opinions needed on 1971 911T targa

[coldstart]

Firstly, I have to say that this an extremely helpful site and has really helped me make an informed decision and has made me excited about my future 911 purchase.

I have put a deposit down on a 1971 911T targa. I have always loved the classy look of the older 911's and I wanted a light enjoyable car and I didn't need the power of an S (though I would have prefered an E). The fact that the car is a targa sealed the deal.

The paint is good (8/10, no rust), the interior is fairly good (7.5/10) and there is supposedly no rust on the pans except surface rust (PPI will confirm this). Wheels are fuchs and are hopefully straight, but are in medium to lousy condition (new finish required). New shocks, new clutch, pedal and speedo rebuild - all with receipts. No history beyond the 10 year mark - current owner's reign (so not a flipper car- mature, nice family-oriented owner). The owner has been returning it to stock as it was aesthetically modified to look more 80's.

ISSUES:

1. Engine has not had any significant work done in the past 10 years OR EVER. The car is undergoing a thorough PPI and hopefully will not require an engine rebuild. (if so, I get my deposit back or a MAJOR reduction in price)

2. Car lacks any updates - no carerra chain tensioners, no pop-off valve (not sure if necessary for a 1971) and no oil cooler (again, likely not necessary).

3. Surface rust in one spot were undercoating has peeled. The PPI will tell more about this and this may be a deal breaker depending if it's structural.



QUESTIONS:

1. What is the going rate for a car like this? I don't want to majorly overpay but I don't want to lose the car either.

2. I am planning on trailering it home (500 miles) behind a 2004 Sienna with a trailer tow package. Any advice?

All comments and advice welcome as this is my first Porsche...

[Jays72T]

Overall it seems like a nice car. If the PPI doesn't come up with anything bad I'd say $10,000 USD would be a nice round price for it. Hard to say with the early cars since their price seems to be going up pretty quick.

As far as the upgrades go, the tensioners are the first thing to be addressed, do a search here and review advice given. Your car does not need the pop off valve so don't sweat it and a fender mounted oil cooler is nice to have but unless you see your temp very high don't worry about it.

Good luck.

[Paulporsche]

Is there a cooler mounted behind that grille under the front bumper?

[coldstart]

Paulporsche - No cooler under the RS bumper. Will hopefully be one soon!

Jays72T - Thanks for the comments. I have read on this site that the tensioners parts will cost around $400 but Pelican wants almost $600 (even deleting the spark plugs they want you to buy) Any idea the best place to get one?

[jkarolyi]

Looks like a nice starter early 911. You are wise to get a PPI. Tell us what it says and we can give advice.

There is debate on the necessity of the updated tensioners. A pretty foolproof solution is to install cheap chain guards which will prevent catastrophe. You will still hear a rattling back there and can change the tensioners ASAP.

Glad to hear you like the Targas...the coupes tend to be more popular, but I prefer the driving experience of the Targa on the early cars.

I wouldn't pay more than US $10,000 for an early T Targa unless it had a fresh engine rebuild. Of course, prices tend to be higher in Canada (even excluding the canadian dollar) than in SoCal where I live.

[Dan Morton]

I have a black 1970 911T Targa! I would value this car around $9-$10k. No need for additional oil cooler with the stock engine. I had my engine rebuilt with S pistons and E cams and still run with regular cooling system with no problems.
If the engine needs a rebuild, you can count on $5k cost to do it yourself replacing the P's&C's, or $8000 to have it done (USD).

Looks like a nice car.

Good luck!

-Dan

[gassy]

Get it get it get it. You won't regret it.
Here's my '70 911T

[tfmcmahon]

Looks like the carpet is chewed up a bit. A sign of battery acid .Pull the batteries all the way out and inspect the metal behind and underneath as you may get an eye opener! Also unscrew the head light bucket and look for color changes and rust. Wrong mirrors and horn grills.look around the targa bar for blisters under paint which means rust-- which can be extensive.

[North]

As long as the floors are good (no rust or lift damage) and the front pan is ok, you culd have a good early car. Really watch for rust though. Check the floor REALLY good, the pedal cluster area and under the back window.

I love my 70t. I mean, I REALLY love my 70t. If it passes the PPI and has no rust, buy it. If the rust is excessive, pass.

[donstevens]

$10,000 US seems about right to me....I sold my 71T targa, with a known rusty pan and a bad 2nd gear synchro for only slightly less than that a couple of years ago. That being the case with rust repair and tranny rebuild the equivalent price would have be about $10,000 today.

Good Luck with the PPI and enjoy the car once you get it.

Don

[coldstart]

Thanks for all the positive words and the support for my first Porsche car (driven and worked on a few but first of my own). I have a very solid daily driver but I love the early 911s.

According to the owner, the engine runs well but has not had ANY work done on it besides the very basics. Rust is my biggest concern and according to the owner, there is none except for some minor surface rust in one spot where the undercoating has come off.

tfmcmahon - thanks for the sharp observations. The owner was upfront that he has replaced the rusty metal behind the battery with a new piece welded in. He also told me that the car was partially updated in the 1980's (momo wheel, RS bumper, mirrors, etc.) but he has been trying to bring it back to a more stock look. I'm not looking for a concours original car but I like to know what I am getting.

Well, I'm really excited about the upcoming deal. Anybody know the going rate for a PPI (leakdown test, valve inspection, etc.) by a fairly well known and recommended Porsche shop? As well, the rate for an appraisal? (required for my insurance) They are both happening later this week.

Glad to see the earlier 911s getting some love!

[bigchillcar]

Glad to see the earlier 911s getting some love!

early cars 'getting love'...are you kidding? they're practically worshipped on this board! just try finding love around here for a mid-year car..talk about feeling like the redheaded stepchild!
ryan

[901/05]

what that tfmcmahon guy said, look for rust: under/behind the battery boxes, under the carpets, all around the rear window of targas. If you see one bubble in the paint...run! Early cars are great, but rust free examples are hard to find.

Make certain that your PPI guy knows his stuff. From the pictures that you have provided, I suspect that you will find some corrosion conserns under the doors. And, if it is there...it is nearly every where.

My fingers are crossed for you.

Early cars are great, but rust free examples are hard to find. Shawn.