70S Targa: Part out or restore?

[BK911]

Hello!

I just took delivery of a Euro 70S Targa today. I knew it was in rough shape before I bought it, but WOW, it's even worse than I thought! Almost every panel needs to be replaced. It's a complete ground up resto project. The floors are in good shape though! It's all there and mostly original with the numbers matching 2.2S MFI engine.

Just wanted to get some opinions. I don't need to make a decision until my other projects are done, but just curious what others would do. I am leaning towards the resto route.

BK

[Wayne 962]

Depending upon what you're into it for, these cars have been appreciating at a rapid (almost rabid) pace. Look for that to temper down a bit now that everyone has lost $$$ in the stock market.

Fully restored, I'd say that this car is worth about $20K. That would be for just about everything rebuilt, new paint, and a new engine. You'll probably spend that much restoring it. So if you're looking to make it 'your' car, then keep it. If not, then resell it to someone who can restore it. I would try to avoid parting it out - it might be worth more with the matching numbers. If you got it cheap, turn it around for a quick few thou profit and let someone else restore it right...

-Wayne

[rickeolis]

If it's a true 'S', it's worth it. I'm sure you didn't have to pay too much for it, but in decent running shape it could be worth a lot.

[ccandgc]

how sad!! It makes me appreciate my 71 S Targa even more!! I wouldnt part her out, instead, as mentioned above, re sell it to someone else, and pake a proft off of someone who will restore her!!


ChadC
71 911S Targa

[9XI]

Hard to tell from the pictures, but it looks like a reasonable place to start for a resto.

If it is going to stay your car for years to come, you ought to make sure you want a 2.2 Targa. It would be a shame to put all the money and effort into a car that isn't really what you want. If you want a 2.4 coupe, now is the time to make the switch, before you invest the time and money.

[campbellcj]

I can't add much to what's already been said, except that (a) it could very easily cost you way more than $20K to restore that car to a high-level standard (unless you cut corners somewhere and/or do all of the work including the engine & body yourself). And (b) it has been shown many many times that it's virtually impossible for a non-professional (with wholesale access to parts, and cheap/surplus labor) to break even or make a profit on these kinds of resto's. In many cases restored or heavily customized cars sell for about half what the owner/builder put into them. The economics can get pretty scary.

[BK911]

Thanks for all the input. I had a chance to look over the car a little better last night, plus made some phone calls. As of this moment the car is a keeper. It's not as bad as I initially thought. The three tone paint just makes it look worse. I can do all the work myself except paint, so I am hoping to at least break even when I'm done. But for now she is just going to sit and wait her turn. She's been sitting for over 15 years so one more won't kill her!

BK

[Bobboloo]

What you might look for when your ready to restore it is a good shell from the same year. Or just a clip if that's all that's needed. I see these periodically at reasonable prices. i.e a 70 coupe roller went for $500. It didn't have rust problems either. You can use the donar car to cut pieces off of. Otherwise you can be nickel and dimed to death buying panels. Also some of the panels won't be available anyway.

But be ready for a real commitment to do it. Were talking years to do it. But if you love the process as I do then it's worth it.

Bobby