Considering selling my Targa, what to ask?

[M.D. Holloway]

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)

[fintstone]

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).

[Deschodt]

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 !

[stomachmonkey]

The car does drive nice.

Real tight.

It's a solid car.

The issues are purely cosmetic and not that bad.

[rcecale]

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

[fintstone]

Originally Posted by Deschodt

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 !

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.

[sc_rufctr]

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?

[M.D. Holloway]

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

[fintstone]

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).

[creaturecat]

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

[M.D. Holloway]

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.

[aigel]

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

[M.D. Holloway]

I'm interested!

[onewhippedpuppy]

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.

[sugarwood]

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.

[sugarwood]

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

[MBAtarga]

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!

[M.D. Holloway]

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

[Hugh R]

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

FS: 1984 ROW 911 Targa

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

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

FS: 1984 ROW 911 Targa

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