European car article

There is an interesting article in the September issue of European Car titled, "Project 911.." This is the first part of a 2 part series. For anyone that has thought of building a 911 from the ground up, it give some good basic information on what models would be the best to begin with. Their consensus is a 1973 911S coupe but suggest years 1969 to 1973. It also give an idea of which cars to avoid, (pre 1969 because of wheelbase). Since I already have a fast but luxury bloated loaded 3.2, I am in the process of trying to talk my brother into doing a project car since we are presently sharing my car at track events. He is also considering buying someone else's completed project car. We are covered on the mechanical end but need to find the tub to begin. I guess the people who own these realize we are looking for them. Check the article if you can, it going to stir plenty of opinions!

If you are going to buy a 69-73, I wouldn't doddle too much. Prices have been surging in the last 6 months -- and it will probably take a while to find a nice "E" or "S". Eleven years ago, it took me almost a year of looking (in California) for an attractive '72 or '73 "S" before I found a good deal on my '69 and went for it. I hear the market is much harder now.

Part of it is a very strong demand for early cars in Europe, I hear. People are buying early California cars and shipping them overseas -- something you probably already knew, but FWIW.

Same here...when I was in the market 10 years ago, I was set on a 72 or 73S. At the time, for budget reasons I was looking for a clean "driver" in the <$12K range (preferably $10K-ish, remembering this was 1990, I was 23 at the time). The really sweet cars were out of range and I didn't look at them.

After 3-4 months of pretty diligent searching, nada. I finally "settled" for my 70 E Targa (around $8K), and the rest is history. I sure would still LOVE to have a perfect 72/73S (or an RS, in my dreams) but in reality I kinda doubt I will do the early 911 thing again. More likely I will hang onto the E and pick up a 993 or something else "more modern" to add to the motor pool when funds permit.

Chris C.



[This message has been edited by campbellcj (edited 08-15-2000).]

I think you can still find good cars for little money. I do beleive that you have to search for them. I just bought a 71 911T targa for a few(less than 5) thousand. I realize its not an S or E but the T would make a good track chassis if you are redoing all the mechanicals.

The engine had been rebuilt to S specs with all the upgrades(SS heat exchangers, tensioners, etc). The car has almost no rust(even the batt boxes are original and solid). The car even had all the records until 5 years ago when the second owner bought the car and let it sit. It does need paint and needed a tuneup badly. Mechanically it runs great and its definately fast. I just can't wait to get out of grad-school to really have the time and money to fix it up.

Basically if you are not in a hurry to buy, take your time and you will find a great car in your price range.