[FA-18C]

It has been awhile since I shipped the 70E to Colorado to Type911, but I am at the point where there is some relative clear air ahead that has opened the door for a replacement. I am drawn to the early cars, but any of my previous cars are made from "unaffordium".

Having spent a couple of weeks on the classified boards, BaT and Rennline, while I am familiar with the 87-89 cars, if I am going to pull the trigger, I may as well consider all of the options on the table.

It would be a lot of fun to find a mild project and put my own stamp on it, I am not sure that I have the time or desire to spend as much time under my car - would rather put my butt in the seat and drive. But I would be lying if I part of the fun is doing my own maintenance, just not sure I want to tackle what Jamie has with his orange monster build. (WAY back in the day, I bought a mangled S bumper from Jamie for almost nothing and spent 100+ hours making that straight for the 70E). I almost pulled the trigger on a 69 912 Targa recently, but it gets pretty hot here for half the year in coastal VA.

So my question to the esteemed gurus here is - what do you consider the sweet spot in the market right now? [assume a budget range of 25-40K all in]

My perception is that there has been a solid pull back on most all except the unicorn cars with low miles or crazy restorations. I will concede the pre-impact cars, the cost would make it less fun for me... I believe that I would be perfectly happy with a solid 80's Targa at the right price that I can tweak over my ownership, but I want a solid driver without a looming major build ahead of me. Other option would be to snatch up a 997 which seem to be bottoming and spend some $$s on the IMS and other issues and then just drive the car - OR spend a LITTLE more and look for a 997.2.

I can talk myself in circles all day...and I know this is akin to philosophy and is heavily biased with personal tastes, but welcome the pros and cons if you are willing...