollywood FL.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...-widebody.html

1975 911s widebody $18.5k - Virginia(?) "well done wide body, owned by master tech"
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...1975-911s.html

1982 911SC Sunroof Coupe runs, drives, minor oil drip, some cosmetic issues. $20k Western Montana
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...oof-coupe.html

1986 911 Coupe with upgrades - $22.5k but I got him down in price... located in IOWA
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...e-midwest.html

1984 911 DE car with upgrades - $22.5K - georgia
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...era-coupe.html

1977 911S Street/track car asking $25k in Cali
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...eet-track.html

and finally, this nugget. a 1977 911 turbo race car. Motor is out of car and taken apart. $26.5k in NY
http://www.gullwingmotorcars.com/197...bo-c-1614.htm?

Those are the cars I'm currently looking at.

[Haasman]

JB- In re-reading your requirements

budget is AROUND $15k for a decent drivable specimen....that means I prefer that it can move or needs little work to get driving.

It does not need to be numbers-matching nor perfect, but strong drivetrain and minimal rust preferred.

it is going to be, frankly a bit tough to find a car that matches those requirements. Also reading between the lines your are willing to work on it, perform repairs etc that also infers a budget larger than your stated $15k purchase budget. As a suggestion: If you have a repair budget, try adding that to your $15k purchase point and see how that expands your search choices in terms of quality of vehicles.

As I have said for years regarding buying a used car- The more you spend now, the less you'll spend later. The idea being not matter what used car you buy, you won't know all if its needs until you own it. (Of course all things being equal- same kind of car, year model etc.)

Final thought- These cars tend to grow on you. They really require a commitment. I have told many, many friends to not buy a Porsche unless they are willing to make a commitment to it. Porsche really is a lifestyle.

[Jbaker1121]

JB- In re-reading your requirements it is going to be, frankly a bit tough to find a car that matches those requirements. Also reading between the lines your are willing to work on it, perform repairs etc that also infers a budget larger than your stated $15k purchase budget. As a suggestion: If you have a repair budget, try adding that to your $15k purchase point and see how that expands your search choices in terms of quality of vehicles.

As I have said for years regarding buying a used car- The more you spend now, the less you'll spend later. The idea being not matter what used car you buy, you won't know all if its needs until you own it. (Of course all things being equal- same kind of car, year model etc.)

Final thought- These cars tend to grow on you. They really require a commitment. I have told many, many friends to not buy a Porsche unless they are willing to make a commitment to it. Porsche really is a lifestyle.

the $15K number is not including repairs. It is really purely the purchase price. This is why I am also looking at cars that are asking $25k because they are simply better cars that need less work and I'm paying "up-front" for the work I would otherwise have to do.....

I'm already into the lifestyle, I'm ready. Even if my search continues for a while...

here are two more I came across.
A project in-process... 1978 slant nose 930 3.0L. needs work/completion but has fresh body work and paint...but will run. $18k. IN CT
http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/4518010826.html

[Mr9146]

Buy the best car you can reasonably afford. What you pay for up front you save in spades on the back end during restoration.

[LongRanger]

. . . I'm waiting to hear back from the dealer regarding those cars. I wouldn't mind a trip to Beverly Hills for some sightseeing and to pick up a Porsche . . .

Like --- these Guys? . . . .

. . . Beverly Hills Car Club?
http://www.beverlyhillscarclub.com/

4576 1/2 Worth St
Los Angeles*, CA 90063-2540



*. . . and that really is a tip-off

[Jbaker1121]

Buy the best car you can reasonably afford. What you pay for up front you save in spades on the back end during restoration.

That's the plan...

Like --- these Guys? . . . .

. . . Beverly Hills Car Club?
http://www.beverlyhillscarclub.com/

4576 1/2 Worth St
Los Angeles*, CA 90063-2540

*. . . and that really is a tip-off

Not sure what you mean... but yes, that dealer has two cars I am interested in.

[Jbaker1121]

another 'interesting' car -- '77 with a 3.0 swap and candy paint. $17k in Atlanta
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/4529889261.html

only wish there was as much care in the engine (it's filthy) as keeping the andy paint shiny, but interesting nonetheless.