[C. Clark]

Hello Andrew and all,
This is an interesting thread, I believe that the reason myself and others work, restore and sometimes stress over these antique cars is for the fun and or joy of it. The financial reward at the end of the job is never there. I run with several show car people and their rap is the same as mine, it shouldn't be about the money, if you in this for an investment your in the wrong game, even with the market being so crappy you would have a better chance there. I do this for the pleasure of it, if anything good moneywise would happen to come of it so be it, but I sure as hell am not counting on that. I paid 4k in the beginning for my 69, 912. It was drivable, although it had been in a barn for 5 years, rats had stored dog food in the shifter tunnel so the throttle kept sticking getting it home. It has a good power train and the body and paint had been done just before the guy parked it, but the suspension pan was rotted out and the passenger side floor was shacky, I replace them both. from there it was pulling the engine re-sealing everything, sand blasting all the metal, power coating and adding webers, .050, wires, you get the picture. Then came new wheels and tires, lighting upgrade, shortshifter kit and a thousand other little time comsumming things. Recently I finished the interior and for now, knock on wood the car is 99.9 done. Brake upgrade would be great but the old ones still work fine.
I'm not sure but with my materials cost and my own labor cost I've got over $20,000.00 in mine and don't care.
It's sad but true, the money really should'nt be an issue, it's a hobby for me, one that I can actually use on a daily basis if I wish. For me the ability to do most of the work is the key, if your at the mercy of a mechanic and own a Porsche, in my opinion you need deep pockets.
Good luck Andrew with what ever you do.
Chas.