'74 Carrera value without engine?

[Carrera Charlie]

Fellow Pelican Posters,

I am in a quandry and would like your advice. I may have the opportunity to purchase a '74 Carrera coupe (less engine) and I'm having trouble coming up with a value for it. Using NADA, an average retail price for a complete car is $14,450. The high retail price is $19,300. I would imagine real world transactions run in the range of $12K to $17K.

The car I'm looking at is a Southern California car with one repaint, no history of rust or damage, good interior and set up with improved suspension components for track days. I would estimate it lies somewhere between average and excellent.

My estimate is that an engine accounts for roughly 50% of the value of a car. On this basis, I'd expect to pay $6K to $8.5K. The seller is asking between $8K to $10K, which seems high to me. What do you think?

FYI, I'm interested in the coupe because I have a '74 Carrera Targa that has body rot around the door posts and rocker panels to the point that one jack post collapsed upwards several months ago. I could upgrade my engine and swich it over to the coupe without too much difficulty. I would then have a tight coupe for performance runs and my '69 911E Targa for cruising.

Thanks!

Regards,

[Charley Dog]

From one Charley to another...

The value almost entirely depends upon the usual three things: condition, condition, and condition.

IMO, as much as $10K could be appropriate (although on the high side) for a car that has reasonable miles (like, sub-100K), all receipts, was well cared for, is known by someone you can trust (e.g., they used a mechanic that is reputable and will discuss the car, etc.), is cosmetically terrific (not necessarily concours, but genuinely looks great), and has no issues (rust, etc.). With a car that doesn't run, you otherwise have to start applying a discount for things you can't verify but must assume might need attention. In example: suspension, brakes, auxilary systems, etc.

Even with a new engine, this car is unlikely to top $15K if in near perfect condition. Thus, I'd figure that 9K-10K is about right for a car (minus motor) as described above. I'd then start subtracting from the 9-10K based on issues you can observe about the car's condition and assumptions about the probablility that some of the big ticket items need some help to come up with your reservation price.

[island911]

Looking at buying one big replacement part sounds like an economical way to go. Although, $8K to $10K, does seem high.
The seller would be smart to move down in his price; in my opinion.
I would say time is on your side. . .there aren't going to be to many people wanting to "snatch-up" a Carrera, w/o an engine, at that price.

On the other hand, there are the intangibles for you situation; If, for example, the coupe has the same color scheme as your targa, then the value to you should be that much higher.

I do hope you can make it happen. It's really great when peole can keep the special 911's pure. . . .and, I would like to see it crusing the island.

keep us posted.

For refnc; a local (NW PCA) guy had an ad for a '76 Carrera (3.0 euro), two owner original paint, for $10k. The ad was up for a couple months in the pca classifieds.

[john walker's workshop]

more than 5K would be too much, even if it looked really good. it probably needs paint too, to be nice, and you can add 5K+ for that. a carrera, unless it's a 3.0, is basically the same as any old 911, except for the flares and the chassis #. don't get too starry eyed!

[Ray B]

Got to agree with JW on this. I'm in the market for a 74 -77 coupe and have looked at quite a few. Strictly based on what I've seen $10.K should buy a decent example - with engine.

[Wayne 962]

Agreed, you can buy the same car out here for about $5-8K...

-Wayne

[Carrera Charlie]

Thanks to everyone who replied! The $5K price was my first gut level estimate and then "logic" began to weigh in. I can certainly bide my time and see how motivated the present owner becomes.

I'll post an update once the whole situation plays out and we'll see how prescient our thoughts are!

Regards,