991T garage find Q?

[MullyM3]

Hi all
My brother in law has a neighbor with a messy garage. He asked him to take an old 4 wheeler home to clear things out. His father had passed. George noticed a yellow car in the back and inquired. The car was his pops and knows little details.
George thinks it is a 1972 911T. He said it has an odd shift lever like an automatic/ slap type lever. Any ideas? I have only owned an 85 911 so my knowledge is limited.
Thanks
Mully.

[tharbert]

It's pretty easy to visually check for a 72. There will be an oil door behind the passenger (Rt side) door.

Also, there were 2 transmission types, a standard 4/5 speed and what's called a Sportmatic. If it has a Sportomatic, there will be no clutch. It has what looks like a standard shift knob but the gears may be labeled L, D, D3, and D4. Never seen one in person...

[MullyM3]

Hi Tharbert,

Thanks for the info. Yes he said it has only 2 pedals with no clutch.
Do you know how to operate it?

[ejp]

Sounds like a Sportamatic transmission. Here's an article about it.

[MullyM3]

Thanks! Is this rare or desirable?

[tharbert]

Basically, it has a vacuum actuated automatic clutch that disengages when you grab the shifter. You move the shifter to the new gear and the clutch reengages when you let go of the shift knob. The transmission itself is basically a 4 speed. Here's a link to a little more info. Here's a youtube of one in action:

[Puma]

Peharps for some it's desirable but I drove one about 15 years ago and absolutely disliked it. Not like the thrill of rowing through gears, more like tedium. I believe Mercedes actually made these transmissions for Porsche so they are stout but if bought a car with a sporto it would be the first thing I'd change.

[Matt Monson]

Years ago everyone used to rip out the Sporto. Now, that has made original Sporto cars more desireable. But it's still an acquired taste. I think they are a hoot to drive. Vic Elford even used to compete in one.

[MullyM3]

Sounds good... My wife may appreciate a 911 she can drive and enjoy on a sunny day..
What might be the value of said garage car if it drives and is in ok condition? Any guess?

[Matt Monson]

It's really hard without pictures and details of why it was parked. Could be worth $25k, could be worth $75k. Could need $2k toget it running could take $20k.

[MullyM3]

The son mentioned a leak from rear seal? ceramic?

[tharbert]

Oil could be coming from any number of places. No, there are no ceramic seals, only good old rubber O-rings and gaskets. There are tons of threads here about resealing engines. It's one of those things where you have to basically clean up all the mess and start hunting: oil return lines, thermostat housing, oil sender unit, oil lines and connections, valve covers, rockers...the list is extensive. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say a majority of these cars have at least one small oil leak.

BTW, these older "long hoods" are being snapped up for crazy money even in horrible shape. A friend of a friend just sold his clapped out, rusted to bits, hadn't run in years 68 for $8k. Be aware, rebuilding the motor alone will approach $10k even if you do a lot of it yourself. Ask me how I know.

As Matt suggested, post a bunch of pictures, engine bay, wheel wells, floorboards...and you'll get some good ballpark answers.

[MullyM3]

Awesome info...just what i needed.. i will gather more information..i feel the bug resurfacing again. I rebuilt an 85 Carrera from the ground up 15yrs ago and lost it in a garage fire.