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Gina-
I'm sorry about the loss of your husband, I can only imagine how hard that must be. As a lifelong Porsche fanatic like your husband I can envision that my wife might gain some comfort seeing one of my prides and joys in the garage if something were to happen to me.
A few thoughts:
Take Your Time- the good news is that the SC's value isn't going to have a material negative change in value in the foreseeable future and could possibly be worth more. So if it brings you some emotional comfort seeing the car, then keep it as long as its helpful to you. The cost for a little bit of maintenance, insurance and licensing is nominal vs. what it provides you. When the time feels right you will know it.
Sentimental Value/Family- Like others have mentioned, if you can afford to (take care of yourself first!) consider if there is anyone in your husbands family, close circle of friends, etc that shared his common love for the car. If you think it might mean the world to them, that might be a good way to go, either as an outright gift or potentially a sale at a mutually agreeable number. Again like above, this should feel right, if nobody comes easily to mind this probably isn't the right path.
Value of the Car- Lots of numbers are being volleyed around, I won't enter that fray except to say you need a well respected expert who will evaluate the car IN PERSON to really assess what you have. Ideally this expert should be someone who has no financial interest in the transaction (i.e. not buying the car, taking a fee to help you sell, etc). This person should feel like a teacher; when they come out they should take the time to help you know more about the car, the market and its value and not feel like they have an agenda. The current market for these cars is excellent but it is very nuanced, meaning subtle items such as presence of original paint, documentation, color (BTW I personally LOVE Bamboo Beige), etc can make radical changes in a cars value. There are several people on this forum who could fit this description, but sadly there are also some who wouldn't, just be careful.
For what its worth I have a soft spot for widows, as I would want others to treat my wife kindly and with compassion. I am lifelong Porsche fanatic who enjoys working on my own air-cooled cars, preparing and showing them. Many years ago I took that passion and made my avocation my life work. I buy and sell these cars, speak on the subject of their value for both the PCA and Hagerty and write for Panorama (the national magazine for the Porsche Club of America).
With that in mind, I will make an offer of assistance, feel free to take it or not. Here is my offer:
-I will come see the car in person (100% on my dime), inspect it thoroughly, extensively photograph the car and walk you thru everything I see. Together we can agree on anything I think it might need to maximize it's market value.
- I will help you list the car on Bring a Trailer (BAT); help you with ad copy, photographs and be available to help answer questions (the key to maximizing sale price on BAT is: presenting the car as completely and honestly as possible, lots of quality photos/video and being an engaged, knowledgeable seller who can interact with grace/humor to the various commentators).
I think BAT is a great venue for establishing its value as it's a true marketplace. The value of any item is defined as what a buyer is willing to pay for it. If you do the above, the market will dictate it's value, therefore you will know you received a fair value for the car.
I would do all the above for no fee or renumeration to me of any kind. I would handle all of it publicly so everyone in the community would know that is how this deal happened, nothing behind the scenes.
I make this offer simply because I would want another in the Porsche community to do it for my wife and I also sense some people with less than honorable intentions might not treat you as well. My experience over the years has been the Porsche world is full of some amazing and wonderful people, as the values of these cars have climbed it occasionally feels a little bit less that way, but I'm still impressed at the knowledge, kindness and compassion of so many. Sometimes we should return the favor!
If you are interested feel free to send me a message. Again, do what feels right for you.
Nathan
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