Race Car Market

rfn026 · 12-05-2008, 03:46 AM

This economy is good for one thing. There are a lot really inexpensive race cars on the market. The sellers need to get a little more realistic about the prices, but if you've got money this is the time to buy the track car of your dreams.

Here are a few I've been watching.

Richard Newton
The Complete Trailer Handbook

JohnJL · 12-05-2008, 04:30 AM

No prices? That 84 for sale?

carr914 · 12-05-2008, 05:18 AM

I didn't see anything there that was very expensive. Are you looking for someone to give you a racecar?

Zeke · 12-05-2008, 07:37 AM

Or, are you looking to buy something called a race car?

It takes 20K in parts to make a decent race car without the car, engine or trans! I built a suitable DE 914 for 11K out of a 500 dollar car and did ALL the work including building the cage. It was far from being the fastest in its class. When the motor (4 cyl) blew the 2nd time, I got 3K for it sitting on and including the trailer! And that was in good times.

The guy who bought it spent another 10K or so putting a six in it. Then he got 12K for it after several tries. So, it goes both ways.

Jeff Alton · 12-05-2008, 07:39 AM

I don't really get the impression he is looking for a race car, at least not one of the ones on his site.

Good info though, having one place to look at a bunch of porsche race cars is nice.

Cheers

rfn026 · 12-05-2008, 02:15 PM

I don't need another race car . I might like another one but that could be a small family issue. My wife has this insane idea that three track cars are enough. She's pointed out that I should really get the Lola running once again before I buy any more cars.

The idea is to have one site where we can look at Porsche race cars. It's never going to be complete since the world is a big place. It is fun to look at what's available though.

It seems that cheap and expensive is different for each one of us. Carr914 thought the 2.8 RSR at $775,100 was cheap. I guess it's all relative. It's like the guy I met today who brought a Nissan GTP car to Sebring. He was just there to have fun so he left the Porsche 962 and the Lola T-70 home. He would think the RSR was a cheap way to go vintage racing too.

I guess I'm just on the wrong end of the food chain.

Richard Newton

carr914 · 12-05-2008, 03:11 PM

I know of the 2.8 RSR you are referring to, but it wasn't on that link, but if your looking for a Vintage Porsche Racecar with history let me know

JMatta · 12-05-2008, 03:22 PM

The economy doesn't affect the deep pocket guys. Those that had some wealth and upped their lifestyle are the ones hurting. My friendly sports car dealer is getting calls from guys who want to put their toys up for consignment, because they lost their half million dollar-a-year jobs and need the cash. The guys that still have some cash are picking these up for fairly cheap.

Zeke · 12-05-2008, 03:33 PM

The economy doesn't affect the deep pocket guys, but it does affect prices. Yes, the rich and wise know when to buy and when to sell. I'm sure some nice pieces will change hands over the next year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfn026

I don't need another race car . I might like another one but that could be a small family issue. My wife has this insane idea that three track cars are enough. She's pointed out that I should really get the Lola running once again before I buy any more cars.
------------------------------------------------

I guess I'm just on the wrong end of the food chain.

Richard Newton

Wrong end??

Jeff Alton · 12-05-2008, 06:41 PM

So tell us about your three race cars.

Cheers

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

We just bought 2 944 track cars this week

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

THing about the "racecar" market is that there are a lot of cars out there sold as "racecars" that are really only glorified DE cars. They list at a lower price but are not at all comparable to a true racecar IMO.

Racecars should be priced based on condition, componentry, but most of all track record. When looking for a car you should consider it's history. Does it have a frequent podium history or is it a mid or back packer? Yes the driver has a lot to do with that but much of the investment in a good racecar comes in setup and development. My racecar aint the prettiest acid-dipped powder-coated work of fine art, but it wins consistently in every series it's been in . As such I would ask more for a car that was built but never really did much. The buyer KNOWS the car is capable of winning.

Regarding the market... We're all hit by the economic downturn somewhat... But people that can afford to race are generally a bit more astute and well off than many. This isn't a value judgement, but racing is expensive and the folks that do it well have found ways to pay for it... ...and keep paying for it. I'm sure the racecar market will be hit, but not comparable to the average price of a used Honda you know?

(That said anyone that wants to trade me a nice cup car for mine, give me a call.

)

rfn026 · 12-06-2008, 05:30 AM

I added a couple of new cars to my blog this morning. They span both ends of the spectrum. One is a 914-6 at a very reasonable price and the other is the ex-Champion Lola Porsche.

I also brought the 1984 911 listing up to date.

The 1973 2.8 RSR is back on eBay. The bids looked a little flaky to me. I guess my instincts were right. Something must have fallen through. The opening bid has now been reduced to $700,000. We'll see how strong the market is with this one.

Richard Newton
Ultimate Garage Handbook

naparsei · 12-06-2008, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carr914

I know of the 2.8 RSR you are referring to, but it wasn't on that link, but if your looking for a Vintage Porsche Racecar with history let me know

Without knowing more, I would have to say I'd love to hear about this car.
Alex

rfn026 · 12-06-2008, 07:37 AM

It sounds like we may be talking about 2 different 2.8 RSRs. The interesting thing is that most of the RSRs at Sebring this weekend (an HSR event) are clones. Fewer ad fewer people seem. to be racing the real deal these days. That's understandable given the prices.

1973 2.8 RSR

Richard Newton

makaio · 12-06-2008, 07:56 AM

Deals are definatley out there right now. Unfortunatley for myself, I can't swoop on any of them due to current finances.

76911 · 12-06-2008, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cstreit

THing about the "racecar" market is that there are a lot of cars out there sold as "racecars" that are really only glorified DE cars. They list at a lower price but are not at all comparable to a true racecar IMO.

Racecars should be priced based on condition, componentry, but most of all track record. When looking for a car you should consider it's history. Does it have a frequent podium history or is it a mid or back packer? Yes the driver has a lot to do with that but much of the investment in a good racecar comes in setup and development. My racecar aint the prettiest acid-dipped powder-coated work of fine art, but it wins consistently in every series it's been in . As such I would ask more for a car that was built but never really did much. The buyer KNOWS the car is capable of winning.

Regarding the market... We're all hit by the economic downturn somewhat... But people that can afford to race are generally a bit more astute and well off than many. This isn't a value judgement, but racing is expensive and the folks that do it well have found ways to pay for it... ...and keep paying for it. I'm sure the racecar market will be hit, but not comparable to the average price of a used Honda you know?

(That said anyone that wants to trade me a nice cup car for mine, give me a call.

)

Are you putting the G2 shold (ex blingmobile) car in that class of glorified DE racers?

356racing · 12-06-2008, 11:02 AM

I've been helping my friend with the 84 you listed. The biggest problem with why the car has not sold is that it is out in the middle of nowhere in Southern Colorado. The price is right for what you are getting and I don't think there is much room in the price as the seller is definetly not hurting for cash, he just thinks it's time to retire from racing. Look for it to be street legal this spring if not sold.

rfn026 · 12-07-2008, 06:59 AM

I've posted a couple more cars on the Porsche Race Cars blog this morning. One is a really great 1966 911 with a real history.

The other is a 944 Turbo track car. I think the 944 has an interesting story but I'm not sure what that story really is. I think the car is the one that Schwanks documented here on this forum. The confusion is that the car is offer for sale in New York. Can anyone help out here?

Richard Newton
Autocross Performance Handbook

naparsei · 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfn026

I've posted a couple more cars on the Porsche Race Cars blog this morning. One is a really great 1966 911 with a real history.[/B][/COLOR][/B][/URL]

Alan Johnson was one of the best known early 911 racers. He raced in the Trans Am series and did well in the series. He also raced elsewhere. I understood the point in your write up, but this car would be worth a lot more and be a lot more interesting if it were original. It would cost a lot to return this to the original trim as raced by AJ. There are plenty of good GT4 cars out there. This is an interesting deal at that price, but my personal preference would be for something that didn't pick up drilled rotors in the 1980s.

That car has been for sale for a long time.