I found the Saratoga Sunroof guy...

WolfeMacleod · 10-10-2007, 03:44 PM

Spoke to his wife a few minutes ago. He wasn't home, but he should call back soon.
He sold the company to his ex wife several years ago, who ran it into the ground.

They had no idea the Saratogas were in demand...or such high priced.

So..If I could talk this guy into going back into production...or maybe locating and selling of the original tooling, would anybody be interested?

khamul02 · khamul02's Garage

bump

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

How about if he warrantied all of our tops that are coming apart??

khamul02 · khamul02's Garage

Yeah but aren't all those tops old as hell. How long did the factory tops last before they needed to be recovered?

the · 10-10-2007, 08:03 PM

Old Saratoga tops, for old 911s and 914s, do go for a high price these days. But I think that's because of *extremely* limited supply. They weren't overly popular when they were available in the 70s and 80s, and the ones that were sold have largely been damaged or thrown out.

So very, very few remain in decent workable condition. So even if there are only 100 people on earth who really want one, they have to pay a high price because there aren't 100 available.

People have talked about tooling up to redo them new again, but all seem to conclude it isn't worth the money to get into production, because demand actually isn't that high. The cost to tool them up and produce them is apparently pretty high.

Would there be a big market for them from 914 and 911 Targa owners? 914 owners, no. The top would cost more than many 914s are worth. Sure, you'd sell a few, but not hundreds or thousands. 911 Targa owners? I don't think that would be much better. The tops would not be popular now for the same reasons they weren't popular in the 70s and 80s, IMO.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Have you priced a 914 lately?

They are the new 356....

the · 10-10-2007, 08:14 PM

LOL, prices are up a bit for really nice examples, but the new 356, that's a stretch.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Tell me that in another 10 years.

I used to be able to pick up 500-1000 runners. Those same POS are going for 5k. A decent 73-74 2.0 w/o rust...15k-20K.....

The 914/6, 10K are now over 20K.....I see them going regularly for 25+

914/6 conversions...same car, just w/o the distinctive VIN number 10% less....

When I say the new 356....they are replacing the 356 as the middle income Porsche for guys that like something different.

40 plus years of 911s.....there's a LOT to choose from.....70-76 for the 914s.....you don't see many of them.

BTW....what model was the TTOD at the San DiegoPCA Parade this year????

Early_S_Man · 10-10-2007, 08:36 PM

Sounds like he is/was really 'out of touch' in more ways than one!!!

Unless he can be convinced to use/find real, heavy-duty weatherstrip seals of German quality level ... then don't even bother. Those USA-made foam weatherstrip probably saved him a few $$$ per top, and gave all of his customers a real need for a lifetime prescription for Nexium!

ps,

For those that don't know, or can't imagine what I am saying ... the Saratoga Top foam weatherstripping just crumbles away into dust/powder after UV exposure from the sun! I bought a new $1100+ Saratoga Top in 1980 ... by 1985 the seals were crumbling away!

An excellent analysis by 'the,' although the price factor was omitted. The Saratoga Top price rapidly escalated from $598 to $1098 in under two years for the 911 model!

Fidalgo911S · 10-11-2007, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikez

Have you priced a 914 lately?

They are the new 356....

You are correct. While all eyes are focused on longhoods, excellent 914's are quietly being bought by those in the know. Remember how eyes rolled at $20K plus 911T's? Not now do they.

Check out this '74. $24K. Climbing a bit? You bet.

http://www.sportscarmarket.com/Profiles/2007/September/German/

Nostril Cheese · 10-11-2007, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fidalgo911S

You are correct. While all eyes are focused on longhoods, excellent 914's are quietly being bought by those in the know. Remember how eyes rolled at $20K plus 911T's? Not now do they.

Check out this '74. $24K. Climbing a bit? You bet.

http://www.sportscarmarket.com/Profiles/2007/September/German/

+1

I had a really nice 73' 2.0 I bought in '98 for $2500

I sold it three years ago for $7500

Netspeed · 10-11-2007, 11:34 AM

Deleted

onboost · 10-12-2007, 10:46 AM

Hmmmm,

Nice discussion!

khamul02 · khamul02's Garage

Getting back to the top. Surely the seals would be replaced with modern ones and thus last longer. I think there might be buyers if the price was around $800. All the fiberglass tops are running $500 without hardware. People are buying those right?