New guy needing buying advice

[motobri]

Greetings,

Been lurking for a while-Love the site.

After 997.2 and 3.2 Carrera ownership, in that order, I guess it only natural that I've now become quite obsessed with the early 911. Unfortunately, my budget limit is $30k. Not sure if that is realistic, but I've seen a few decent condition T's in that range. I tried searching but was wondering if there's a thread/sticky that explains the differences in the years, models, wheelbases, motors, and pros and cons of each. I don't need a show car-just something I can drive while fixing up. Actually prefer the more original cars w/ minor bumps & bruises.

If my budget isn't realistic, maybe a 912 conversion an option? pros and cons to that?

One last thing- I'm 6-4, torso long-Are sunroof cars tight on headroom? Older cars easy to lower seat brackets?

TIA

[laneranch]

hi,

I sold my 1960 356 cab about 2 years ago, joined the 911S registry and started looking for a 67-73 car. It took about a year but I found a car for under $30k that was both numbers matching and passed a PPI with great mechanicals and only some needed cosmetics. I chased a lot of cars, mainly by phone and with photos as i live in a rural area of Idaho. I had a PPI done on one car that was a rust bucket and not as presented so the major item to not avoid is a PPI by a competent shop even if you can see and drive the car. I was open to both coupe and targa, wanted best car I could find, and bought a 71 T targa. It was my 5th Porsche but my first 911. The Registry is a great resource and I have been using it as I sort out my car and make improvements. I am 6 ft 3 in and a 911 has scads of room for us tall guys. Good luck with your search.
al kuresman

[boba]

I am 6'3" and yes a sunroof does reduce headroom. Your build and how you sit will effect how much. Your selection of a seat and its mounting can gain back some of what the sunroof takes.

I think you can find a driver within your budget. You should also think about ongoing maintenance budget. A "good deal" project car may bury you to get it to where it becomes what you wanted.

912 to 911, backdates, and hot rods are all a 'value function' of how well they are done and attention to detail. There is also the question of how well the creators tastes match your own.

The way I think about listing the cars:
'64-'66 SWB, solid mount front struts
'66-'68 SWB
'69 LWB 2.0lt
'70-'71 LWB 2.2lt
'72-'73 LWB 2.4lt '72 had one year only oil door
'73.5. LWB 2.4lt CIS
There are of course additional sub groupings and special factory builds (911R) but that would take a book, or books.

[laneranch]

If you want a summary of each year and the changes Porsche made then buy James Schrager's book "Buying, Driving, and Enjoying the Porsche 911 and 912 - 1965-1973. Great book that also gives info on what to look for when buying a car.

[Bummler]

If you want a summary of each year and the changes Porsche made then buy James Schrager's book "Buying, Driving, and Enjoying the Porsche 911 and 912 - 1965-1973. Great book that also gives info on what to look for when buying a car.

Pete Zimmermans book as well is a great resource for those looking for a year by year review of changes and particular issues with model years. It may be out of print...

http://www.amazon.com/Used-911-Story...Pete+Zimmerman

[motobri]

If you want a summary of each year and the changes Porsche made then buy James Schrager's book "Buying, Driving, and Enjoying the Porsche 911 and 912 - 1965-1973. Great book that also gives info on what to look for when buying a car.

Great read and cool info on little subtle differences. Thanks!