Considering selling my Targa, what to ask?
 

So after much soul searching I have decide to consider selling my Targa. I've looked on a few sites for similar cars, referenced NADA and Hemmings and it looks like these cars are fetching a nice sum. I want to get your opinions. I can post better shots but for now I just have this beauty shot. Some details:

Its a 1977 ROW number 1265. It has 94,000 miles. A 4 speed - yes you read that right. The top is original vinyl and in very good shape. I have another frame and a fiberglass top that I still have to put together to make her an optional 'hard' top. She has been wrapped but I kept her the same Gran Prix White. There where a few blemishes that were fixed and instead of giving her a $8K paint job I wrapped her for under $2K.
It has the original 5 blade fan - never had to change it because it doesn't over heat (no heat exchangers).
The only non-OEM are the seats (a horse ate one, previous owner replaced them), and the radio/CD by Alpine. It works 95% of the time until you really want it to then you have to jam a folded up business card in the front panel.
Things done to her:
- 2nd gear syncro changed
- new shift coupler and bushing (shes tight now!)
- Carrera chain tensioners
- new steering wheel bushing
- pop-off valve

Stomachmonkey has driven her as well as Redbeard. They can vouch for her.

What do you think I can get for her? (the money will go towards a 996 twin turbo)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1471958042.jpg

Sounds nice, but the wrap would effect the value for me. Most will just consider that as "needs paint." The nice original color (Grand Prix white) will help. The non-oem seats and stereo would also make it less desirable as you suspect (even though original parts for both can be had relatively inexpensively). There is enough "different' that you probably will not get top dollar. Personally, I would probably change the seats and stereo (sell the current seats) before putting it on the market as that would make it a bit more stock (only have to explain the 4 speed and wrap).

That should be interesting... I always wondered what happened when selling a wrapped car... Generally if new people unwrap a perfect car underneath - not the case here... Do people assume the worst? Hagerty says $18000 on your car in normal condition. Minus a paint $8000 job, I'd guess 10? But that seems low for a well running 911 in this day and age, though... So, No idea. Special niche market, if you can find someone who likes the wrap... Intriguing !

The car does drive nice.

Real tight.

It's a solid car.

The issues are purely cosmetic and not that bad.

Mike, knowing the back-story and how you came acquire this beauty, I know it has to be a difficult thing to be letting it go! :-( Wish I was in the market, brother!!!

Randy

Agreed. Best bet would likely be someone here (an enthusiast) who knows the seller and the car. I know when I bought my last '74, it was essentially for the rustfree body and perfect paint job...having had a previous one where I had to address those issues. I already had my other entire car that was t-boned to swap parts from. Of course that gave me lots of spares and parts to sell. The wrap would have made me worry that there might be serious body and pain issues...or rust issues (true or not).

I would still think that was a $20K car in most markets. The only problem with a '77 is that they are not exempt emissions standards in lots of places...yet many have issues coming from places where it is not required. It would make a great daily driver where air condition was not a necessity.

So... It has to be asked. What would it really cost to de-wrap it and give it a decent paint job?
$8,000 sounds like a lot. Surely you could do it for a lot less than that if you did most of the prep work yourself.

Would it be worth doing if you could paint it for under 5k?

You really can't get a quality paint job for under 5K here.

In most places, the quality of paint job it deserves (stripped, glass-out) would be at least $8K. I assume that if he was able to or wanted to do the work himself...he would not have wrapped it. That said, a buyer who paints or has access to discounted work might do well with purchasing this car.

It seems to me that since he has already invested $2K in the Wrap, his best bet is to sell with the paint as is (if the wrap appears/looks nice).

more like 20 grand up here. for a reasonably decent glass-out paint job.
i would ask 17500.

Joel,
I love my kids. A few things though...they are provide the minimum to sustain life and be productive (food, shelter, clothing when needed, educational resources until they graduate HS, music lessons until they graduate HS, sport fee compensation until they graduate HS, and a means of affordable and reasonable transportation until they graduate HS.).

They will not get financial assistance from me for college. They will not be given a vehicle after they graduate HS. They will be charged rent after they graduate HS if they decide to live at home.

yes, I may sound like a dick for being like this but to date they have turned out great. They are aware of the plan. Their success they own, their failure they own. Its harsh but the world is harsh. They won't die if they can't go to a top brand name college or drive a Porsche at 19. Its my desire to develop these kids into seriously productive adults that take on responsibility and ownership of their actions and are willing to bust arse to get what they want.

So, no...he's not getting it.

wow, that was ranty.

Saying it is an 18k car and needs an 8k paint job, so it is worth 10k isn't how it works. You can find 8 more things it need and it will be a free car at that rate. I always get this type of argument when selling special interest cars from potential buyers. I am not in tune with the market enough to make a good suggestion on pricing, but let me know when you are ready to sell. I am very interested.

George

I'm interested!

Honestly, to me that sounds like a "driver" condition car. No rebuilds, some good maintenance stuff done, decent condition but not immaculate, not 100% original. Targas are worth quite a bit less than coupes, which doesn't help. Personally I'd put it at $20k from what you posted. More pictures would help refine that a bit.

Strange thread. If there was no wrap, and it simply had good condition paint, I'd think people would be saying this is a $35k car. If he's truly only getting $20k with wrap, then remove the wrap and instantly make it a $30k car that needs some body attention.

Oh wait, nevermind, I thought this was an SC.

You guys aren't getting it. No way this car is only worth $20k.

This car has provenance - like a car owned by Steve McQeen, this one is owned by the Lubemaster!

that's does it, $45K is the reserve! I'll even sign the seat!

Is it poor etiquette to hitch a ride on Mike's thread. If so, I'll delete myself. I'm sort of the same, and would value thoughts. I'm thinking some more modern with better A/C like a Cayman S

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/924653-fs-1984-row-911-targa.html

Have you had any interest at $35,000? That price seems a bit high to me, but I would expect offers close to $30k.

Are you getting any action on it, Hugh? Lots of guys w strange accents and BS stories along w lowball offers? Just curious. :cool:

When I was shopping accordion cars, I always thought grey market cars were less, unless they had some neat bare bones features. Partly because of the federalization process (mileage reset when they get a new odometer etc.) and also the smog. Is that not the case anymore? Have they become more hip? Does Magnus Walker buy them? :)

G

Back to the OP car, what I do is take the "old value" of the car, (also known as the real value), and then triple it for impact bumper cars or multiply by 5 for early 911Ts, maybe 6 or 7 for 911Es and 10 for 911S cars.

These are approximate but take the value of your car before 911s got "discovered" by the new fans, (say $5k in your case), and triple = $15k. A really good early 911S used to be $20k, now they are $200k, (all prices approximate and fluctuate w the currency being laundered).

A good SC used to be $12k, now it's $36(?) You get the picture....

And a 4-speed mid-year targa w bad paint was a $5k car forever. :)

Denis - I will bet you 10K I can sell that car in a year for 30K - wanna take that?

Not sure how that bet would work but not interested. If you can sell it for $30k, more power to you. I don't see it though; another member here sold a much better one for around $12 or 13k about a year ago, maybe he'll chime in.

I think that the inflated market for old 911 cars that were not desirable in the first place is going to end soon. A good 911S or other good model in great shape will always bring big $$. :cool:

How are you going to sell it?

Don't forget, you can always lower your price...

Denis, you have proven my point to my Son when I tell him that most folks in the world could really care less about what you have or done and many times will be pissed or at least dismissive when you do something well or have something they don't have. That many folks are negative and will find fault in any idea you put forth. They will mask it with some BS statement on how they are only being honest or that they know more than you do.

I tell him to ignore them because while they will try to convince you that they are either smarter than you are in some why better by way of accomplishments or that they have more of something like money, houses, cars, etc... The truth is that these people are nothing to consider and amount to nothing. They are not accomplished or really matter. They are small.

I ask him to consider his uncles and grandfathers and ask himself this question 'do they act like that?' They don't because these men matter. They are true men.

I look at a bunch of the men on this board and they are true men, those that matter and are meaningful are not of negative mind or dismissive. They are considerate and a class act.

I guess we both can learn from these men huh Denis? I know I have a long way to go.

I think the $20K that a lot of folks here have suggested is closer than your suggested $45K. As far as the $30K...I would not sell my '74 for that...and it is far from stock, but I would be surprised if it sold for more...even with perfect paint, sport seats, Carrera oil cooler, 7 inch fuchs, etc. The hot rod, Supertec-built 3.0 which is reliable and fast...and pretty pricey would probably just not please a collector (even though it is a great driver)...who would want the pathetic, but original 2.7 I pulled out of it. I would likely do better to find a 2.7 and do a swap...selling the 3.0 elsewhere.

:confused::confused:

WTF are you talking about? You started a thread asking for opinions on what your car is worth because you want to sell it. I gave you mine and frankly, went easy on it. It sounds like a serious POS. A 4-speed mid-year targa w a wrap to hide the bad condition? And you want some compliments on it?.

Jesus, man. Your son is going to grow up one confused guy listening to you. You have issues. A little hint is that "real men" don't spend much time pondering what a real man is. That would be hint #1. :rolleyes:

You asked for opinions on your car and take offense when none was intended. You did not "put forth an idea". The cars have gone up drastically in value, which is very fortunate for you. This would not be a desirable car to many buyers but you'll get some $$ out of it.

When I read that first paragraph, I see that something is not right w you. I wish you good luck, I think you're going to need it.

I think the $45k was Mike joking around.

But as long as we are entertaining bets in this thread I'll bet anyone $30k I can sell Mikes car for $40k, in a week.

Any takers?

I'll bet $50k that I can sell it for $60k. :)

Close to the border? Got any contacts? They will perform a miracle in Mexico with your car. They still get good paints and the price is right.

Sad to see a mid-year go but the TT is an amazing piece of kit.

Denis, I am truly sorry I offended you. Your most likely correct. Thanks for your input.

And I'm sorry as well. When I re-read my post, it's a lot stronger than what I intended to convey. I was just very confused by your response to my response. Damn internet.

Do you have photos of the flaws that the wrap is covering?

$35K may be a bit high, but it says or best offer. I think the ROW has some desirability, especially with the people who may want to take it back to Europe. Yes, I've had a few inquiries.

what are prospective buyers saying Hugh?

Your car at $28 to $32 is a much better buy than Mike's 77 at $20.

I've seen the car pre and post wrap.

Pretty much what you'd expect from a DD of that vintage.

Primarily rough paint.

IIRC it has an old respray that has not stood the test of time.

Don't recall any rust issues.

The guys who did the wrap did do some bodywork on areas with imperfections, dings etc... as that stuff shows through the wrap. So there is likely primer in spots under the wrap.

But Mike I'm sure will answer in greater detail.

That about sums it up...

One or two inquiries, but 1,425 "looks" on Pelican alone in about two weeks. My neighbor used to have a bone stock 84 911 Coupe and I drove his and he drove mine once. He and I both agreed that my ROW with the SW chip was WAY faster by any metric, off the line, mid-range, you name it. ALL the rubber, including the accordians on the bumpers are soft.


I'm in no hurry, but I'm also flexible. I love the car, but with weak A/C in southern California I just won't drive it in bumper-to-bumper traffic to work, so its a weekend, take it up Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to Malibu/Pismo Beach car, and I don't get to do that too often. Top off on a Targa up PCH to Pismo Beach is about as good as it gets.

If I don't sell, no biggie, I plan to leave soCal in a few years and maintain my Condo in Ventura, CA 1/4 mile from the beach. I'll keep it there for the six months/year that I visit. I'll have my Son use the Condo, flush toilets, run dishwashers, etc, and run the Targa around a little.