Chance encounter w/ 68 911

[jess5engine]

I just ran across a 1968 Porsche 911 that has become available for the first time since it left the dealership. The woman selling the car is the original owner and the car only has an astonishing 86K miles! She has an asking price of $9500. She has all the records since car was new and has been wrenched at the same shop for a long time. I'm considering purchasing it even though I just bought my first one (87 911) two weeks ago. The whole thing just feels right, if you know what I mean.

My dilemma is although I spent a lot of time researching the 87-89 911s, I know next to nothing about the 911s from this era. I feel this car won't last long on the market because of its' ownership history and current condition.

So, I'm asking for quick help in what to look for in this car. Like I said earlier, all maint recs are there and the mechanic is the contact person for all technical questions. I'd like to ask him pertinent questions beyond routine maint issues. Thanks in advance for any input and I'll keep the thread updated.

Jesse

[Tim Walsh]

RUST!

OK now that I've gotten that out....
The biggest problem with these cars is rust. The rockers and front suspension pan are the worst places but by far not the only places. If the records are there, the PPI comes out good and it feels right jump on it.

[john_colasante]

You're right, it won't last long. The short wheelbase cars are very hot right now and likely to remain so. If this is a clean, original car it is probably worth buying and worst case you won't lose money on it at that price.

[Shuie]

If it feels right, ask the mechanic if there is anything wrong with it. Email the PCA contacts for your region and ask for references on the mechanic if you dont know him. If it still feels right after that, then get an independent PPI. If the PPI checks out, double and triple check for rust in the front suspension pan, gastank, doorjams, rockers, rear torsion tube, and rear seating area, and parcel shelf. If everything still feels right then buy it and enjoy.

Good luck.

[jess5engine]

Yes, the car is all original. It doesn't have the Fuchs. It has the wheel cover that I believe they call nipple center or something along those lines. Its painted orange - similar in shade to the racing orange from the old Datsun 240s with black interior. I'll have to look closely for rust in hidden spots, but none evident.

[Early_S_Man]

Jesse,

I wouldn't want to dampen your enthusiasm for the car, but there could be some significant, costly issues with the car if it hasn't been driven recently to any extent!

Here are some important questions for the 'wrench-in-charge' ...

1. Has the car been used regularly in recent years, or just stored?

2. What condition are the valve guides in?

3. Has the engine been rebuilt in the past? If not, a rebuild is due because of the early copper valve guides that typically wear out by 70,000 miles!

4. What condition are the carbs and smog-control pump in? The USA-spec '68 models were unique, and many smog-control parts are NLA!

5. Have any major brake system components been replaced in recent years?

6. What condition are the struts and suspension in, currently? The '68 suspension parts are NOT easily upgraded by later parts!

7. Are the wheels chrome, or just painted? Any rust issues on the wheels? The 5.5" '68 wheels are NLA, though Stoddard has some Brazilian-made chrome replicas available.

In spite of the low mileage and long-term care by a single mechanic , I suspect the car could require some extensive & EXPENSIVE work to bring the car up to 'serious collector car' standards and value!

In short, if this car is to be an 'investment' on which a profit is 'expected' to be made ... it may be a very expensive gamble!

[304065]

Buy now and ask questions later.

[azasadny]

Jesse,
Check out the things these fine folks have recommended, but barring any serious problems.... BUY THE CAR!!!

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Having purchased a 69 1-owner car on a lark for $6400 this past summer, I say go for it, but only after rust issues have been thoroughly examined and yielded positive results. But it wasn't the price, it was that the car just felt so "right."

That was confirmed with a 54 hour drive straight from San Fran to Boston with narry a hiccup.

Stop wasting time typing about it and buy it!

Good Luck!

[Zeke]

Listen to Warren. If you buy the car and decide it's not for you for one reason or another, you will loose your CA use tax which in LA county would be $784 plus any other fees due. And the market is a liitle soft right now, the early cars being somewhat of an exception. But I don't think $10,000+ is sitting right around the corner waiting to save you. You may sit on that car for weeks if you decide to flip it.

Now what did you say her address was?

[cowtown]

If the car has been in the Roseville area its whole life, rust should be as minimal as is possible for a car that age.