912 collectible value and color change

[murpor]

I posted a similar topic in the 914 forum, but since 912s are far more collectible, I think it is more relevant to the 912 forum. The question is:

Since some of the original factory colors were not too attractive or have become too common (like gray), will changing the original color alter the resale value of a 912?
I am assuming that the paint job will be a quality job and that the color will be mainstream (no pink or strident green).
I wished owners would either leave the old paint alone, or do a real quality paint job.

[epbrown]

Asked and answered - no one but a concourse competitor/collector type worries about a color change or repaint, as long as it's a good job. The problem is that, all too often, the kind of person that changes the color on the car is the sort that goes to Maaco or Earl Scheib and you end up with mis-matched door jambs and such. And re-doing a Porsche means pretty much disassembling the car - I pulled the tachometer on my SC this week to fix a couple of loose bolts and was surprised to see it was Guards Red in there!

Emanuel

[bmwloco]

Agreed; only "concourse" cars need to be spot-on as the factory shipped them. I don't think 912's will ever be nose-bleed exspensive. Sure, they're a design icon, but 911's will always be worth more, especially "S" cars.

That said, I chose a 912 over a 911 for a reason.

Anyway, doing pan restoration and shoring up my 912 Targa, I determined without a doubt that yellow/gold is not it's original color. The paint code identifies it as "Crystal Blue"; the 912 Registry also indicated that it was a "baked on" paint. 120c apparently. Hot.

So...I don't like the gold/yellow, and I absolutely can't stand the shade of blue the car was originally. I've opted to make the car as stout as I can, drive it like I stole it, and ponder on the paint issue for a few years.

[craign]

I got real lucky on my 69-912, the PO changed color from Bahama Yellow to Polo Red but did an excellent job on the change. he stripped everything off the car and I cannot find a single trace anywhere of the previous color. My guess is he was restoring it for show when he had to give it up for $$ reasons (read nasty divorce)

When I bought this car last August I wondered if I paid to much but from what I am reading I did the right thing and probably did not pay its full value. The PO did all the work and I am reaping the benefits. All I have done is the standard tune up stuff, except for a starter going out, I have had no problems.

Craig

[jra912]

Great topic thread: I'm faced with the same decision. The original color on my '66 is Sand Beige, which I'm not crazy about. The car was repainted several years ago to a Copper (non factory color). It is due for a repaint, and my plan is to do a bare-metal repaint, replacing all rubber trim items, etc.

I had seen on the 912 registry site color swatches for the standard 1966/1967 colors. I was curious if anyone had a resource to view some of the optional colors available for those model years?

Right now, I'm partial to (#1) Silver Metallic and (#2) Irish Green, but had issue whether as a potential concours car with the factory Cardex, would a color change hurt me in points?

[timmy]

My new ride is a 1968 targa 912 soft window {it needs reoair} but the paint is orange no the tangerine it was supposed to be . damn it is ugly {the paint} I also own a chevy 2000 silverado, it is pewter/silver what do you think with fuchs on it targa bar and pewter in color black interior? well that is where I am leaning the chevy is beautiful, george Mathias of hot august nights in reno I hope can spare me the time and paint for a price! stripped down so no stone is left unturned or painted !!!!!

[JuiceMan]

Timmy: I know of the pweter color you are talking about. I think it would look excellent! However also consider Blue The 930 I will own someday will be blue heh.

[Alex 67]

As it is often said there is an A_ _ for every seat It can be said there is a color for every eye. The most important thing is that the quality is there. My car was repainted by the PO in its original color Irish Green 6606 213 but the prep work was not there. The quality of the paint used is excellent but they painted over every rubber part on the outside of the car. My car is very original and straight but the poor quality of the paint job takes away from this. I would like to do a complete strip down to bare metal and repaint the car someday. But time will tell.

[APZak]

Is this:

Originally posted by Alex 67
I would like to do a complete strip down to bare metal and repaint the car someday. But time will tell.

the same as this:

he stripped everything off the car and I cannot find a single trace anywhere of the previous color. My guess is he was restoring it for show

?

When you say he stripped everything, do you mean the dash, interior panels etc?

[craign]

I can't say for the dash as it has never been out but inside the door panels, jams, trunk....everything has been painted.

I actually found a small trace of the original Bahama yellow on one of the rear license plate panel screw mounts, and it was tiny but it was there.

I have had all my lights off, engine out and trunk bare naked and have yet to find any other indication of its original color. I have also since found out that the PO had a brother in law who worked at a paint shop.

I took it to my local paint shop because I needed some touch up paint and the owner is in to classic BMW's. He said my paint job would have cost me 3500-4000 at his shop and was rather impressed by the work.

Craign

[Alex 67]

When my car was repainted the color was mixed to Porsches for an exact match to Irish Green. Glasurist paint was used and the match is perfect. I have the mix informaton and the paint type info. For a bare metal repaint I would take every thing that could be removed from the outside and remove all gasketets and glass. Have the paint stripped and then painted but this could cost around 10,000 in NY and then whatever they find when the car is taken to bare metal.

[APZak]

. suppose to PM this

[Alex 67]

I am on Long Island, Port Washington tobe exact. Remember my car was not painted to the high standard that I would have liked. But it is presentable. You seem to have done alot of the prep work and that is where alot of time and money go. My car at this moment has both the front and rear bumpers off because I am replacing the seals and doing some rust prevention using POR 15. I will take some photos and post so you can see over the weekend. My car is all original except for paint and a few add ons like rims and steering wheel. I still have all original parts.

[Kaizer]

Resurrecting this old thread 17 years later...

With growing appreciation in the 912 series for 2020 (specifically the 1965-1969 production), what are thoughts on a color change?

My 1968 912 was originally 6808 Burgundy. All numbers matching. Sometime in the 1980's it was repainted Ruby Red.

I bought it 6 years ago in 2014 after it was stored in a dry airplane hangar for 20 years.

I have been focused on mechanicals and motor and just driving to enjoy it as is, but the topic of paint has been coming to mind.

I have a few scenarios:

1) Drive it as is with the "patina'd" ruby red paint. (polished but with crazing, wear points and scratches)
2) Repaint back to factory color 6808
3) Repaint to a period correct color of 1968 - of my choosing

[Joehand1]

I dunno...I just bought an early 65 912 that Irish Green and was that originally. I plan a full stripping to metal and repaint in that same color.


For some reason I feel compelled to return it back to how it came from the factory.

[stutt911]

My 912 had a color change during its life time then was changed again back to its original color by previous owner, it’s still not perfect but I enjoy it and don’t care about collectibility , I just drive it at least once a week.

[JT912]

If you were to take two silver 912s that were identical in every way except one came from the factory silver and the other was a factory green car painted silver, the original one would sell more quickly and for a premium over the one with the color change.

[citrusz]

I've been restoring 60's and 70's car for 40 years, so here's my 2 cents. Changing the color on a concourse or even a street restoration will affect the valve. Of course certain colors are more attractive then others and will being more buyers to the table, but in the end it depends on what you like and what the buyer likes. The latter is a wild card. On the other hand, if your customizing the car, go for the color change.