Is one better than the other?
 

This is a straight opinion question(s). As many of the cars we talk about in here are over 25 years old and I am looking to buy one I have come across all kinds of cars in all kinds of shape. Which leads me to my question. Disregarding whether or not you can or do have the talent and desire to restore/repair yourself what would you prefer and why...a solid original car or a very well restored and again solid one? Is one worth more than the other if the restoration was done with care to use OEM parts?

Thx.

The first question has to be answered by you and that is your end-state; What, exactly do I (you)want?

I would prefer a solid original.

I think a lot of people buy cars based on potential, and end up spending a lot more on a restoration or upgrades then they would have if they had bought the car that someone else had sunk a lot of money in (myself included).

Unfortunately you won't see any great deals until you have spent more than you should have on a different car, thats just how it is.
Once you buy the right car you'll see three more go for thousands less.

Patience and networking are key in finding the right car for the right price.

A PPI from a reputable source is key in price negotiation and purchase. (I didn't get a PPI, I think I got lucky).

Deep pockets are key to restoration and/or upgrades.

If you look at Barrett-Jackson auctions, some original solid cars get as much or more than a perfectly restored car. If you are talking about a 356 cabriolet, then it's a toss up. There was a very nicely restored cab that went for over 100K. If you are talking about an SC or Carrera, I would find one that was unmolested and maintained, drive it, work on it and enjoy it for what it is. You can drive yourself crazy trying to find the perfect car.

I would just start by looking... a lot.
Figure out what you want and what you want to spend.
A well maintained SC or Carrera will probably (IMO) garner the most bang (and less pain) for the buck. However, an unmolested original is getting harder to find all the time. The point is, the more you look, the more you'll know what to look out for. I sat on the fence with a couple different cars because each had things about them that just screamed $$$ down the road. If you hold out and keep at it, you'll find that gem you've been looking for... the one you don't hesitate on is the one you want. No matter what year or model.

Patience, patience, patience.

I personally looked for close to a year, then found a car beyond my expectations right here on Pelican. And for a decent price.

993.......stripped naked....:D

Started out looking into a Cayman, I'm too tall. ;-))) Lucked out on a car consigned at Park Place in Bellevue. It was nice enough that they had it on the showroom floor! I paid way over book including a $3k consignment fee; however, I smile every day I go to the garage. Constantly receiving nice compliments and waves from others.

Mine is an '88 Carrera (then 96k), silver with burgundy, no accidents, rust or dings. There were a lot of black cars or cars with black interiors but I dont do black. I have records from about 55k and all books.

As someone said above, be prepared to leap on the 'right' Pcar, it's in many ways like finding a woman...you'll 'know'! IMO

"The first question has to be answered by you and that is your end-state; What, exactly do I (you)want?"

+1

I want to drive my car, and maintain it's road worthiness and appearance. If both cars were solid, as in your question, then it wouldn't matter to me which to buy unless by driving and putting an all original car to regular use would depreciate its value (say a true garage queen), then I would rather have one that has been restored--save the "queen" for a collector.

Larry

Major point....an 'ORIGINAL' P car is only original once....!