911 S enlightenment

[RCraft]

Hello all! This is my first post on your site, and I am a newly converted early 911 fan. I have owned several new Porsches (986 and 996), but since I drove a friend's '72 911S coupe (with a 2.7 engine), I have been hooked! I have done some track and autocross, but I much prefer mountain drives on sunny days, so I have been looking for a 72 or 73 911S Targa. As you know, good examples are hard to find, but one possibilty has presented itself, and I am looking to pick your brains and opinions. How do European cars (with good histories) compare to US models as far as current value? If an early car had an early Turbo side mirror, could it be replaced by the original type without metal work? Who would you recommend to conduct a PPI in the Cinncinati/Akron area? (I believe the folks at Stoddard know the car, so I don't know if having someone there do the inspection is in my best interest.) As far as price, what would you think a well maintained (but not restored, except for newer paint in the original color, and newer seals), 96K kilometer European 911S Targa, with one Italian owner from '72 to '82, and one US owner from '83 to date sell for in the current market? (I have read this forum occasionally, and I know Europeans have been rumored to be paying in the $50K range. But I assume the US market is different, given the asking prices I have seen in your classified section.) Thanks in advance for any the help you may be able to give me.

RCraft
Knoxville, TN
empty garage bay

[pwd72s]

Good luck...

[Cornpanzer]

R,
There is a big difference between Cinti and Akron.
Ilive in the Dayton area and can probably hook you up with someone if the car is near Cinti.
Hope it works out well.

[fryardds]

I don't think there is any difference in price based on US or European origin. The differences are small for the 2.4L 'S' model.

Value of the car you're considering depends on records, originality (matching #s), options, and condition. A documented 60K mile, well maintained, clean, original early S targa is a valuable car these days. What color is it, does it have most of it's original parts, and the big one, is it rust free? If you have more detailed information the value would be easier to figure out.

[JCR]

Funny how driving an early S (E, T as well) can hook you. I had a tech inspection today for a DE event - you should have seen the ear to ear grin on the PCA inspector's face after road testing my car!

Brian's right - it's all about condition, originality and documented proof of said originality. The other things you mention aren't really a factor in price.

[RCraft]

Thanks for the help thus far; I also have a bit more info on the car. The car is a well documented 1972 European 911S Targa, chassis # 9112310949. The drive train numbers match, and the car has been repainted in its original color, Grand Prix white. All of this is info that has not been confirmed, but if one can read personality from email correspondence, I think the owner is completely straight up. The car has no rust, with current pictures of the area under the carpet in the trunk looking very clean and solid. There may be pictures of the body during the painting process in 1995, but I don't think they are digital, so I haven't seen them yet. The car is unmodified except for the aforementioned turbo mirror, turbo tie rods, driving lights, and chain tensioner upgrade. Relatively recent mechanical work includes rebuilt MFI, new tires, and shocks. It apparently needs a muffler. It has black sport seat in good condition, new carpet, new targa top, dash in good condition, and even has the original radio. I am looking for a good, honest car for driving (as opposed to showing), and I am willing to pay a fair price. However, neither I nor the very honest owner know exactly what fair price is. My guess from following your classified section and message board is a selling price in the mid to high $30K range for a car like this, although I know there is quite a range. Does this sound about right? Thanks again for the help.

RCraft

Knoxville, TN
empty garage bay

[RCraft]

To quote "Emily Latella" on SNL in the 70's, "Nevermind!" I just reviewed several threads regarding prices of early 911's (yes I know, better late than never), and I realized that an honest attempt to find a car that was fun to drive at sane speeds has landed me in the midst of goofey market, where no one can really tell me or the owner what his car is worth. To recap, "confirmed" prices from the last 6 months on a good 70 to 73 911S range from 20K to 55K. While I don't want (nor do I think I have found) a car too nice to drive, I also don't want to participate in a game of speculation on collectables, since I view that "asset class" as the "mother of all junk bonds." I was just looking for a light, fun, open car, that has the mechanical feel of an old car, but works almost a good as a new one. Sorry to be the new dumb kid on the block.

Robert
Knoxville, TN
maybe an Elise to fill the void

[RickS]

No need to applogize. This 'hobby', passion/obsession, is a learning game. If all of us had the answers, there would be no purpose for the board other than to post pics - which is not a bad thing!

[fryardds]

Targas seem to have a substantial discount when compared to a similar coupe. If that car is as described by the owner I would think a fair price would be in the $30 to 35K range. If the seller is unsure about that and he has the intestial fortitude there is always eBay to help him deterimine its value.

Maybe a nicely sorted 'T' or better yet 'E' model would give the early car grins at a more reasonable price for you. Prices on those cars have risen also but not like the 'S' market has. Hope you are able to find the car that is right for you.

[larry47us]

Targas seem to have a substantial discount when compared to a similar coupe. If that car is as described by the owner I would think a fair price would be in the $30 to 35K range. If the seller is unsure about that and he has the intestial fortitude there is always eBay to help him deterimine its value.

Maybe a nicely sorted 'T' or better yet 'E' model would give the early car grins at a more reasonable price for you. Prices on those cars have risen also but not like the 'S' market has. Hope you are able to find the car that is right for you.

Brian:

I don't know that Targas sell for a substantial discount. I know that I prefer a Targa, and certainly wouldn't pay more for a coupe. I will admit that there are issues with Targas that don't exist with Coupes, but as you know, there is nothing like taking the top off and heading down the road.

Robert: Brian's right regarding the other Early Cars. I have an E and specifically picked one for a couple of reasons - Cost, and city driveablility. I don't plan on racing Kermit, except for maybe some autoX down the road, but he will certainly keep up with the other guys on a run. I know this from experience. The cost of fixing up these cars, or maintaining them is no different whether it is an "S" "E" or "T". The price is in the purchase, and if you are looking for fun - not collectibility - I think that a solid E might be something worth looking at.

larry