1971 911T Targa or 1969 912

[pwm317]

I'm new to the forum...a longtime lurker...

I have been looking for a 1965-73 911 for the better part of three years to restore. Most have been too expensive or too far gone for me to seriously consider...until now...

Just this past week, I have had two come up locally and I'm trying to determine which would be a better option, so I'm looking for opinions.

1969 912 -- numbers matching, runs but needs new floors, etc...complete resto job

1971 911T Targa -- has replaced engine (w/ original non-running engine included), slightly better shape but non-running condition...complete resto job

Both can be bought around $5k...which one or neither? I realize that I'm gonna dump some money into restoring but are the market prices fair?

BTW, this will be a father/son project that I've been wanting to do with my son who is 15 and a Porsche guy already!

Thanks,
pwm317

[highlander709]

I am a 912 guy, but a well restored 912 Coupe will never be close in value to a well restored 911T Targa, and I would guess the costs to restore would be pretty similar for both vehicles. Let's see what the experts think.

Keith

[beaker]

I would buy both.

[beh911]

When it's all said and done, you will be into either one of these cars in similar amounts of money. If the 912 isn't speaking to you in some sort of special way and you are concerned about value at the end, you may be better off going with the 911.

$5k will be a drop in the bucket pwm317, so be prepared.

[Kaleid]

Is the original engine that comes with the 911 rebuildable or does it have a cracked case or something rendering it useless? If it is rebuildable, go for the 911- if it's not, I would wait for another 911 to come along. Me personally, considering the time and money I'd be putting into it, I'd prefer a 911 with a matching engine I can get going again.

Marco

[Greg D.]

912 and 911 owner here... Buying a 69 912 in need of total resto makes no sense, financially speaking (now if it were a SWB soft window targa, or your dad's car, that's something else). Buying a perfect 912 for 1/2 the price of a perfect 911T makes more sense, if you'd rather not put all your money in one basket, so to speak.

I'd lean heavily towards the 911 in your case, but know that an engine redo is about $10K, a nice paint job is close to that... add rust repair, welding, shocks, exhaust, heat exchangers and pretty soon you've got 30K over your purchase price... Unless you are a talented mechanic/welder/painter, you might be better off not buying *any* of the above and buying someone else's restoration instead: Available now, looking good, for slightly less money !

Just saying.... My 72 has been at the shop for 8+ months now just for mechanicals, and it'll probably be there 2 more for paint. At least there is no rust... As a bonding project with your son, given that resto costs are very similar between the 2, the 911 will get you a better return or a smaller loss...

[curtisaa]

I am a 912 guy, but a well restored 912 Coupe will never be close in value to a well restored 911T Targa, and I would guess the costs to restore would be pretty similar for both vehicles. Let's see what the experts think.

Keith

That statement is speculative at best. True, maybe 5 years ago, however not anymore. 912 cars have found traction in the "marketplace" in leaps & bounds.

[highlander709]

That statement is speculative at best. True, maybe 5 years ago, however not anymore. 912 cars have found traction in the "marketplace" in leaps & bounds.

"From your keyboard to God's ears" - I hope you are correct. It would make all the work I am planning on my 912 appear to be more financially responsible. After owning my car for nearly 30 years and moving it long distances twice, it has immense sentimental value to me, but the financial ROI involved with full restoration has always been sketchy.

Keith

[Varooom]

912 values are way up and anyone here who thinks that a #'s correct, and either restored or original condition cars are not worth it, then they have been out of the loop. I have many respectible 911 owners who love the way these cars drive and feel. I have and do own both and love each for what they give. Wait another few years(maybe sooner) $100K for a 912.


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[curtisaa]

912 values are way up and anyone here who thinks that a #'s correct, and either restored or original condition cars are not worth it, then they have been out of the loop. I have many respectible 911 owners who love the way these cars drive and feel. I have and do own both and love each for what they give. Wait another few years(maybe sooner) $100K for a 912.


.

There you go Keith. I don't know Mr Var, however, here in SoCal these 912 cars are selling like water @ the Coachella Festival. I too agree with Mr Var about the driving experience in a 912.