1966 912 or 1973 911 Targa

[gharris]

Hello everyone.

I've been reading up on all the postings here and am trying to make an informed decision. I will prbably get different answers on the 911 or 912 forum but here goes.

I have a choice. Both cars are the same price.

1966 912 in excellent shape. About 100k miles. Interior needs work but engine is strong. same owner for over 30 years. Not a targa or sunroof. Paint is good.

1973 911 Targa with 169,000 miles. Engine has not been rebuilt as far as I know. Slips out of 3rd gear once in a while and runs rough. Paint is good, Interior is similar to the other. It has AC that is not working.

I like the idea of owning a 912 since there are so few of them. But I prefer the targa and the 911 engine.

Any advice would be very welcome. Be objective and tell me what you would do.

Greg

[adot]

Hey Greg

Whats the price range your looking at ? And Just those two cars? Always buy the best example(car,shape) you can.

I would think the 66 912 would be the buy for me. Something I could enjoy driving and learning about the car.

The 73 911. Sounds like alot of work up front.

Take your time, get what you want.

GoodLuck
VeryHappy with my 912
Brett

[gharris]

That's what I am thinking. Since it's my first Porsche, I figure I can work on the 912 more easily myself. But the Targa is tempting. They are both aroung $5500

[adot]

$5500, find a 912 targa, if you want a targa. TAKE your time. I think theres lots of 912's in that range in great shape.
Also, check out Daves thoughts on buyng 912:

http://www.hillmanimages.com/912/index.html
Brett

[dimps8]

Do a search on the usual problems of the 73 2.4 engine on the 911 board. chances are you'll be up for big bickies if the engine hasn't got the head stud/chain tensioner mods etc. Also rust and body condition.

Sounds like the box on the 911 will need 3rd dog and gear=$$$$

912's are fun! most repairs can you can do yourself, the one's you can't won't break the bank. My ambition was to own a six, but I wouldn't trade my 66 for the world!

The last look at 66 coupe prices they rose 8.5% check out; http://www.912registry.org/faqs/value.htm

[gharris]

Thanks for all your input guys. I'm 99% sure that the 912 is the way I'm going.

Engine work is just something I think I need to stay away from if I can.

[craign]

Greg,

One of the greatest things about my 912 is that I am able to drive it, enjoy it and have fun while learning it. If I were pouring money in to it, and not being able to drive it while it was being fixed, would have really ruined my first Porsche experience I think.

I can also do most of the work myself and with the help of this board and bay 912 I get educated answers to my sometimes dumb questions.

You can get any questions answered here and at

www.bay912.org

Craig
www.bay912.org

[gharris]

I agree. Looks like the 912 is the way to go.

Thanks for your input.

[craign]

Greg,

I used to attend The Hun School in Princeton. Was born and raised in a town called Mountain Lakes a bit north of Princeton.

Good luck and keep us posted on what you do.

Craig

[craign]

Greg,

the best of both worlds is available right here..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2402890015&category=6429

Craig

[gharris]

I had already contacted him. Tell me if I am crazy, he is asking $13,500 for the car. It has 237,000 miles not 37,000. I actually laughed out loud.

[exc911ence]

Too bad you missed this car: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2402818451&category=6429

Myself, I think the 912 sounds like a better car and you can always swap in a flat-6 later at your leisure!

[gharris]

Didn't miss it. I had been in contact and had him send more pictures. The one I am getting seems better. I saw it today and looks like I'm gonna get it.

1966 912, completely restored in the 80's. Saw all the pictures. It's in great shape. Really doesn't need anything. The owner is local so it's even better.

Thanks for everyone's input. I'll post a picture when I can.

[gharris]

Here's a picture of the car. Thanks for everyone's advice.

I was wondering what you guys thought about painting the car. What should I expect to pay and how much time will the car be out?

Also, I am thinking about putting a tail on it. Think this is screwing too much with the original look?

Thanks

[exc911ence]

My opinion: no tail. Although, it appears that you have the 73 Carrera RS front spoiler already so the matching rear ducktail wouldn't be too much of a stretch. Still, it is a short-wheelbase 911/912 so the later pieces might look rather silly on it.

If you want to sell the front valance, let me know! Perhaps I'll trade you a factory chrome rearview mirror for it!

Nice looking car, I love the silver colour! As for a repaint, cost and quality are inversely connected. A cheap-o job would result in low quality and less time off the road. A good quality job (removal of glass and all trim) would be costly and the car would be apart for awhile.

Best of luck with the new car and welcome aboard!

[adot]

Hey Greg
Nice car. Heres a link to ebay SWB 912 with a tail. VERY tuff looking car.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2403913584&category=6429

Brett

[gharris]

Looks pretty good. Since I already have the front spoiler on the car, it balances it out. What about Fender Flares? Anybody do that on a 912?

Just want to upgrade it a little bit. The car has already deviated from the original look so I might as well make it look the way I want it.

[exc911ence]

I stand corrected! That white car looks fantastic! About the flares though, don't make us come over there!!!