Chance to buy 1974- what should I pay

[narg]

Hi,
Basically new here (I did have a unsatisfactory experience with a 914). I have a chance to buy a 1974 911. Plain Jane, not an S(sunroof) or Carrera. It's silver with black vinyl interior, no sunroof, original Fuchs, rebuilt engine with carrera tensioners, etc. Repainted maybe 20 years ago, show very nice. It runs, drives and looks exactly as it should. Also a one owner car with all records from new! Steering wheel and radio have been changed, but originals are included. The only catch is it has 180,000 miles, but you would have to be told that part, it looks like a cafefully owned 80,000 mile car.

Second question, probably dumb. Can a 901 transmission fit in this car without modifications? The dogleg shift was my favorite part of the 914 experience. And just for looks, where would I find some of those early style sealed beam lights with the extra glass covers?

Thanks for reading!

[narg]

Sorry about the pic, there is no crease in the door, just a weird reflection!

[matt930s]

Non-sunroof is a plus. That is a keeper. I wish I kept my 74....

MattR

[CountD]

I would say...

1) Great year that's respected now - the rookie card for the later cars
2) No sunroof is a plus
3) Mileage would not bother me a bit
4) Check for rust, rust, rust. Even though you think it may have none, check again.
5) Only three years ago this would have been a $7,500-$10K car
6) Now I would say it's $18K to $23K
7) Skip the sentimentality for the 901 trans and keep what's in there.
8) It shows well by the photo, but then again these cars were rust kings so I would get under there like I said.
9) Sweet car, you don't see too many.
10) On one side, it's the last 911 that was called a 911 without the S, SC or Carrera in the USA anyway - the other side being it has a terribly anemic motor at 150hp.
11) If you do buy it, welcome to the jungle

[77Targa0912]

If its rust free and has the originality you said it has I would expect to pay $25k minimum. A dealer would probably ask $30k. If you get the car for closer to $20k you got a bargain.

[mickey356]

I'm not 'new' here but I've been absent for awhile driving one of the water cooled things, but I'm back with a rusted out air cooled car that was sold as rust free.
So listen to the advice already given, and scour that car for rust.
Also, before buying my 83 I was looking at mid 70s cars, I recall something about a tendency for studs to pull from the case, but the more knowledgeable folks here can chime in on that.

[manbridge 74]

I've a 74. My third 74. So paranoid about rust I removed rear package tray after I bought it and after I joined forum and saw pics of another horror case. Well, except for some easily addressed surface rust in front of rear wheels where some undercoating had flaked off, it has none! But it was always stored inside and came from AZ.

I wouldn't sweat the HP difference as I've driven the S model of 74 and 75 and they only have a bit more over 5000rpm. You'd be hard pressed to feel it.

Mileage is a good negotiating tool here! A dealer/flipper would possibly pass it off as a 80K car. At least 25K value. Best thing about it is original owner. Likely no stories.

After a good inspection you'd be a fool to pass it up and are likely inundated with PMs even now.

[Matt Monson]

$25-30k.

You don't want to change the gearbox. It's a pain in the arse to do and will cost you $2500 minimum.

[witz]

I have a 74 911 sunroof and I love it.
It does have some leaks but what else is new, common for these cars.
A clean one is around 27-40k now.

[ficke]

With used cars mileage is important, this car is turning into a collector car and moving away for the used car category, so mileage is becoming less important as value tool.
As others have said rust is the important issue and hidden accident damage.
Your car is a one owner with records, very cool, you will be able to find out about any accident damage. Original owners also paid the BIG money for their car and tend to baby their cars more than used car owners.
On the little information given and the picture I would say this would be a good car to buy and would advise you to step up to the plate and make the deal and not lose it over peanuts.
911's are fun.
Good luck.

[techweenie]

I'd say under $25K because of the miles. As others have said, thorough examination for rust is in order, starting with the battery area.

[narg]

So the car is now mine. No rust. That's one of the reasons that I was saying how it has nice paint that's quite old. It seems that if the paint was hiding anything it would have come out by now! Battery tray is great! The only problem with the car is the dealer added on lower dash for the A/C controls and vents. Looks to be lower quality than the rest of the uncracked dash. A/C has been converted to R134a though, so that's good.
As for the anemic motor the seller said that when the motor was rebuilt it had different "S" cams put in. He was thinking 190hp, my seat of the pants says 175hp. Better than 150hp right?

[specialtyoneinc]

Looks like you got a good one. Congratulations. Enjoy the drive!

[manbridge 74]

Welcome to the forums.

Post up some engine and interior pics if you get a chance. Especially the OE radio.

Let me know if you need any misc bits as I have a parts car and would likely send them to you free.

[Matt Monson]

Those dealer added AC units were common back in period. They are actually worth a pretty penny on the used market. But they are kind of chintzy looking. I could never drive a car with one because I've got long legs and would hit my knees. I can't even drive a car with a stock steering wheel.

Congrats on the purchase. As always we want pictures. And of course since it's the Marketplace curiousity wants to know what you paid. Though it's your right to keep that to yourself.

[Nick Triesch]

I don't know, 180,000 for a 40+year old car is low miles!!! Hardly driven!! What is crazy is all my old Porsche used car guides say stay away from the 74!!! My how times have changed! Soon the Fiat 124 sport will be worth a ton!!

[Lapkritis]

'74 is a great year. Still light weight, no smog gear, euro style bumpers, pop out rear windows etc...

[narg]

So sorry I'm not a photographer by any means. Here are few quick pics I snapped tonight. While the 914 had been a car I had always wanted when I was a kid in the late 1980's, (and I admit to having a nice honeymoon with the car when first bought it 5 years ago), I think the 911 will be a longer term keeper. A friend of mine has a 1971T and a 1988 and I driven and ridden in them enough times that I like the 911 better than the 914. Better quality interior, better shift feel, and while not fast like a modern, the 1974 feels 100 hp more than the 914- which it nearly has!

[narg]

[matt930s]

Gorgeous car. You hit the lottery.

Now just enjoy getting to know her. Give her a name.

MattR