1971 911s

nm98cab · 09-09-2002, 11:11 AM

Hello -
First post from a frequent lurker - I have found a 1971 911S sunroof coupe w/75k miles, color change, speedo/odo change - otherwise good car for 18k+/-. Please advise me on collectability, price, ect... In looking I find that these cars have really shot up in price. Thank You for your help.

JD

Cornpanzer · 09-09-2002, 11:27 AM

They are great cars. I love my 70S. Look for rust in the suspension points, batt boxes, rockers etc. Run your hand on the backside of the fender where it meets the door and feel around for rust repair (of course if the car is in new Mexico....shouldnt be a big prob) Make sure the numbers match for the enbgine. If you can get pics, Im sure everyone would be happy to voice opinions

Also, check out this site if you havent already.....http://www.early911sregistry.org/

Joe911 · 09-09-2002, 11:37 AM

I have thoroughly enjoyed the 1969 911S I have owned for several years now. Definitely be careful of rust and undocumented engine work - most other repairs are not difficult - best if you are acquiring it as a hobby (driving and working on it) and not as an investment! This way you are enjoying the $$$ you will spend. For $18K it should be very nice.
Best of luck

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

You've certainly come to the right place for information!

$18k could be a very good deal or a poor deal depending upon many, many variables. More details and photos are required to pin a value down. I am always highly suspicious of low mileage claims on the early cars. Unless there is written documentation in the form of continuous service/repair receipts dating back to 1971, I would assume the mileage to be 175,000 (or more).

Also, do a search of the archives for early S eBay and you will have several pages of threads discussing early S values. If nothing else, it is entertaining reading.

-- Curt

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

Welcome to the early MFI club! (OK - so I don't have an S, but let's be inclusive!)

The early MFI cars are great. Check real thoroughly for rust and accident damage. Rust can be found with a screw driver by poking around. If there is rust - the screw driver will let you know. Look up rust on this BBS to see some pretty graphic pictures of where to look. I'm not a believer that all desert cars are rust free and cars from up here in the wetter climes are necessarily rusters. Cars move and people have garages. So I'd always look. Regarding accident damage to the frame, that's pretty easy to spot if you can drive through a puddle. The tracks from all 4 wheels should be consistant on either side - the car shouldn't be crabbing.

Finally - I agree with Joe911. Don't buy the car as an investment. There is an old addage about racing that applies to 911's.

Question: How do you make a small fortune in Racing/911's?

Answer: Start with a large fortune...

If you want to make money - invest in the market. If you want to listen to beautiful sounds of a race bred motor at 7000 RPM + for not a huge amount money -- Buy the 911S!

Good Luck!

Randy W · Randy W's Garage

1971 911S cars are collectable, as long as the engine and chassis numbers match on the Cardex. A sunroof is desirable by many, and the '71 has the oil squirters. Many feel that as long as the color change is to one available from the factory when new, this should not affect the disirability that much (of course this depends to some degree on color it is now). Rust and poor collision repair are the biggies to watch for. The condition of the motor and transmission are also important but number two on the list. Great cars!

nm98cab · 09-09-2002, 02:40 PM

Thanks for all the replies. Car has rust where sunroof drain has been plugged, otherwise good. Original wheels, pans, seats, new carpet and headliner. Cracked dash, non original speedo (changed to get working trip odo) and black paint. Was that available in 71?? Documented 75k miles. Rebuilt (3k) brakes and calipers. Looks to be a nice example, but should I hold out for unpainted? I find that these cars have appreciated considerably over that last couple of years. The old threads mention around 10K - this one is 18k+/-. Not that I'm looking for a car that will appreciate, I just want one collectable enough that it does not depreciate! Thanks.

JD

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

My 71 US Dealer Color Chart does not show black as a standard color. However, I'm sure it would have been available on special order. At the price/condition level you're in, I don't think the color change matters much. If you were in the $30k-$50k early S price/condition range, it would matter. For the car you describe, I'd say $18k is a fair price and I doubt it will depreciate.

Also, how about the motor? Ever been rebuilt? -- Curt

Jim Sims · 09-09-2002, 03:36 PM

The laws of chemical reactions apply in New Mexico too; 911's just rust here more slowly.

I would still check the car for rust given that it is mostly unglavanized (I think the floor pan is possibly the only 911 body part that was galvanized in 1971). Check for rust at: front fuel tank support, battery boxes, door sills (rust can be hidden under any deco trim and the door threshold trim), forward part of rear fenders at back of doors, jacking points, and back part of front fenders. That plugged sunroof drain may mean water pooled inside on the floor; look under the carpets for rust or rust repair of floor pan. Check very carefully. Cheers, Jim

nm98cab · 09-09-2002, 04:23 PM

The engine is unmolested and original. Again, Thanks for the posts. I will certainly tell the owner to check those rust prone places for me before I make a deal, but Jim, I think the laws of chemical reactions apply more in Los Alamos than anywhere else in the world (maybe except for Iraq) !

Thanks

JD

Alan.UK · 09-10-2002, 05:02 AM

I bought my matching numnesr RHD 71 S about 7 months ago and it's nearing it's full restoration. These cars over here are very collectable and in good condition, matching numbers so on they are worth quite a lot of money, esp RHD ones.

Rust is the main thing to check but be sure mechanically the car is what you are expecting... engine and mechnical parts can start adding up. I just had my MFI unit re-calibrated (not rebuilt) which alone cost some £££.

I have invested a great deal of money, love and time in this car, but when I drove it (for the first time) only a few weeks ago, you soon forget about the money. I was smiling from ear to ear.... when it comes on cam around 5K the sound is beautiful and it pulls all the way up to 7+........ It's off to the rolling road in a few days and then it's time to have some fun.

S's I love em.......

Alan.UK