buying a 70 to 80 911 what to look for

[felixy69]

Hi
I believe this question have been asked but icant seem to find an answer

I wanna buy a early 911, that will keep increasing in value, a version that seems to be most wanted.

Which one is that ?

What to look for wheN buying a used 911 like this.
as for budget $30k USD is max

So those turbo cars are slightly out of range

Thx

[RichardNew]

$30,000 USD won't buy much.

Richard Newton
Historic Racing Images

[Spumato]

Your best bet is to look at the "middies" as they are known in the Porsche circle. Otherwise known as your 1974-1977 (MY) model-years. With the 1974 being the best of the lot as it has the least amount of exhaust restrictive items built into it. The 1975, 76, and 77 all have additional equipment on their exhaust that aid in premature engine failure due to added heat in the engine compartment. However, with the recent auction index, $30,000 may be not enough to get yourself into a 911. Turbos go from $100,000 plus in decent condition. You may want to look for a 1st generation water cooler 911, or perhaps a 914, or a 944.

[OK-944]

...make that six 944's! (or an even dozen if you really want to get your hands dirty!)

[Trackrash]

Middies are undervalued at present.

For $30 you might still be able to get into an SC. Asuming you can get it for about $20K then you will have $10K to keep it running.

I just met a guy who spent $40 on a VERY nice 993. A year later he had to do a valve job costing $10K.

If you are looking for an investment find the oldest, most original 911. Oh wait, a million others are doing the same thing.

[tharbert]

I would think you could get into a well sorted SC for much less than $30k, maybe more along the lines of half that: 78-83. Market on long hoods has gotten out of hand. That's OK by me. I have a 72, bought for $2k.

[Trackrash]

Here is a good background article on a 911 restoration. Project Minne - A Saga of a 72.

[aoncurly]

I've been watching 1978 to 1983 SC prices consistently rising. Prices for SCs have been on the rise for several months now. Well-sorted SCs are going for $30-$50K. You might be able to find one under $30K, but it will need some work.

https://www.hagerty.com/valuationtools/HVT/VehicleSearch/Report?vbe=59452

[jkuntze]

keep looking I purchased a nice mechanically perfect 87 3.2 for 26 k

recently saw 30 minute youtube vid on pre purchase inspection I am sure you can search you tube ( I just tried 911 video I think )

[biopsea]

really depends on your exit strategy. any car with the tin worm or needing engine/trans work - steer clear. very easy to drop and additional 10k in a very short period of time, and still have a scruffy driver.
my advice; don't buy a car with the hopes of it appreciating in the future. buy one that speaks to you, that doesn't break the bank, and enjoy it. this will make the inevitable slippery slope easier to bear, and who knows, you may get your money out of it in the end. or pass it along to your kids etc

[felixy69]

Seems the american prices oN these cars are SKY rocketing ... I m in Canada ... prices are raising but not as extreme as you guys in the states
Recently a beautiful example of 1980 targa 3L for 30k
And a 77 white targa going for $21k

These are Canadian dollar and as you know our exchange rates are 1cnd = $0.69USD
I guess my real question is
what is concider to be more valuable ? Targa, convertible or coupe ?

What happens to the value of the car if I do the gt-racing frp backdate panels ?? Will iT dramatically decrease in value ?

[sc_rufctr]

$30k USD? I have now idea what that buys in the Canada but at a guess, Not much. (Salt on your roads?)
You're probably looking at an average to good SC. Maybe even a later 3.2 but 30k won't buy you a G50 car.

(Notice I'm only suggesting impact bumper cars)

OK... So what to look for?

"Originality" "Originality" "Originality"

and if you do any mods make sure they can be undone easily.

[OsoMoore]

I am biased, but... I got a great SC with lots of miles but good owners, many receipts, and a recent engine rebuild. Three years ago, this cost about $12K but it was a pretty good deal. With enough looking, I imagine you could get into a daily driver in the low 20s. The more patient you are, the more likely to get a good car and price.

Since then I've spent about $2K, split between normal maintenance, minor upgrades, and fixing my transmission after someone mis-shifted it.

I would recommend "The Used 911 Story" from Zimmerman as a good resource on what to expect from air-cooled Porsches. It has a good overview of what to look for when buying these particular cars.

[Trackrash]

^^^ Three years ago......

[3.0schotrod]

Whatever you look at in that era, I would say look out for engines that have potential broken head studs, well documented, dropping valve covers to see if any loose studs fall out may save you thousands in the long run, before you commit to buy. And make sure the gearbox seems right, the 915 box, if it needs a re build can also cost big $.

Maybe an SC could be had for that money, just my 2c

[Coastr]

Is an SC really now a $30k car? I have an ex California/Nevada 81 which is all original except for the stereo with 90k miles. All service and receipts from new, everything working.

Would I be able to buy that car today for $30k? I'm thinking about insurance values.

[Charles Freeborn]

If someone offered me $30k for my '74 I'd give it a good hard thought....

[BR-549]

How are you going to use the car? Daily driver? Weekend cruiser? Autocross or more serious track stuff? Show car? That answer will drive a lot of what you should consider. In any case, you can get a pretty good SC or a real good mid-year car for $30K.

Enjoy the journey.

Ken