Am I crazy to buy this 911S?

[zcat3]

Hi all - this is my first post here. I am pretty new to early 911s, having recently bought a dedicated 71 T track car. That said, I have owned 6 different 911s over the years, from the 993 on back. I like my 71 T so much, that I am looking for an early car as an occassional daily driver. I came across a 911S that I like quite a bit, but it has many issues that likely detract from its value. Basically it was restored with a bare metal repaint about 3 years ago to a non-original color. Metal RS flares were added and some underbody panels were replaced due to rust. The paint job is excellent (I have had a body shop go over it) and the rust repair and flares are also very well done. The engine and chassis numbers are correct for the year and I am told they are matching from the factory. As I want a driver I am not interested in a 30K all original S that I am afraid to drive, so this car appeals to me. The engine and tranny were rebuilt during the restoration and the suspension is fresh as well. It has minor issues, such as a transmission leak, but I can deal with these myself. In any case, I can get the car for around 13K which seems like a good deal to me. Any input from you early car experts would be appreciated.

[neilk]

If it's a long hood, go for it. What year is it? Why is it so cheap? Rust repair and repaint shouldn't knock that much off the price.

[zcat3]

If it's a long hood, go for it. What year is it? Why is it so cheap? Rust repair and repaint shouldn't knock that much off the price.

It is a 69. It is missing most records - I am trying to track down the restoration stuff - but basically it is a what you see is what you get car. I keep asking myself "what am I missing here?" as well.

[SandyI]

If the car has the original sport seats, that's an amazing deal.
How does it drive?

[Cornpanzer]

Sounds like a great deal. I would have it thouroughly checked out by a shop familiar with the early cars, but it sounds like you have done your homework. For $13k it would be hard to go wrong.
On the other hand, feel free to send me the sellers phone # and I will check it out for you
Have fun,
Dave

[zcat3]

If the car has the original sport seats, that's an amazing deal.
How does it drive?

No - it does not even have the original seats - if has a pair of decent racing shells in it. It definitely is set up as a track car, but I gather it has barely been driven since the restoration - maybe 4,000 miles in the last few years. I would likely source a set of early stock seats (not sport seats as I have no desire to pay $3-5K for those).

It drives and handles very nicely - as an early car should

[SandyI]

Get your checkbook ready and go get your PPI done.
Nice find, dude.

[Zeke]

I agree. I would be getting the car. I will have $13K in a '71 along with a year's work before I'm done, but before I get to the motor. You'll be out playing while I'm still welding.

[larry47us]

Sounds like a good deal to me as well. Make sure that you get a leakdown and compression test to make sure that the engine condition is good. The question may be if you just want an early car to drive, or want something original. You seem to like the way early cars drive, and are not looking for a museum piece.

To me, that means the non-original color and flairs won't bother you. Go for it!!! Welcome to the Registry.

larry

[yopurp]

Make sure you track down the restoration records on the mechanicals! Not all rebuilders are good. $13K seems WAY TOO LOW! Could be a great deal, but I'd definitely spend the time digging deep. Also, make the seller produce the Kardex/Ceertificate of Authority from Porsche that proves the engine and trans are matching # w/the chassis. THe long term value of your S will heavily factor that in. Qualityis the other biggy of course.

Good luck.