Looking for next 911. Saw a 72T Targa

[DonDavis]

Well, it appears that I am starting my search for my next 911 a little earlier than I had planned. That's a good thing!
I want to get a 72 Coupe. I don’t mind it being a project, just has to have a sound body and not “messed up by hackers”, if you know what I mean. Originality is preferred but not a must. I plan on updating seats, suspension etc. But I would like to be able to drive it “as is” for the time being. If I found a car that had been sitting for some time and needed LOTS of TLC to get going, that would be acceptable.

Is that vague enough for everyone? Sounds like “Rough is OK, but not too rough.” and “I don’t mind some work, but not too much.”

That being said, I looked at a 72T Targa yesterday. This car is definitely at the rough end of the spectrum. From what I could tell, the owner does not know Porsches that well. I just don’t get a feeling this guy cruises this BB or for that matter, knows a BB from a Big Beer.
It has a 915 tranny, 2.4 engine #911/51 6123888 and VIN matches for 72T Targa. However the VIN just in front of smuggler’s box appeared to have a layer of undercoating type material covering them or they were missing. This would have to be more closely inspected. The front plate, A pillar and door jamb all matched. The door plate was the newer style that has a series of dots to form the numbers. I thought that came a while later. Not 72 but 74 or so?
Moving on, we had to fiddle with the battery for 30 minutes to get it started. It had not run in 4 months and it sounded VERY rough, smoked a lot and sounded like it was missing at least 1 cylinder. The MFI has been removed in lieu of carbs. Didn’t get the type, it was hot and smoky back there and judging the rest of the car, it’s not too high on the list of concerns. An engine rebuild or swap is part of the plan.
Broken clutch cable so it cannot be driven. At this point, I am thinking “This is about too far gone for me.” But wait, maybe this would work. I like the idea of saving a solid car.

The 6x15 wheels (he said they were 7’s, I can’t tell by looking) were in great condition and rest of the car was not too bad. Just dirty. You would think if a guy was going to show a vehicle for sale, he could spray some water on it to get rid of all the dirt. Body was solid and I could not find any rust but I know it’s there. Just not bad enough to be obvious. Under the spare was solid, pan looked good, battery boxes intact (oh yeah, it had been jury rigged to have one battery sitting beside the spare). Car has Behr a/c in smugglers box and compressor is still connected to fan.

I have seen some prices for rollers and this one could be driven after some tweaking, but I would have to say, it’s a roller.
Would 3k-3500 be in range given the limited info I have provided? I may go by and get some pics today.

[Jeff]

It's amazing what the effect of going to a car show, with other porsches there, has on a person.

Good luck in the search.

[LeeH]

I saw that car in the paper... then saw your post about it. From your description it sounds like a clutch cable, tune up, and detail could make it into a respectable driver. If that's the case and you can pick it up for under $4000 it sounds like a bargain. Silly that he won't part with the cash to get the cable replaced so people can drive it. What part of town is it in?

[rattlsnak]

My brother has a 76? Targa for sale in Scottsdale. A definite roller. All the parts are there, but it has 2.7 engine problems, and the interior is half taken apart. He was looking to get @$3,000 for it.

[zotman72]

A solid early (long nose) car without major rust is going to be tough to find for under $5K. While I do not fancy the targas, this one might be worth the work. Probably has bad gas in it. You will never get your money back out of it, but you will have fun throwing money at it. I already been down this road myself. Besides the 72s are the way kewl with the oil door.
Do not worry about the MFI, there is plenty of T parts around to acquire (I even have some spares). Good luck. Show up with $3500 in cash and see what he does.

[DonDavis]

Lee, It's in North Phx. Actually, really close to Beck's shop. I called him about it and he said "Run far, run fast!" That was the message relayed to me about it. I didn't speak to him directly.

I think I am going to pass on this one. It would be fun, but....

It's worse than the pics let on. But still..... I think for 3500, it's a deal.

[LeeH]

Looks like it will take more than a detailing to bring that one back. But still... IF it could be purchased for $3500 and IF there is no rust and IF the engine could be brought back to health without major work...

Well, buy it Don and let us know how it goes!

[DonDavis]

I am definately passing on this one. After seeing the pics of the orange 70 in Washington, I think I need to be a little more picky. Besides, what fun is buying one of the first ones you see.

[Bobboloo]

I want to get a 72 Coupe

Then that is what you should get. Don't compromise or you'll find yourself back in the market again with a little less money.