[techweenie]

There is investment and there is speculation.

It has been easier to do both in the recent runup in longhood values -- maybe easer than any time in the history of these cars.

But the future is dim -- as in hard to see.

Some of the runup was fueled by the HELOC/ATM phenomenon.

The market today is schizophrenic, with the 'best' cars continuing to go up and up, and everything else going random in sales and pricing.

Logic would say to go for an original, unrestored S or E Targa or Coupe with history and minimal rust. As the collectors will tell you 'a car can never be original twice.'

My advice is to prioritize it this way:

1. Good core. Straight, unrusted (or minimally) tub; good gaps. Take an extra set of eyes pre PPI.

2. Complete with all the model-appropriate pieces. While these can be replaced, the prices are going up on these pieces, especially '72 oil system parts and S oil cooler system components.

3. Original paint or original color repaint with no damage to paint or VIN tags. If the paint is a period color like the yellows, greens, oranges, ivories, etc., that's a plus.

4. Original interior, with an emphasis on a good dash. While there are replacement dashes, they are problematic (long story, research on tech BBS).

Many parts of these cars are interchangeable, irrespective of model (T, E, S). Learn to see anything that bolts on as a consumable. Obviously, you want to be able to retain as many of the original parts as you can, not the least of your reasons being that the washers, bolts, screws, clips, etc. are likely to be difficult to locate and reinstall exactly as originally assembled. These details make a lot of difference when you eventually wish to recoup your investment.

The intent to make money on a vintage Porsche is a dream realized by a lucky few. Find some of those folks you can network with and get their hands-on help.