72 T Targa w/MFI value exercise-Rough

[motiv8ed]

I recently made an impulse purchase of a non running 72T Targa, and did so without a clear objective. My thought process was to get it home, take inventory and decide what to do next. Get it running and drive it for a while before restoring to original? Do the outlaw thing and club DE's, sell as is, part it out....all depending on its overall condition.

To start with, I'm a 30 yr PCA member and this car is my 14th 911 in that period ranging from a 69S to a 2002 996. This is my 7th long hood and easily the ugliest I've ever had. Most of my cars have been clean original 1 owner cars from So Cal with no rust and good pedigree. Consequently, I'm really on the fence as far as where to go with this one. My current rides for the last several yrs are an 80 Weissach with 80K miles...PMO's, SSI's otherwise original. 84 Carrera with 30K miles. Completely original. Yes, I've been spoiled over the yrs having always found and driven really nice original cars!

Having reluctantly sold my last long hood, a 38K mile completely original Sepia 71 T back in 06 during a short period of poor judgement, I've since wanted another but the prices have kept me away. Perhaps my favorite driver was another original Sepia 72 T I had in the 90s. It was perfectly tuned and balanced and did everything right.

So along comes this 72T Targa with its original MFI and advertised as "cosmetically challenged but runs good". At 1st glance I thought this is way to big of a project, but then I saw the paint code...415-9-2 "Sepia" aka "No Sale Sepia" as it was known in the 70's. Thats when I made the decision to buy. I know, I've got issues!

The seller had purchased the car in 06 from a dealer and he drove it very sparingly over the next 8 yrs before parking it outside in Oct of 2014 shortly after his cancer diagnosis. It was "running good" when he parked it and he assumed it would be running when he sold it.

The bad: Body- Several resprays in various shades of red. Some bubbles on several panels, some rusty spots, a misaligned drivers door, various dings and dents. No obvious holes in the floor or front pan and tank support area from which I have removed all carpet. I haven't thoroughly inspected the underneath yet so can't be sure. At 1st glance it looks ok. Has a RS Ducktail, otherwise original body. Interior is terrible. Carpet is being ripped out as we speak. Seats are structurally good but need recovered. Headliner hanging down. Plastic dash cover over the original dash pad...not sure of its shape. Door panels recovered but very ugly. Although the title is clean and the car shows 77k miles, including an odometer disclosure statement from the last sale in 06 verifying it as the actual mileage, the condition of the car does creates doubt. I guess its possible.

The good: Numbers matching 72 911T Targa with 2.4 MFI. Chassis # 911211183. Engine type 911/51 #6122764. Brakes, clutch gearbox all seem to function. 3 good Fuchs alloys. Nice steering wheel...looks like a Momo Prototipo but thicker. Its a 72 911 with the oil fill on the RH R fender and its original MFI!!!


In with a new battery and several attempts have yet yielded a start. You can tell it wants to start as it turns freely and sputters but it just doesn't quite catch. Its got spark and fuel so perhaps its bad gas and sediment...not sure. Slight turpentine-ish smell every time I turn it over. I've changed the oil and plugs and I'm starting to whittle away at the basics...filters, lines, tank, compression etc...It appears as though everything is original and hooked up...Cold start enrichment etc...so I'm cautiously optimistic that it will run.

I should mention that although I have some mechanical abilities, I've never completely restored a car from nose to tail myself so this would be a big step for me. And I'm keenly aware of the cost to properly restore to original....easily more than the cars eventual value....especially since its a Targa.

Any thoughts on its current value and recommendations as far as a go forward plan would be greatly appreciated. Pics to follow.

Let the fun begin!

[motiv8ed]

Correction-VIN is 9112111183

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[techweenie]

When I see bondo filling the seam between the cowl and fender, I want to run screaming. The left door gap appears to be near zero at the rear.

I suspect prior chassis damage. You are looking at a big number for professional restoration.

Color change back to Sepia is an iffy investment, as you imply.

IMO this is a car for the guy who sees his time as recreation and has done a few restorations before. Someone like that should be willing to pay $25-30K depending on how it looks on a lift.

[motiv8ed]

Thanks for the feedback Techweenie.

[motiv8ed]

C'mon guys, need some more feedback.

[Matt Smith]

Ok, my feedback is that it is a 72 Targa, a very cool period piece. Forget the Coupe preference thing as this is not relevant to 'fun' cars, which this now definitely is. Open air trumps all for a fun car.
Worth saving but do it properly or not at all. How deep are your pockets??
Car should be restored and painted Sepia, as is your preference, so go for it. Pics please.

[NYNick]

Ever read one of those threads on the Tech Forum where they strip the car of every nut and bolt, media blast it and put it all back together to look like new? That.

Now, anything is possible. How much time and money do you have? This will take a long time to do, and cost a LOT of dough. Is it worth it? Probably not financially, but only you can make the decision.

If it were me, I'd get it mechanically sound and drive her, until somebody made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

Nick

[Matt Monson]

I'm with Nick. This car is $50-60k from being a nice car. Someone will do it, but will it be you?

Doesn't sound to me like this is your thing. You want a DE/hot rod car? Get this one on its feet with brakes and fuel system refurb. Then drive it and sell it. Take the proceeds and buy an SC. A much much better basis for a track toy.

[motiv8ed]

Thanks to both Matts and Nick for the feedback. Do you guys have a feel for its current value?

As far as the DE/hot rod comment, I could certainly use my 80 Weissach or 84 Carrera for that...agreed. I was really thinking more along the lines of making it kind of a period correct hot rod with perhaps S pistons, cam, suspension, brakes, etc....I've always admired the outlaw thing since living in Ca for many yrs. Stripped interior with a nice set of vintage race seats, RS door panels, etc...

[Matt Monson]

Do you care about ROI? Hot rods only pay if you go all in. Depending on the exact condition of the chassis, it's worth $20-30k right now. Do an S spec engine still on MFI? You will spend $20k on just the engine. A hot rod would be a labor of love. Check out "my boys" thread father down this forum for an idea of the hot rod market.

[peko]

Doesn't look like it's all that bad. Definitely a restorable car but it just takes time and money . If you redo it at least you will know what you have when your done. There will be no hidden issues. Seems like a great car to create what you want and when it's done it will be exactly what you want. It can be restored affordably, you just need to be creative love the car though!