First post - help with VIN info.... 73 911T (I think)

[javertiz]

So here is my dilema. Went to see a car today that is supposed to be a 1973 911T Targa. Ok fine.... but then I look at the engine and its definately a 1973 911E engine (911/52 6231270).

Now the VIN on the drivers side (on dashboard - behind windshield) is 9113101619 and if I'm decoding that correctly this is a
(911) 911
(3) 1973
(1) T
(0) Coupe !!!
(1619) Too high for a 73T of course don't have engine so it could have been CIS or not... not sure.

The VIN in the trunk seems to have rusted out (can't read) but it "might" have been scratched out. The car has what I consider some rust but not in any critical areas.... it also has been painted over white and an RS duck tail spoiler added. The interior looks 100% stock with the dealer AC installed.

Any clues?

Thanks
Alex

[andrew15]

You are correct on the engine - 1973 911E Targa

Chassis # 9113101501-9113103444 corresponds to ........
1973 911T US (CIS) Coupe

Odd - I'd take a really close look at this before purchase - or run away. Your choice!

Regards,
Andrew M

[nostatic]

I believe "run" would be the correct verb. I don't think the factory made mistakes with the VIN...

[pwd72s]

If you're really honest? "Run" to a police station, tell them what you've found. They might be interested in inspecting this car as well...

[Jim Richards]

There's supposed to be two VIN plates in the front trunk, one on the trunk's latch panel and one by the top of the gas tank, near the "smuggler's box." There's a VIN by the windshield post on the driver's side, as you've already seen. Finally, there's one on the driver's side door jamb, between the door latch mechanism and the door sill.

So Alex, you should see if you can find another VIN on the car. If another VIN is present, I suspect you'll find it's different and that the car was pieced together from more than one car.

What kind of early car do you want? If it's going to be a track car or hot rod, maybe you can work with this car, given a reasonably low sales price. By the way, is the mechanical fuel injection (MFI) intact?

If you want a collector vehicle that's worth restoring, this aint it!

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Shuie]

The VIN is for a T, as mentioned before.

Be extra paranoid about the rust. Rust can really ruin the experience for you. Make sure you can either fix the rust yourself, or that you have access to a competent shop who is willing to fix it for you.

My rust problem wasnt fully realized until the car was taken apart. The further I get the car apart, the more rust I find. None of it is terminal, but its a pain. I cant find a shop that is willing to take time away from their insurance wrecks to fix mine, so Im learning to weld and fix the car in my spare time. No one in their right mind would buy my car as it sits right now either.

It may work out well for you depending on what you want to do with it.

Good luck

[javertiz]

Originally posted by Jim Richards
There's supposed to be two VIN plates in the front trunk, one on the trunk's latch panel and one by the top of the gas tank, near the "smuggler's box." There's a VIN by the windshield post on the driver's side, as you've already seen. Finally, there's one on the driver's side door jamb, between the door latch mechanism and the door sill.

So Alex, you should see if you can find another VIN on the car. If another VIN is present, I suspect you'll find it's different and that the car was pieced together from more than one car.

What kind of early car do you want? If it's going to be a track car or hot rod, maybe you can work with this car, given a reasonably low sales price. By the way, is the mechanical fuel injection (MFI) intact?

If you want a collector vehicle that's worth restoring, this aint it!

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Thanks to all of you for all for your help !

I actually looked on the drivers side door jamb but there was NOTHING there... the car was repainted not long ago (not the best job) and it seems like not all the plates, tags, etc made it back.... its just like its not there (too weird). I couldn't track down the 2nd VIN in the trunk but I took pictures (see below). I'm pretty sure this is not the car for me (although from the outside it looks great) but now im intreagued with this "incorrect" VIN thing.

Anyway my situation is that I'll be getting rid of my current car in September and I wont be able to get the new one I want until it comes out in March so that leaves me with about 6 months (winter!) of no-car time. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to find that classic that I've always wanted (used to be looking for Karmann Ghia's all the time but I want a true sports car) and if it proved reliable enough I'd keep it after I got my new car. The idea is to slowly try and take it back to its original state but also use it as a twice a year track car (I only do it about once or twice a year).... not really looking to get it to "show car" status.

Thanks again for all your help.

Here are some pics I took of the car:


Its a walk-around starting from the front drivers fender and going round the back.