Where Did The 911s Go?

[piscator]

Originally Posted by madcorgi

I try to drive mine every day there's nice weather, and often on less-than-nice days, unless it's on the lift getting its next modification on its way to being a hot rod. It was a decent driver when I got it, with at least two fairly minor and well-repaired accidents in its past. Part of the appeal was that I could modify it however I liked because it wasn't a pristine showpiece. I've put some money and a lot of sweat equity into it, and have it insured for what it's worth, but I still drive it--even to Walmart. I do it in the daytime, always lock it up, and rarely leave it unattended for more than 15 minutes or so. But--if someone wants it badly enough, they'll get it.

But consider this: the pool of applicants who can even drive a three-pedal car is dwindling rapidly, especially in the shallow end of the gene pool from whence your average car thief descends. And, while I get that there are eager far-east and european buyers out there, it seems like a lot of trouble to go to when you can hack into a new Range Rover and make more $$ shipping it off to wherever.

I think the G Body cars, even at $60-70K for a really nice one, are relative bargains in a world where people drop that much on a new pickup or a new Audi sedan that will depreciate like a stone.

Mad, this is an interesting and sound perspective. It's certainly true but it also seems bizarre to me that so few people can operate a clutch. So many things we once took for granted are being toppled by the technology and production capacity of our 'modern' age. At the risk of sounding like the ol' faht that I am, I don't think there was ANYBODY who didn't drive standard when I first got my license.

Speeder, I didn't realize that Porsche theft was such a problem in L.A. -- that's amazing. One more reason I keep shuffling more toward the countryside and away from the metropolis where I once made a living.

Daniel, indeed they do! I think they look better from the outside with the top off, also!

[speeder]

I was searching my old posts/threads looking for my 911SC engine rebuild thread and came across this:

If this doesn't set the bar on early "S" prices...

Fk me running. The quality of cars that used to be around before the whole bubble/export thing happened.

Read the first and last post on that page.

[Tidybuoy]

I've got one in my garage and I'm keeping it. I don't care if it's worth $10k or $100k, this is my toy and its value to me is not $$$.

[speeder]

Nice garage.

[Geneman]

thats a beauty tidy. yes keep it. i will be buried in mine! plus none of my offspring drive stick... just a tragedy

[ficke]

Originally Posted by speeder

My take on why you don't see them for sale nearly as much is because when I joined Pelican 18 years ago, guys thought nothing of selling a Porsche 911. You can always just get another one next week if you decide it was a bad decision. Not anymore. Also, if you sell an air-cooled 911 because you need the $$, it's for sure you are not replacing it. With what? Your good looks?

So people think twice or three times before selling a good SC or Carrera, not to mention an early car. The good news is that you can still buy any of them in great shape on BAT any day of the week, you just need to pay the going rate. BAT has really put a dent in the flipper/export game IMO, now owners can get top dollar for their car easily so who needs those scumbags?

This is it.
I use to buy, drive, sell 911's with out ever worrying about getting another one. Not now.

[targa911S]

Mine went to Slovakia...

[speeder]

That was a beautiful car. My condolences.

[911 Rod]

I think you don't see them because the owners have newer cars to drive and they like the lazy comfort.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

I think you don't see them because the owners have newer cars to drive and they like the lazy comfort.

For sure, that's part of it. Anyone who has had an air-cooled car for a while is by definition not a kid anymore and new cars are much better as DDs. There are a bunch of reasons but that is definitely one. Jumping in the Tesla to go to work or dinner is a lot less hassle than waiting for an old 911 to get the oil up to temp, etc.

One thing I forgot to mention before is that the old guys I see driving air-cooled Porsches are mostly long time owners who love the car and don't need the relatively small amount of $$ they would get from selling them. They don't follow the market, could care less and will never sell.

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

I think you don't see them because the owners have newer cars to drive and they like the lazy comfort.

That's part of it, but equally so is the fact that no one gives a schit about other people's property. If I daily drove my 911, it would pick up as many door dings and parking lot bumper scrapes as my daily driver has. Or it just might not be there when I got back to it. (In comparison, no one's stealing my beater DD.)

[racer]

They are safe in their garages obviously. Sometimes its just a PITA to hop in a 20-50 year old car to just trudge around. The mindset is that its use needs to be dedicated.. a show, C&C, a long trip, concours, track day etc. The older the car, the more concern about a breakdown and knowing that no one will likely be able to help in that case. Risk vs reward. That said, I try to make it a habit to take my boys to practice in it when the weather cooperates (but the older I get, the more I like heat and working ac) so comfort is also the issue.

Those who bought these cars on the cheap are the most likely to keep using them. Those who bought on the rise, see it as a possible investment when they sell.. those who bought high and perhaps even financed it, are even more worried about using it. How many 1970s and 1980s Ferraris do you see these days? Heck how many of most cars from the 70s-80s do you see in general?

[74-911]

Originally Posted by speeder

....... the old guys I see driving air-cooled Porsches are mostly long time owners who love the car and don't need the relatively small amount of $$ they would get from selling them. They don't follow the market, could care less and will never sell.

My case more or less, 35+ years of ownership. I do however follow the market somewhat and will eventually sell. I drive to a local C & C most Saturday mornings but it's not getting the oil temp up that is an issue, it is getting the ambient air temp down. Driving with no A/C in this part of the world just doesn't suit my lifestyle anymore...

I see lots of water pumpers around here but very seldom do I see any air cools. Anytime i drive it to the local grocery store, big box hardware or even the Mart, it never fails to attract some nice comments.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I don’t think the selection would qualify for “lots”, at least not in my book. Plus most of them are $60k dealership sales that have been on there for months.

I just opened the PP cars for sale page to see, there's at least 8 74-89 911s on the first page alone. I didn't click on all eight, but for the ones I did, none are $60 dealership cars. They seem like reasonably priced driver level cars for the most part to me.

If I wanted a 74-89 driver, I know I'd have no problem finding one within 2 weeks.

[McLovin]

Examples from just the first page

$40K 88 Carrera
1988 Targa, Guards Red

$35K 86 Carrera coupe
1986 Carrera Iris Blue Metallic Sunroof Coupe

$42K 74
FS: 1974 Porsche 911S Targa

$35K 77
FS 1977 911S No Sunroof Sc upgrades

$35K 85 Carrera
1985 Porsche 911 Cabriolet

The market actually at this time seems fairly flooded with driver quality 74-89 911s.

Remember, the ones above are literally from just the first page of PPs classifieds. That's just the ads posted or refreshed in the last few days. There's similar amounts on pages 2, 3 etc.

Also, prices seem lower than they have been in at least 3 years, and continuing to head downward.

[pwd72s]

At age 75, there's really no car, new or old, that puts me in a "gotta have it" mode. Heck, not even a "I want it" mode. I look at it all, not just cars, as just more stuff I'd have to take care of.

However, I do know where a certain '72 911S went, and I'm more than okay with it being there.

[911 Rod]

Also there was a time when my wife would ride in it with me, now she says it's too noisy and stinky. Hell, she won't even follow me in another car.

[GH85Carrera]

My wife would be thrilled if I sold my 85 911 and bought a new Cayman S. Ain't gonna happen until I can sell my 911 for the full price of a Cayman S or maybe the GT4. Not very likely to happen.

After 24 years of ownership, it doubt there is a system or component that I have not touched and either improved or kept in perfect working order. The AC kicks ass, and the drivetrain is all ready for my trip to Key West this summer. I will put 5,000 miles on it most likely for that trip.

I have been in well over 100 autocrosses in it, and run Laguna Seca and Roebling Road and three other tracks going as fast as possible.

In the 24 years I have put only 120,000 miles on it, and it is insured as a fun car and not a daily driver. I have agreed value insurance, and know just what I will get if it is stolen or totaled. That insurance is just about 60 cents per day.

It is worth over twice what I paid for it, and it has provided me millions of smiles.

[speeder]

GH, is your A/C modified or stock?

[ramonesfreak]

One concern I have and it’s probably why I don’t see a lot of vintage sports cars anymore is the lack of shops that can work on them.

We have 1 shop. They are amazing but if they were to close up, I would be screwed if I needed major engine work.

I see almost no vintage Ferrari’s. We used to have a very good Ferrari mechanic in town. He must have closed up at least 25 years ago

Hell even if I wanted a new Ducati or new Ferrari, i would have to drive hours to get a valve adjustment. Theres no dealers in my town and I don’t live in the middle of nowhere. Can’t imagine If I did.

Work often takes me to beautiful rural villages and farming communities around New York State and i often ask myself could I manage maintaining my 911 if I lived out here when the only shop in town is billy bobs muffler and lawnmower repair

I occasionally go to car shows and I’ll see a lot of MG’s, triumphs maybe 1 e type a 308 parked next an f430 and a crap load of old corvettes and a VW fastback and a long row of miatas

This ain’t Southern California