Found a 911SC, been sitting for 2+ years. What should I do?

ace3 · 05-07-2010, 09:57 AM

With as many people that post here, and as long as this has been sitting, let me know if it's been posted before.

My grandma called me to come over to her apartment complex and move a car. After I moved it, I noticed this sitting here. She said it's been sitting there ever since she moved in (2+ years), and it hasn't moved.

I'm not a big Porsche guy, but from what I've read, the engines in these are pretty bulletproof. Assuming it hasn't been started (just look at it), what would be a reasonable offer to make the person who owns it?

In addition, what would I be looking at for it's inaugural service, other than the obvious fluids, brake, battery, tires, etc?

sc_rufctr · 05-07-2010, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ace3

...

I'm not a big Porsche guy...

You said it yourself. You're not a Porsche guy. Are you sure you want to become one?

WPOZZZ · 05-07-2010, 10:09 AM

That appears to be an 80-83 RoW aka euro spec SC.

GaryR · GaryR's Garage

Yep, Euro Targa, looks to be complete. Ace3, no one can give you a reasonable number to offer for it based on those photos, you can't even see the interior. If it's perfect, low mileage, parked because the owned died it could be worth over $15K. It also could be worth $5K or less. Even if it was stored properly (I HIGHLY doubt it!) it may cost you $1K to have a shop go through it, flush/clean gas tank and lines, new oils, check and adjust valves, etc. I bet it has issues like broken head studs or similar and the owner didn't have the $10+K to pay a shop to fix a $10K +/- car... get more info, have the car PPI'd (Pre-Purchase Inspection) at a good shop if the deal seems too good to pass.

ace3 · 05-07-2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

You said it yourself. You're not a Porsche guy. Are you sure you want to become one?

am i sure? not at all.

ace3 · 05-07-2010, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

That appears to be an 80-83 RoW aka euro spec SC.

Your username is the first 6 of the VIN, so i assume you know what you're talking about!

what does the rest-of-world/euro spec entail? anything exciting?

GaryR · GaryR's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by ace3

am i sure? not at all.

Then the best advice would be to stick with whatever "kinda guy" you are now.

ace3 · 05-07-2010, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryR

Yep, Euro Targa, looks to be complete. Ace3, no one can give you a reasonable number to offer for it based on those photos, you can't even see the interior. If it's perfect, low mileage, parked because the owned died it could be worth over $15K. It also could be worth $5K or less. Even if it was stored properly (I HIGHLY doubt it!) it may cost you $1K to have a shop go through it, flush/clean gas tank and lines, new oils, check and adjust valves, etc. I bet it has issues like broken head studs or similar and the owner didn't have the $10+K to pay a shop to fix a $10K +/- car... get more info, have the car PPI'd (Pre-Purchase Inspection) at a good shop if the deal seems too good to pass.

Good call. I'm not incredibly interested in the car, just thought it was neat to find it there. I asked my grandma to ask around & see if she could find out whose it was ... i suppose if the owner just wants to get rid of it for a few thousand $$, I'd probably do that.

i'll be sure to let you all know what i find out.

thanks, Gary

ace3 · 05-07-2010, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryR

Then the best advice would be to stick with whatever "kinda guy" you are now.

i'm in the middle of kinds right now, but am siding towards being a "lets build a caterham" kind of guy.

we'll see.

GaryR · GaryR's Garage

Only relation between a Caterham/Lotus/etc. and Porsche is that they all have 4 wheels.

ace3 · 05-07-2010, 10:48 AM

come on, they both have steering wheels and brakes, don't they?

i know. i'm coming from an Elise that was easy to work on, but had too many computers for my liking. i'd like to subscribe to the KISS method of motoring for the next few years.

Thanks again, guys ... i'll let you know if I find out anything.

sc_rufctr · 05-07-2010, 10:48 AM

ace3

If you going to jump then this car would be a good starting point.

Assuming it's healthy and just needs some TLC.

Play with a Caterham, Lotus whatever. You'll eventually end up back here with a 911.

steely · 05-07-2010, 02:15 PM

Good luck with whatever you find out/do - and do let us know -

It is a shame to see it there / no cover, makes me wonder what became of the owner. The wife of an acquaintance of mine revealed to me that her retired husband bought a vintage jag' years ago as an 'investment' - but it's rarely out of the garage .

Justin@Athens · Justin@Athens's Garage

Why can't I find cars like this just rotting away? ACE, I would find the owner as you have the time and just get a little history. Ask why it was left to deteriorate, ask if its for sale, and if so, make a lowball offer in the same conversation. As you have stated this isn't a car you MUST OWN, it might however be the beginning of beautiful relationship.

Don't let the potential seller dwell on selling it, or do market research. Take advantage of a car that has been forgotten about and bring her back to glory!

There is no substitute.

RRWood · RRWood's Garage

I am trying to understand how, with sealed beam headlights, and sidemarkers this is determined to be a Euro spec SC?

tcar · 05-07-2010, 04:10 PM

When it was imported, customs required that the sealed beam headlights had to be installed, along with a catalytic converter and other stuff - side door beams, maybe.

None of the US cars had the sidemarkers and customs did not require them to be removed. They did have to add the side lights in the front bumper though.

BTW, writing "Wash Me" in the dust just scratches the crap out of the paint.

jimbauman · 05-07-2010, 04:50 PM

Here's an interesting datapoint for you - the car has a California plate, and according to State records, it's an '81 SC that last passed smog in January 1998 in the Los Angeles area. So.... it may have been inactive for some time longer than two years....

JB

ja78911sc · 05-07-2010, 07:40 PM

Ace3,

If you move forward on this car and need someone to look it over (PPI--Pre Purchase Inspection), send me a PM. I can provide info on one of the best Porsche shops in the Omaha area.

JonT · 05-07-2010, 07:55 PM

Stolen vehicle?

ja78911sc · 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonT

Stolen vehicle?

Would have been reported to OPD as a abandoned car. Car is stored in apartment garage. I bet LA has worked on this car if it has been in the Omaha area since 98.