1969 911 E Karman coupe...

[mac73s]

I am planning on looking at an unrestored 69 911E Karman coupe. Are there any positives or negatives with respect to Karman built cars, and comparing like condition cars, would a Karman bodied car be considered more, less or the same value? Lastly, from a restoration standpoint, is there any reason the Karman bodied car would present any unique challenges that would be different than a non-Karman car? Thank you all.

[xpensivewino]

I'm currently restoring 69 E Karman coupe #824. I was also involved in the restoration of a 70 E Karman coupe. I've owned both Porsche bodies cars and Karman cars, and I can say that there is really no difference in the case of quality. What I have found was slight variations in finishes, such as the way black paint was applied to the inside of the gas filler area etc. Also it seems like the leading work at seams and some of the braising techniques are a bit different, but again none better than the other, just different. I'm no expert on values, but I've never seen any valuation difference between the bodies. Both Karman and Reutter were very well respected names in the manufacturing world, and should not affect values. Keep us posted on the car, and best of luck on your viewing.

[Richy]

Karman used the pvc style undercoating in '69 unlike Porsche , so better in that respect .

[mac73s]

I'm currently restoring 69 E Karman coupe #824. I was also involved in the restoration of a 70 E Karman coupe. I've owned both Porsche bodies cars and Karman cars, and I can say that there is really no difference in the case of quality. What I have found was slight variations in finishes, such as the way black paint was applied to the inside of the gas filler area etc. Also it seems like the leading work at seams and some of the braising techniques are a bit different, but again none better than the other, just different. I'm no expert on values, but I've never seen any valuation difference between the bodies. Both Karman and Reutter were very well respected names in the manufacturing world, and should not affect values. Keep us posted on the car, and best of luck on your viewing.

Thank you or your prompt and very helpful response. I am currently restoring a 70-S, so if I pull the trigger on the 69, she will sit idle in a place of honor in my garage until it is her turn .

[mac73s]

Karman used the pvc style undercoating in '69 unlike Porsche , so better in that respect .

Thank you also for your posting....can you explain the 'pvc' style undercoat versus what was used on my 70 and 73 cars, and if one was to re-do that type of undercoating, is it still available? Thanks!

[Richy]

In '70 Porsche used the pvc style undercoating also . So your '70 and '73 should be like the Karman '69 . The Wurth SKS is a good substitute today .