I am really jonesing for a 911
 

911s were an icon of my youth, and I just can't shake the desire to get one (especially since prices keep creeping upwards). But, could I live with a relatively low hp 911 SC? I've already got a powerful toy (an E46 M3), and a lightweight, momentum car (a Miata). Are the intangibles of the 911 worth it? Could I be happy with a non-Carerra? Does anyone have a cure to fix a Targa, aesthetically?

This one has caught my eye . . .

http://www.mohrimports.com/thumb_cac...1ceea142cf.jpg

Mohr Imports, Inc.

White, Coupe, no tail . . . just about perfect.

Don't let the numbers of an SC fool you. There is a visceral feel to an SC, and even though the numbers look lower than the Carrera, the SC is lighter. By today's standards the cars are slugs but they still hold their own on a back country road.
When I started looking for my first 911 it was between the SC and the Carrera and the more of the cars I drove the more the SC called me.
You buy the one that feels the best to you.

Dont buy from mohrs imports. I was interested in a 993 there, a fellow pca member in my region son works at the ferrari dealer done the street from mohrs. His opinion is that they are shady. Nice looking car though

If you want one, I don't think buying one will disappoint you. It didn't for me:)

Listen to Rick V, he knows 911s very well and his SC is sweet.

I bought 3.2 last fall. Its a driving experience hard to put in words; raw, visceral, engaged, sticky, loud, something that makes me grin every time I drive her. Its not the biggest HP but every bit of it is obtainable all the time.

We're not gonna tell you to get a Malibu instead . . .

My Carrera is not too different from a SC. Expect a more direct, less comfortable, more lively experience than a modern car. In a stoplight drag you'll be just so-so. On a twisty road, you'll love it. Do some AX with a local club. They are not "normal" cars to drive.

As you pointed out, prices continue to rise. If you get a solid car for a fair price you can live with it for a while and if you decide to sell (you won't) you might even make a couple bucks. Not too many things you can do this with.

Bought my 3.2 cab in December. Best money I ever spent on myself. Really.

I've had a Carrera and an SC. Both were wonderful cars. If I could do it again, I'd probably go back to an SC.

Yep, every car I have seen there is beat and overpriced.

Yes.

I'm generally not a fan of the Targas, aesthetically. But there are a couple on this BBS that really look stunning. Lowered, Fuchs, duck tail...

I have an SC. It is really a perfect blend of many very nice attributes. Someone once called the SC "tossable." Not a bad description. Reasonably light. Somewhat powerful. Keeps your attention. I drive mine daily. I enjoy the heck out of it. My driving record is clean. My point? It is entertaining at reasonable speeds. Life is short.

Larry

A torsion bar 911 just has something. I havn't had a car I like more. Buy one you won't regret it. You might find your other cars don't get used that often, though.

Dean

I used to own an SC, and would own one again in a heartbeat. Great cars. Its not about raw speed. Its about the experience. Its like driving a swiss watch. Its like being in a machine that's alive.

I am thinking of selling my E46 M3 to get back into a 930. The M3, whilst a great car just does everything to good. Not to mention it will eventually suffer from the dreaded fatigue cracks in the rear subframe.

I have a non-sunroof 1983 SC that I love to drive. I've made it a little lighter with fiberglass front/rear bumpers and a ducktail. CIS was yanked and installed 46mm PMO carburetors, exhaust is SSI's with a M&K 2 in 2 out muffler. Complete suspension makeover with Elephant Racing polybronze bushings with Bilstein shocks all around. The last touch was having it corner balanced and lowered to Euro spec. Is she the quickest/fastest car out there ? Not even close but she has a " feel " to her that is just wonderful ! The car gives plenty of feedback to the butt and hands on the wheel. She is from a gone era where man made meant something and not cookie cutter manufacturing. Modern cars have their place in society but so do vintage sports cars.

Thanks for all of the strong replies so far. I suspect an SC would be similar in feel to my Miata -- direct, light, powerful enough to be entertaining within the speed limits. The one at Mohr interests me because of the colour, and the interior, and the relatively clean lines.

I've got extensive autox and lapping experience -- and I think I'd love the challenge of a 911. I will keep you posted.

Not even close.
Just grab your local sale "paper" and start driving cars. Each one is different, with it's own feel and personality.
The search is half the fun and you will meet some very interesting people along the way.

Not really an option in Canada -- air-cooled 911s rarely come up for sale around here. And when they do they are really, really spendy.

You win. :)

That car at Mohr would be perfect in my opinion also. GP white, non sunroof coupe, good service record (if true), etc. However, $16,900 would be a better price. You can not go wrong with an SC or Carerra. As suggested above, take a day and go drive a few. If you thought you are jonesing now, just wait...

Are you waiting for someone here to talk you out of this?

You might be waiting a long time....

edit:
The white car looks pretty nice and has some interesting assets. Love the seats and no sunroof.
I think you could do better at that price point though...

I understand your situation completely Zoomiata. About 15 years ago I tried an aircooled 911- what model I do not know. I said to myself one of these days I would get one of these. However my first P car is a Boxster base as it fit the bill two years ago. It has air cond. and heated seats.

Rick V is right you should try different types if you can even if it means driving around(the US as well) to leave no stone unturned. Good luck with your search. It is a lot of fun looking and trying different cars. :)Importing one from California or Ariz to me makes sense - virtually rustfree.......:)

Maybe there are Pelicans who'd like to share their rides, ha ha. I could do an opic visit of the US, meet cool people, and drive their cars. I could return the favour, and offer an E46 M3, or an E36 M3 or a "well-sorted" Miata or a BMW k100RS in exchange for fun.

Thanks for the thoughts -- I will continue my search. I can't get passed the white one just yet -- I am really drawn to it.

One other question -- how is helmet fit in a sunroof car? I am 5'11 . . .

Just took a look at the link. That's a cool car... no sunroof and plaid interior. It would even look better with black fuchs. I dont think it's horribly priced either, especially if you want it and it's long term.

My other car is an e46 sport wagon w/ a 5 speed and my wife has a '09 328 convertible. While the beamers are nice, they don't compare to the 911. You'll see.

Dean

i had a 94 miata with some suspension mods a few years back. it was a fun ride, but the 911 is rockstar.

Not sure if it is the seats in my SC or not, but a helmet in a sunroof car for me is an interference fit. I am 5'10".

A helmet in my SC coupe is a no go, I am 6-4. I can do a helmet in the Targa no problems. :)

The longer you wait........ the more expensive they (good ones) become.

I,ve had 2 Sc, s and an 86 Carrera I have a 993 now. I wouldn,t count out the later aircooled cars.
I,ve seen relative bargains in a 964 over the winter less than 20k$.
In Canada you will see better prices in the US and importing a 15 yr old or older ca is very easy.
(There are often 2 sets of mounting holes in the seat tracks. You might be able to lower the seats for helmet clearance.)

If you're still undecided come spring, make the trip down to Toronto for a Saturday morning - there's a spot in Etobicoke we all get together on Saturday mornings. Get in touch with the folks on rennlist canada and mention you want to try driving a few different models. You should find at least a couple guys that will let you take their car for a short spin, myself included.

Hey ZOOM, buy mine. ;-)

Gotta link?

Well, it's not officially for sale but with the new baby in the house, it could be!

Here's a link to some pretty pics: Rennlist Member Gallery :: Touch of Grey

If you're looking for a pristine show car, I'd recommend to keep looking. If you're looking for a weathered driver with lots of personality and a wicked 11.3:1 compression 2.7L, my car might be for you. ;)

I have an SC. Even though its paid off and i have had times where i was so broke that i had to eat ramen noodles for weeks, i could not bring myself to sell it.

i simply love the personality of the car. i have a brand new VW for a daily driver and cant wait until summer so i can drive a real car that feels and smells like a machine.

however, i wanted an SC since i was a teenager and when i finally got one in my 30's, it was everything i hoped it would be and more. i did not buy on impulse or because i suddenly had an urge to own a 911. if you are open to other generations of 911's, go drive a few and see what you like or dislike about each.

i would try to get one as close to original as possible...im just not one for modding the SC with modern seats and wheels etc...

the only thing that could tempt me to sell the SC is to buy a better condition SC!

All my cars are drivers . . . the total mileage on all my rides approaches 1 000 000 kms! Please shoot me a PM with an idea of a price. That's a handsome car, btw.

Long winded PM sent! :D

1981 Porsche 911 Coupe - Ottawa Collector Cars For Sale - Kijiji Ottawa Canada.

No affiliation but this car has been on the market for a while. He wants premium $ for it but it could be a premium car. I like it in pictures. Pay more for most everything in Canada. They guy who owns it also listed it on PCA

The dealer you first mentioned showing cars on blankets and in front of curtains. Something about that gets me.

The 911 (early ones) seem raw and have very good steering feel, like the Miata. Shifter is another story. ;)

I tell my wife the same thing. I'd only sell my 911 if I was getting another one.

I've been known to sell things. Last night my Dad told me he was intersted in selling his Nova to buy an old truck. My wife imediately said "that's where you get it from." I told her the 911 is not for sale, there's nothing else I'd rather have.

Dean

...and Dave's looks nice too.