For the longest time mid-year cars were the laughing stock of air-coled 911's. Bad motor, no flares, impact bumpers, shiny trim, etc. etc. In those days nice middies struggled to break $10k and most could be had in the $5-8k price range. Of course in those days a decent SC could be had for $13-15k so everyone thought why not get the bulletproof motor, rear flares, etc. of a decent SC for only $5k more than a mid year since you can't rebuild the motor for the difference...
Fast forward to now and a "good" SC in a $20-30k proposition, good 3.2 cars are $25K+, 1973 and earlier cars in driver status are $35k-100k. So what does an enthusiast buy if he cant afford one of those cars? A MID-YEAR! So by default the mid-year cars have come up and will continue to come up to slightly below a comparable quality SC.
The other thing worth noting is that we haven't taken into account a change in taste over the years. For many years some of the drawbacks of a mid-year car de-valued them. Now preferences have shifted slightly and some "pop" might be given for some of these items. For example stainless deco trim. SC and later cars almost all had black time (standard starting in 1980 so some 78-79 have silver trim but rare). How many of us painted the trim on a early car black in the attempt to "update" the car in the 70, 80's and 90's? With long hoods so popular the market seems to like more brightwork, if thats you and you cant buy a long hood... Mid-year
Rear flares are another one, for the longest time everyone wanted rear flares. With original longhoods being narrow body cars, the market has put value on the original narrow car. So if you prefer the original narrow body look but cant afford a long hood... Mid-year...
There are several other unique features to mid-years vs. later cars. Rear pop outs, much greater availability of non-sunroof, non ac and manual window cars., etc. etc.
In terms of years of desirability, there is always value in 1974 and 1975 in the California market because they are smog exempt forever, whereas a 76 or 77 still has to smog. So in that market earlier is better. In other markets (like mine) I would rather have a 76 or 77 because they are fully galvanized so the likelihood of serious cancer is significantly reduced.
In terms of issues with the 2.7, those are well known and there are plenty of fixes available . At this juncture these cars are 36-40 years old, most of the decent cars have received the appropriate updates. if they have, they can be wonderful cars. If not just factor that into your pricing equation.
I own air-cooled cars of every generation and appreciate what each offers. The mid-year cars have a nice period aesthetic, are light, can be reasonably bought and can be great cars with the right updates.
Here is my 1976 Euro 911: Continental Orange, no sunroof, no AC, crank windows, all the typical 2.7 updates (head studs, backdated exhuast, 11 blade fan, Carrera tensioners, Permatune, MSD, pop off valve, turbo valve covers, etc) It's just a middie but boy do people love the car when they see it!
