Resurrecting a 320K Mi 84' Euro Coupe

RMartinez · 09:06 PM

I purchased her this past February at an auction in Palm Springs, CA. Despite the cars high mileage (320,654 mi) and tired condition, there was something about her that was worth saving. A visual inspection showed no signs of rust or major body damage. The sellers had a stack of service records and receipts that went back to the original owner. Almost all of the car was still intact except for a few interior trim pieces, original radio, and speakers. The service records showed a couple of major engine rebuilds and it ran and idled smoothly without smoking. Service records documented the miles and confirmed the ownership trail and dates. I was drawn to the fact that she was a Euro version, sunroof delete, non-spoiler, non-power seat car having lived her entire life in California with a full ownership trail. Having previously owned 3 other G-series 911's, I was familiar with the cars and forged ahead with the purchase.

Further examination of the records showed that she was originally imported from Germany by a doctor in So Cal who worked with a broker to ship the Euro car into the U.S. July of 84'. Hand written notes by the doctor chronicle the entire saga, as apparently the broker turned out to be a crook who was taking deposits and not delivering cars as promised. The doctor was very persistent and finally ended up getting his car, but not without a lot of effort and partnership with attorneys and law enforcement. Import documentation includes all of the original EPA Certification records. The doctor owned the car up through 2000 and used it as his daily commuter, racking up well over 200K miles until he sold it to his office secretary. The car was eventually sold again early 2011 to a group of investors who re-sold it to me through the Palm Springs auction February this year.

To complete the story, I was able to confirm that the doctor was still practicing medicine. I wrote him a letter, explaining that I was now the owner of the Porsche 911 that he originally imported into the States 30+ years prior. I also detailed my plans for the car and offered up my contact information if he was interested in talking in person. To my surprise, a few weeks later, I got a phone call from the doctor. We introduced ourselves and chatted about the car as he shared his memories and how much the car meant to him. He had since owned a 993 and currently a 2012 997 911 Carrera GTS, but still holds the 84' 911 with fondest memories and wanted to make sure I gave him first rights to purchase the car if I ever decided to sell it! He said it's like "an old pair of slippers". He sent me some original pictures of the car in his garage, and to my surprise, also told me a story of the car being stolen right out of that very same garage sometime back in the early 90's! He was able to recover the Porsche a few days later as the LA Police spotted the suspect with the car - no damage done!

All of this history just makes her much more interesting to me and more motivated to keep her on the road to continue adding to her legacy.

Pictures of work done to the car over the past 8 months...

Original condition as purchased in February...

pete3799 · pete3799's Garage

Nice story and a great looking 911.
Best of luck with it.

RMartinez · 12-28-2014, 02:42 PM

Original matching number 3.2L motor removed for reconditioning...

Reiver · 12-28-2014, 02:52 PM

Great car story and it looks like the miles have been taken in stride by the Carrera.
Nice to be able to connect with the original PO, gives you a sense of continuity.
Keep posting your progress.

fanaudical · fanaudical's Garage

I love stories like this and how it makes people who would have otherwise never met connect somehow. Thanks for sharing.

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Outstanding!

I have not seen one post here in the last seven years where someone said their chassis had become tired.

Also, there is a saying you never really own a Porsche, you just feed it for a while. Your turn. Now enjoy.

Car looks unmolested and the owner must have had a skinny rear end as those seats look pretty nice.

All the best.

RMartinez · 12-28-2014, 03:05 PM

Started restoration at front end and trunk area.

RMartinez · 12-28-2014, 03:22 PM

Now time to clean, clean, and clean...wow, there is Chiffon White paint under all that black dirt...

tcar · 03:56 PM

7&8 x 16 Fuchs... excellent.

Did he say how it ended up with a US rear bumper?

RMartinez · 12-28-2014, 03:46 PM

Front end restoration...suspension, brakes, bearings, bushings, steering rack, etc..etc....

Front A-arms prepared for powder coating and new bushings

Rebuilt steering rack...

Complete front brake rebuild...

Front hubs...

RMartinez · 12-28-2014, 03:55 PM

Rear U.S. bumperettes, front sugar scoop style headlights, charcoal canister, O2 sensor, catalytic converter were added during U.S. EPA federalization process. The car still passes CA smog today. You'll see in future posts, I am converting back to the Euro rear bumperettes and H4 headlights - while activating Euro style parking lamps in headlights.