Should I purchase a second 911?/barnfinds

[nkotselas]

Hello everyone

I am just finishing up my project car, and I've been presented the opportunity to have another one, or three for that manner. I was getting a tune up at my mechanics shop and he said there were 3 911s that were barn finds. He is asking a low price for each one. I wasn't there for long and didn't get much information about the cars, but this is what I have so far:

1. A 1973 911 targa, looks like they tried to make it look like a pre 1978 turbo. Has an engine and transmission but the condition is still unknown. Will need quite a bit of work inside and out.

2. I am not sure about the year of this car, my mechanic said they put the later bodykit on it. It has a 964 bodykit but I am not sure what it was originally. Has a motor and transmission and does run! Its a cabriolet, also needs a lot of work.

3. This one especially caught my eye, Mechanic said it was a 1971 911T. This one also had the body changed, it looks like an attempt at a 935 body but poorly done. Includes engine + trans, condition unknown.

All three cars were poorly worked on, I would like to return them to their original glory if possible. I had a great time restoring my car, and look forward to doing it again with more experience and no motor meister!

On a side note, I am only a college student and not exactly made of money, but should have enough, because of this my parents make sure any "investments" I make I have to be able to get a positive return on. Does this mean I'm going to sell my restored car? Never but I can't be digging myself any holes at this age. Any advice is appreciated.

I am trying to upload pictures but its not working now, I'll have some up at some point hopefully tonight.

Thanks

[djpateman]

Usually when a car has been kitted to appear something it is not, then it will be a money pit. First because it will cost a lot to do it up and be presentable, and second because the resale value is low. At some point every car can turn a profit. That is often when you can purchase it at very low cost, and part it out; however this takes time and space. First you need to get all the VIN's and serial numbers to know the basics of what is there.

[KNS]

A lot depends on how much they are bought for. If cheap enough it/they could be fun projects.

[HawgRyder]

Run...run fast...hide...unless you won the lottery last night, then go ahead.
Remember...the actual cost of repair exceeds the estimate by a factor of 10....LOL
Bob

[IROC]

Originally Posted by nkotselas

He is asking a low price for each one.

Probably for a reason.

[nkotselas]

Thanks guys,

Remember...the actual cost of repair exceeds the estimate by a factor of 10....LOL

tell me about it.. I was supposed to fix the brakes and a broken window last time, not get a new engine, trans, clutch, paint, and interior!

I figure 3.5k for a running 964/carrera isn't too bad of a deal. Am i wrong?
I get the feeling that my mechanic got them for next to nothing an just wants them off his lot

[djpateman]

Originally Posted by nkotselas

I figure 3.5k for a running 964/carrera isn't too bad of a deal. Am i wrong?

Except that is not what it is, it may look the part (sorta), but it won't act the part or have the value of it. If you are a poseur, well fine, but is that really good enough. Don't you already have a descent car?

[LakeCleElum]

For best value, Long hoods need to be stock.......Updated bodies kill the resale valuve.....I'd pass on all 3.....

[nkotselas]

Thanks guys, think i'll pass on them. Got a little ahead of myself

[Staylo]

Dude, you're in college and you already have a nice car....blow the money on chicks and thank me later.

[Noah930]

Easy answer. No. Not even if you got them for free.

[Plecostomus]

Originally Posted by Staylo

Dude, you're in college and you already have a nice car....blow the money on chicks and thank me later.

Chicks, beer, and protein powder

[Brorag]

there is no such thing as too many Porsches...........................

[Charles Freeborn]

Another thought: not a restoration, but a "race" kind of car. You know, no door panels, exposed full cage, rallye lights, that sort of thing. Personally I'd build it as a Baja 500 type car. Have some fun with it.

[SAM DACOSTA]

'nkotselas ' - A track car/project would be nice. Unlike the majority on the thread I'm inclined to purchase rollers and resurrect them into running cars. Now the budget and practicality must also be applied to the project. From what you've shared, these seem to need allot of work but $3.5K for a somewhat running 964 seems O.K. The parts alone would fetch much more than that if parted out.

What does your mechanic think of the idea of a rebuild? Has he given you any indication of what's needed to bring it alive?

[nkotselas]

They had just been unloaded, he had barely a chance himself to see the cars. I would love to do a track car, but I can see that getting quite deep. I was thinking that, like you said, if everything works good I just got a bargain, if not I can part it out so i can be quite flexible. I might even be able to throw the 3.6 in my sc

there is no such thing as too many Porsches...........................

That is my thought exactly

[SAM DACOSTA]

[QUOTE=nkotselas;6211762]They had just been unloaded, he had barely a chance himself to see the cars. I would love to do a track car, but I can see that getting quite deep. I was thinking that, like you said, if everything works good I just got a bargain, if not I can part it out so i can be quite flexible. I might even be able to throw the 3.6 in my sc

Now you're talking. I noticed San Diego listed on your information. The local PCA Club runs a very good Auto X/DE program and you'd have a blast driving with them. There are many in the Club who would even assist in a build (just provide the beer and refreshments) and give valuable opinions and information. I would talk with your mechanic again and see what he feels about the cars.

I'll add to 'Brorag' statement- "there's never a thing as too many Porsche's" unless you don't have the budget to support them, then it's just a 'bone yard' collection of European metal and leather.