Very interesting to say the least! 74 911 Fs. question

[j.collins]

O.K. here it goes, While out and about town I see a 911, stagnant,and half covered w/ junk , parked on the side of some guys house,( I am currently building a custom 914 , which needs an engine, preferrably a Porsche 6, and my daily driver is a custom 944) so anyway this was of interest to me, Because I have always wanted a 911 to round out the stable and need a motor for my 914.
Turns out to be a 74 911 converted to a early rs carrera body w/ glass flares and bumpers , big fat fuchs front and back, a tail, and a 2.4 supposedly upgraded to a larger bore, added electronic goodies and velocity stacks. The car has no visible damage and very minor paint issues,good interior, racing seats, very minimal rust, good glass, lights etc. ..So there I am drooling right!
I ask how much , and he hems and haws and proceeds to tell me " 4500.00 bucks.......
"and oh by the way it has no title, really doesn't even have a vin#, and the motor ran fine until I parked it 3 years ago"

Pretty simple So should I...Run, deal with it, part it, etc.

Any input appreciated thanks JC.

[Porsche]

Based on all that I would run. No title and no VIN???

[Dan in Pasadena]

Nope, lots of issues there. You DO know that 2.4 is not correct, right? Neither is the induction system, the glass fenders, etc. There are better values out there than what this sounds like.

[j.collins]

Yes, I am fully aware of the scary.. where did you get this car anyway? no VIN. issue, He claims he aquired the car as part of a home purchase it was in the garage, he has been stopped by CHP for speeding and they helped him try to look for the vin plates, which were not present, and told him to go to DMV and get a new title ,I guess a salvage title, Thats where he stopped driving it he said.As far as the nonstock format issues, for me being more from the custom camp, I thought maybe some of the combined components off of the vehicle could be put to good use in other applications like my 914 no motor issue, or a tub for racing, selling the other desirable components, possibly even the engine, I dont know ,thats why I am asking you guys!

[frencjas]

If there is no structural rust and the chassis is straight, I would say snatch it up, and offer less. Otherwise, probably best to avoid, unless you really have alot of time on your hands. IMO of course.

[nostatic]

Originally posted by j.collins
very minimal rust

If you want to part it out, maybe. Otherwise take a walk...

[Facey]

**** that sounds like a great deal to me...

if the engine runs u can get most of it back for that...or use that as a starting point for your 914-6 build up...

the tub should be worth something if you don't want it, and if the fiberglass planels fit well its even neater

the phat fuch's sound valuable to me...

now the no vin or tittle is scary..but bascially don't build that car...use its parts...and sell the tub....

i'm sure it porbably got brakes and stuff for u also....

a nicely stroked/bored 2.4L/6 would make your 914 boogie right along


cheers
Nick

[K9Torro]

Facey gave you the best advice ,

In most states the operation of a vehicle which has had it's VIN plate removed or alter'ed in any way (with knowledge) is a serious offense, for example in the states of Georgia and Florida it is a felony offense, which also by the way sujects the vehicle to seizure proceedings.

If you can hear the engine run and it sounds decent and you get a closer look at the parts that could be salvaged/sold then you should be alright at that money, if not just keep an eye out there are good deals that pop up but you have to be pretty flexible in your time and able to travel with a truck/trailer.

T

[naparsei]

If it looks like an earlier car, has no VIN, no title, and has a 2.4, what makes you think it's a '74? I will assume there's no oil door, but it could easily be a '73 or a '73.5. That actually makes it worth a bit more, depending on the rust. If the motor was good, I'd hit it. A salvage titled roller is worth something, if you can get it titled - and you probably can in CA. I am pretty surprised that no VIN can be found, though.

[azasadny]

For a parts car, OK... I would be very suspicious and proceed with caution...

[Zeke]

CHP stopped him and let him go? That' a new one! Personally, I'd buy the car with a bill of sale, solid ID on the seller and go from there. what happens next has a lot to do with the title search. I'd part the car and let the police have the tub if it comes to that. You'd still be ahead. Plan your moves carefully and you'll have no troubles.

Oh, and I'd go back with a 3K offer, first. BTW, Auto Club will search any records for you if you tell them you are planning a purchase. That is not to say they will give you the equivalent of a carfax, but they will give you the status of the title. The car has to have some ID somewhere that you can search before you buy.

One last thing, even cars on a trailer must have a title, off road for race cars. They must be currently registered just like a quad.

[cbeers]

I would keep digging into this one before you walk away. Sometimes, when there is no registration, you go to DMV and find it's a small fee to get it back on the road. Now, I am not sure this would apply if you can't even come up with a VIN.

Along with the other thoughts, offer less so you can be sure to recover your money and take what you want and sell the rest.

sounds like a great track car starter!!


Post pics?


-Chris

[nostatic]

devil is in the details. It could have rust everywhere, seized engine, fake Fuchs, etc. In that case, it isn't worth much. Or it could just have some surface rust (hahaha), a working engine, and real wheels. In which case it is worth something. But research you must...

[j.collins]

Thanks , for your various input and ideas, I do appreciate it, I think I will definitely investigate the parts and motor further , Dmv issues and the lower offer strategy, I'll keep you guys posted.

Thanks again JC