[masraum]

Probably if well maintained the most reliable of the three would be the '87. It's the one that for the most part, you could add oil and gas and go everyday.

The '70 could be enormously fun and also pretty darn reliable if it's well done. It's also, probably the most likely to bite you in the butt if you aren't careful. (older chassis, more powerful engine, notorious 911 handling). It could also end up having rust issues which is the last thing that I'd want in a toy.

The 71 would also be more susceptible to rust than the '87. It would still be loads of fun and a great way to learn how to drive a 911 and how to work on one. It could be as reliable as the '87. You can just never tell.

Unfortunately with the info that we have, anyone of them could end up being super reliable or a huge pain in the butt money pit.

Do any of them come with all receipts and maintenance records?

I'd definitely drive them all, and go into it thinking that you won't buy any of the three, but that it will be educational.

Good luck.

Yes, '87 is definitely G50, and yes, the shift pattern is different than the 915, but I don't remember the difference. One one the reverse is left and up (next to first) and on the other its right and down (under 5th), IIRC.