How much is a early 911 really worth??????

[87-930-palmbeac]

I just wonder if I am better to wait and see if the market cools before I buy a T at level that frankly, just a few years ago bought a solid driver S.

IMHO

Only you'll know when it's time to stop wringing your hands over all of this, and decide to do what's best for you. You've said you don't see a car as an investment, so if and when you find an example that you really like and really want, spend the $ and be done with it...provided it falls within your budget.

Find it, buy it, drive it, and and fun with it! If you wind up paying what some might view as a premium for the car you really like and want....who cares?

[RandyWebb]

"Bruce stated that his data was correct and stood by his values..."

- Yes, he did. I've written him asking about sources of bias in the data (geographic, self-selection, small sample sizes, etc.) but he's never replied or written in the column about those possibilities. I assume he's aware of these problems and could do some analysis of them, since he's a former technical writer for hp. So we don't know how good the data are...

[tom dance]

Actually I think the prices of old 911's are way cheap. I collect alot of different cars and believe me the 911's are by far the least expensive, and that by a WIDE margin. A very WIDE margin.
These cars I feel are undiscovered classics. Why? They are cheap, robust, good looking, and great driving. You cannot buy ANYTHING that even comes close for the money.
Let's take a T, say a 69-73, what are they, 12-20k? What are the alternatives. A spitfire? MGB? Miata? Pacer? No vintage mustangs, camaros, cudas, ferraris, astons, panteras etc. Those are all much much higher.
Really there is not much in that price range. I tell everyone who wants a vintage sports car to get a Porsche. They have me hooked. I drive them everyday, even the show cars. Drive em, wash em, then show em. They work well and don't break. What more can you ask for?
That said I just pulled one of my old Ferraris out of the garage and washed it up. I'll take it to the track tomorrow for a few hot laps. I havn't driven it since last year at the track. See what these Porsches have done to me.

[Earl Green]

I'd be curious to know if the editor of Excellence shares Bruce's opinion on early 911 values.

#259

[87-930-palmbeac]

....I think the prices of old 911's are way cheap.....the 911's are by far the least expensive, and that by a WIDE margin. A very WIDE margin.
These cars I feel are undiscovered classics. Why? They are cheap, robust, good looking, and great driving. You cannot buy ANYTHING that even comes close for the money.

Well said, I agree whole heartedly Tom!

[execmalibu]

MICHEAL,

AS FAR AS IM CONCERNED WERE COOL!

I AM A BIT EDGY BECAUSE I HAVE GOTTEN HAMMERED TO DEATH FOR GETTING A GREAT DEAL ON A VERY ORIGINAL AND SOMEWHAT RARE CAR..

SOMETIMES LIKE IN THE CASE OF YOUR " S" YOU CANT PAY TOO MUCH JUST TOO SOON!!.. I PAID $15K IN 1991 FOR MY 73 " S" TARGA..

I KNEW MY STATEMENT WAS CLOSE BUT I DIDNT REALIZE THAT I WAS MISQUOTING MARK TWAIN..

P.S.
IM FRESH OUT OF LLAMAS SO IM USING CLOWNS!

[RandyWebb]

"ferraris, astons, panteras" were all made in very limited quantities rel to 911s. But that doesn't apply to the others you listed.

My only concern is that higher prices attract people who don't care about the cars...

[AbbyAk]

Tom: That is an excellent analysis.

I feel now if I get a really good car I should be happy, even if it is the top end of the $12-$20k spectrum.

Having owned mustangs including an authetic 1970 Boss 302 (which I won't say what I sold for many years ago--it kills me), , a one owner 65 289 fastback, and 1970 coupe I can say that (to me)the 911 is more fun to drive and look at.

Perhaps not as simple mechanically, (esp the motor), but I am totally hooked on the early Porsche cars.

Understand that my post is a result of seeing so many numbers, and I do know (like in many hobbies)that cars tend to change hands within a certain community and many of us are not aware of the numbers on the "wholesale" level if you will. Thus it can be difficult to determine what is a good buy and what may be inflated.

That said, Tom has an excellent point. Like I said earlier, if you look at the 911 (whether T,E, or S) the engineering and styling is essentially the same. So perhaps the value is there regardless, and more folks are beginning to see it.

I'm on it. Will post pics when I pull the trigger...

[AbbyAk]

P.S. Probably should have looked harder at Shawn's 67', way back when it was here in Anchorage. Good car, fun to drive...

[larry47us]

Good comments all. This topic has been revisited over and over, and I never get tired of the comments of the "experienced" members of this board. Probably because the market is changing so much so soon. I had always wanted a Porsche - The dream was an early Tangerine Targa (I didn't know from T E or S back in 1969/70). Never thought I could get into one -- ever.

Finally two years ago I was able to pull the trigger. Everyone said it would take a year to find the right one - Took me 30 days - I was lucky. I then spent a year sweating and hoping that the restoration would come out. And it did. For what I paid - I got great value. I am NOT disappointed that I didn't get an S, and I am tickled GREEN, and love driving it.

You need to find a car that is right for you at the time you are looking, at the right price, in the right condition, in the right location, with the right equipment, etc etc. This is all too personal a decision. The car that I am so happy with wouldn't have satisfied the "collectors" on this board that have 10+ early cars. I respect them for their ability to do it. I'm not jealous (OK, I am) but I am happy with Kermit.

larry