Quote:
Originally Posted by JTO
When I have the privilege of building another 911 there are two things I am sure of: it will be based on a mid-year car and Steve Weiner will be heavily involved.
Troy
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Well I suppose I will chime in and give my .02 cents on the middies. I bought my '75 Silver Anniversary #164 from Troy (JTO) in late 2005. A quick background about me first. I saw Troy's car at a PCA event in Nor Cal. I was brand new to the Porsche scene and I owned a 2001 996 that had some mild suspension goodies. I thought my 996 was a great car, that was until I saw Troy's '75 911S.
Although I didn't know Troy was selling his car until I returned home from the trip and I never even spoke a word with Troy during the entire weekend, I did have the opportunity to see his car perform on the various driving tours I participated on. I could not believe how agile and compliant Troy's car looked as I followed him through the wonderful back roads of Sonoma and Napa. The 2.7 also made sounds I have never heard before.
When I found out he was selling his car, I had to have it. So I pretty much gave Troy his asking price. At the time, I know I was paying the higher end spectrum for a mid-year car (nearly $16K), but Troy's car had everything I could ask for; complete suspension upgrade, a rust free chasis, fresh rebuilt motor and trans with all the 2.7 ailments addressed, and the rarity of the Silver Anniversary model. With that, the cost of Troy's car was still about 50% less than a comprable long hood.
Well, after I took ownership, I became so fanatical by the mid-year car that I decided to sell my 996. The 996 felt so heavy and was boring compared to the nimble and agile '75. The 996 soon became a garage queen. Every time I had an opportunity to drive, the '75 was top choice.
It's been 3 years and 30k+ miles since I took the keys from Troy, and the '75 is still running in top shape. Only once did a bad coil left me stranded on the side of the road in those 30k miles. All I have done mechanically to the car is regular oil changes and valve adjustments (self-taught from this forum). I love this car to death and it has been the best car I have ever owned in my 20+ years as a licensed driver.
So, in addressing the original post, I must agree a middle year car in good shape is a total undervalued gem. These cars have so much potential and if the motor issues have been addressed, these cars are very robust, reliable, and a ton of fun to drive due to their light weight. Side by side, my neighbor's '87 930 feels like a tank when I compare it to my '75. I concur with Steve as I have also noticed that the middle year cars are becoming more and more scarce nowadays as fine examples are far and few to be found for sale.
And finally, in my state, the 74 and 75s are smog exempt and therefore can still greatly benefit in the induction/exhaust department. I had Steve Weiner set me up with set of PMOs and the carbs instantly opened a dimension of the 2.7 that was not evident with the CIS. The sounds the quick reving 2.7 and carbs makes at redline is euphoric. Everytime I drive this car, I can't help but smile. Thanks to Troy and Steve for all the hard work they have put into this machine.
Andrew
