There is insufficient data on the car to judge it. As one post above said, it might be just a rusty collection of parts. But if the rust is not bad, then you will have an S shell/interior/etc. for $12k and that is NOT BAD. You then find an S engine and only a COA would tell that it isn't the original motor. Plus, there is some value to an S with a period correct but not original motor.

But.... it might be just a rusty collection of parts.

Do a very careful inspection. Report back.

For $12K you can find a solid 911SC, which is a much "better" platform if you plan to drive it regularly. I would recommend that as opposed to an early "S" that's been cobbled together.

Katie,

The way I see it, the WORST thing that can happen is you buy the car, and it promptly goes belly up, then you are stuck with a huge bill for repairs and an un-driveable car. But you already mentioned that you have somewhere to store it (while you save up for repairs) and your Dad has an SC (for you to borrow and get your P-car fix) So why not? FWIW, my personal recommendation is to buy an SC targa and save up to have it painted aubergine- then you'll have the best of both worlds. But it's ultimately your decision.

I hope it works out,

Paul.

don't be so quick to jump the gun on people. 12k isn't that much money to spend on a car. many peoples grandparents buy their relatives cars, usually brand new Honda civics, and not because they think its safe reliable etc... but because they've heard of fast and the furious and think its cool....

-the goal in life is not to be finically set, though it would be nice. The goal is to be happy. nothing else matters if your not. School is stressful, being a young adult is scary and very dis-heartening, especially with pessimistic old people insulting you. if someone will be happier by helping you purchase something to make you happy, who's going to judge that.:)

edited to remove insults etc...

-the goal in life should is not to be finically set

Damn and here I have wasted all those years working hard,,,

Bah ha ha ha ah haaaaaaaaaa

Todd SmileWavy

"deleted" based on a change in available historical info. Pretty powerful stuff.

Go Katie go.

OK... I went to see the car...
Could not see much as the gasstation is closed and I could only peek throught the window... but

First of all it IS a coupe... sorry for the wrong remark about being a Targa.

The car was parked with the rear to me so I could not see too much but here is what I believe:

It looks nice.. the paint is still shiny and not as faded as I feared.

I noticed some rust at the end of the rocker panel.. looks like a dent that had not been repaired.

The chrome fittings have seen better days. The rocker covers are so so and the rear bumper is not too straight... but no sign of rust.

The exhaust is obviously not stock (turbo)

The 911S script is silver and the PORSCHE script on the engine lid is gold.

Can it be a Euro car? The tail lenses are yellow and it looks like it has 2 fog lights (I am not a real expert in early cars).

The seats and the steering wheel are not stock.

The dash looks really nice and clean... did the 911s have a logo on the dash? It was too dark but I thought I saw something...

If you want i can go again tomorrow and check the front, the pick up points for the suspensions for rust.
Also I fear the seal between the windscreen and the fenders will hide some rust.
Good news is that I couldnt see any in the rain gutters (my old 88 had some there).

I think it's a decent car for $12k. If it turns out to be a real S even more so.

Katie

I am a grand pa. I can't advise on the car - haven't seen it yada yada.

But from what you have said this is my advise. Take granny's money and buy a car - the pleasure will be all hers. Involve her in the search to the extent that she wants to be involved. Get the grades and take care of the car - it will make her know she did the right thing. The rewards will be yours, granny's and your parents. It does put the onus on you to get the grades and graduate. Take time and search for the perfect car for your budget. You can find low miles, the exact color and condition you want - the perfect car. It might take a month or a year but the search can be interesting and it is out there for the taking. Done with patience you will enjoy it more and longer.

I bet you keep the car and give it to your son or daughter and tell the story on Pelican 25 years from now.

BTW you are not spoiled.

Wherever you find a potential car you can get excellent help and advise from this forum on inspections.

....and it screams money pit or scam to me. Anyone who has a 73 that has a turbo bolted on, probably knows these cars pretty well. They are not going to sell it off that cheap unless there is something afoot. I question whether or not it's a real "S" at all. The first thing I would do is verify that. If it is, a LOT of sins can be forgiven as even a junker S is fetching $$ these days. Next I would want to know more about the rust. Pre 74s are notorious for bad rockers, floor pans, and battery boxes. Cars that do not have visible exterior signs of rust down there, probably still have it. Cars that have visible rust there, probably require mucho dinero to eradicate.

My guess-it'll turn out to be a nightmare. Spend less than half that and bolt a turbo on the car you have. It will be darn near as fast and stop better.

on one hand, being 20-something and saddled with a POS money pit would suck.

on the other hand, you only come around once, and if you don't do what you want to do in life, you don't get to do it over again!

POST THE PICTURES!!

Hey "the" - I also enjoyed Nadar's enjoyable prognostication....but did you just waste your 911th post with a throw-away comment????

:eek:

Yet it is still not a bad idea to exercise some common sense.

I'll take some pics tomorrow if Katie is busy...

Then what are you waiting for?

Convincing my parents.

you still need to take pictures for all of us.

and assuming we 'approve' of the condition or w/e you could use us as an agrument vs. your parents.

but at this point you owe us some pictures.SmileWavy

Thank you Matteo! I appreciate your help!

Ok... I should go in 30 mins (if my 2 little princesses agree to let me out of their sight...)

What's the VIN number? Let's see if it's a real 73S - would be worth some money. Find out if the original engine is anywhere close too. ;) But seriously, I would concentrate on saving money and buying a house first, before investing money into an early 911 - remember, there is NO such thing as a cheap early 911.

pics...pics...pics...pocs..