I have been enjoying a nice little 914 making small improvements to the car by addressing some minor issues and bringing it to a higher standard than when I bought it. The 'project' (if it could be called a project, it started in pretty nice condition when I bought it) is nearing a point of completion from my perspective and it may well be time to find a new owner. That said, I'm not looking for a fire-sale type scenario and I first would appreciate an honest assessment on the value of the car as it is and if there are additional items which should be addressed which would both increase the fun factor in ownership and potentially make it that much more appealing in the marketplace.
Background:
Car has had a repaint in original Marathon Blue color. Appears all over to be a quality job. Not without flaws from driving, the paint work is 10+ years old. No bubbles, anywhere. The car is solid. It had some perforation in the battery tray so I removed the engine and removed/replaced the battery tray. While I was in there, I cleaned up some minor surface rust in the hell hole under the battery tray, coated with POR-15 and repainted the engine bay with color matched Marathon Blue. At the same time, I cleaned the underside of the car thoroughly. It is as clean as you will find as an un-restored 914. The body is a no excuses car.
Wheels are Mahle OE wheels in really nice condition, bright and with only minor imperfections.
Original fitment front and rear sway bars.
No fog lights, center gauges and black (not chrome) bumpers indicate this wasn't an appearance package car but is otherwise optioned well for the enthusiast with the sway bars and a 5-spd gearbox.
Interior has appropriate patina (not perfect) with a single dash crack and minor carpet wear on original carpets. At some point, someone put a DIN sized CD player in the car. It works well and sounds nice if you ever turn it on. I recovered the driver's side seat bolsters (keeping the good condition centers original) to repair a small tear in the corner of the vinyl bolster. It matches well and is nearly indistinguishable from the passenger seat. Gauges work, I pulled door panels apart and preventively greased mechanisms, etc. and things work well as a result. Doors close excellent and targa top is in good condition as well. Glass is in good shape too and with the exception of a crack in the aftermarket rear reflector, the lenses are all in good condition as well. At some point in life it had a dealer installed A/C system which has been removed many years ago.
The engine in the car is not the original (engine is from a '75 2.0L by number) and has been converted to carbs and headers. I do not have the original heat exchangers nor the FI components but I do have what is believed to be the original engine (I haven't received a COA for the car yet) in complete, as-removed (and running) condition). That engine was in the car when I bought it and ran well but leaked oil and smoked on decel. The current engine in the car was reported to be a low mile, refreshed 2.0L. By performance, inspection and how well it behaves, this is believable as a very low mile refresh. I don't have receipts or other documentation on the engine build however just superficial inspection (removal of crankcase vent/fill cover, etc. reveal an exceedingly clean looking crankcase. No smoke on start-up, under power or decel. The engine seems very healthy indeed.
Gearbox shifts well and no rattles/squeaks or issues with the suspension.
Could probably use new tires, those on the car are 'well aged'.
Thoughts on value? It isn't often I can find examples which are representative of the condition of this car so please fire away.
Thanks,
Chet
