Time to sell my 911SC. Where do I even begin...?

[gslater]

After 22ish years of ownership, the time has (sadly) finally come to sell my 1980 911SC, and I'm frankly a bit overwhelmed with trying to figure out the best way to do that. I have no real clue about how I should be thinking of its current value. And I have no real clue regarding how to obtain that maximum value with the least amount of hassle. I have zero interest in fielding calls from Craigslist idiots, but the car is also not some kind of fancy show car that merits a real bespoke sales option. I mean, it's nice enough and all, but it also has all of the usual wear and tear one would expect from a car that hasn't been pampered (including before I got it). I would love any opinions or advice that you fine people can offer. Thank you so very much in advance.


The basics:

1980 911SC sunroof coupe.

Just under 115K miles.

Light blue metallic with black interior.

Except for things that were worn out and replaced, I'm pretty sure everything is all original.

I don't know of any accidents.

Not sure exactly what options it had from the factory, but I believe these are the sport seats (???).

I think the original owner was in California, and somehow it ended up with an Oregonian, from whom I bought it in roughly 2000. That guy knew nothing about cars, so he never pursued any info on the car's pedigree. In the time I've owned it, I think it was in the summer rain one time.

Starts and runs well (just took it out to snap a few quick pics), although a touch cold-blooded like most.

There's a ton of cosmetic things that a person could improve upon if so interested. I had that interest, but then life changed and I just didn't get around to bothering with them.


Included here are a few pics I just took. The car is in dire need of a wash and wax, but I haven't been able to drive it until recently (due to a broken wrist and 2 surgeries), so it's been getting dusty in the garage.

[Alan A]

Pick a number you like and can live with. Stick it on here with those pictures.
If no one calls the number was too high.

[Mehoff]

Great looking car and highly desirable right now. Simple answer is you have 3 paths (all assuming the paint is in very good shape):

1) Put it up for around $40k and it will disappear before you know what happened
2) Spend about $2-4k and 3 weeks to get it near perfect. List for mid to high $50’s and spend the next 2 months answering emails and calls until the right buyer shows up
3) Confirm good leakdown/compression and no broken head studs. List for very high $40’s and spend a week or two with the lookey-loos and low ballers until it moves on at ask

It all depends on what you value most. I’d take option #3 every time. Selling a car right now and trying to pull every dollar out is a nightmare I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

……or you could consign it to 911r on BaT and might go to the moon.

[911dhutch]

I agree with Mehoff's #3 strategy. Have the engine assessed with leak down and head stud status so that both you and the potential customer will both have an accurate understanding of the potential cost, if any, of engine repairs. If the engine is sound I'd list it for high forties and see what response you get.

I would list it here or on PCA Marketplace. Your car, and you as a customer, will appeal to an air-cooled enthusiast who wants a solid 911 they can drive. And that kind of customer scans Pelican and PCA market place.

And you do have sport seats......

[911dhutch]

I had a nice BMW but with 170k miles on it so I figured the best place to list it was Facebook Marketplace. What a nightmare that process was. Endless texts back and forth with numerous people with none ending in closure. Too much work to sell a run of the mill car. Some people may not mind that process ...but it didn't work for me..

A couple of years ago I bought a 987.2 Cayman S on PCA Marketplace. The seller was knowledgable and a straightforward Porsche enthusiast and PCA member. The transaction, even though the car was 1000 miles away, was drama free and the car presented no surprises. PCA Marketplace worked for me.

[Kansas]

If the car has good compression and leak down numbers w no broken head studs, replace your dash pad and ask $55k. Mileage is relatively low, and it’s a desirable color.

[kc911s]

Nice color combo. And sport seats.

[Macroni]

Put it up on Pelican for $50,000 w/ a well written ad....

Given the color, mileage and current market; a flipper will buy, bring to next level and sell for $60 to $65,000.

[jacksonm]

You can also check Hagerty website for their valuation, and look at recent BaT auction sales on their site.
I think the Hagerty numbers are a bit low, the BaT maybe (a lot) high, but this might at least give some objective range to start.

[Ralph3.]

How many pm’s in your mailbox?

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by Ralph3.

How many pm’s in your mailbox?

I was going to write the same thing! LOL.
I own an SC. Your car is desirable in todays market. Do not underestimate it.

Mehoff is correct. Check the compression and for broken head studs. After that, spiff it up and post it in the classifieds here. It'll sell.

[Eric 951]

Originally Posted by NYNick

I was going to write the same thing! LOL.
I own an SC. Your car is desirable in todays market. Do not underestimate it.

Mehoff is correct. Check the compression and for broken head studs. After that, spiff it up and post it in the classifieds here. It'll sell.

I thought the same as well. I am sure he has been inundated with PMs and plenty of "cash right now" offers. Be patient.

[917_Langheck]

An SC in that color in the hands of 911r and the Image Engine on BAT will be $$$ in the bank!

[gslater]

Thanks all for the inputs thus far.

I had to do a little digging to understand the references to '911r' on BaT, but I've got that now. Hadn't looked at anything on BaT since its earliest days; my, my, my how things have changed there...

Your comments about PMs made me laugh. Yeah, there's been a few of those, and they showed up remarkably quickly.

I will continue to ponder my course of action. Thanks again.

[rw229]

This looks like a very nice car that many of us would be proud to own. (myself included)

You have a few avenues, but first you need to determine how much you want, how much you need and the level of effort you're willing to put forth.

1) Sell to an enthusiast here on Pelican, PCA or the other Porsche sites. I would avoid CL and FB. It won't be top dollar, but should be pretty painless and will hopefully go to someone who will appreciate the hobby and cherish the car. (or a flipper which would suck)

2) Use your network. Are you in PCA or any other car clubs? Do you know any other car guys? Friendly with your mechanic? Many, many cars are sold via word of mouth. I am constantly being asked if I want to buy/sell or if I know anyone who is.

3) BAT. World wide audience. Preparation is key to getting top dollar. Fix all the little details like the steering wheel, etc. Get a PPI to record the condition of the car. (paint readings, compression/leak down/head studs) A full professional detail and have it professionally photographed. Be prepared to deal with and engage lots of questions from people who may or may not be a buyer.

3a) As an enthusiast, I'm not a big fan this, but reach out to AVG (911r) who is local to you and see what their consignment fee is. They may take care of all the work in option 3, make their money and net you a number you are comfortable with.

[Macroni]

I Like option 3!

[digit3]

I would pay for a PPI which helps a potential buyer. Get the aforementioned leak down #'s and engine inspection. I would then maybe put under a grand into a very good interior and exterior detail. Take underside pictures when it is on the lift. Take lots of pics and then as you see from your initial post, you will get proper feedback as to value and most likely a buyer right here on Pelican. It is a very knowledgeable community. You can easily cross reference recent sales via the online auction sites. I have sold a car on BaT and one on PCar. It is quite of bit of work to prepare for, you need to have somewhat thick skin to deal with the comments, and then ride out the auction to the last hour when all the bids come. For simplicity sake I'd just sell it here.

[1979-930]

If it's original paint it should sell for $60k; maybe $70k.
With that color and sport seats I would put my name on the list, but I want a new 140M.

[creaturecat]

i never worry about/attempt to squeeze the last nickel outta someone.

YMMV

[Rick Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by 1979-930

If it's original paint it should sell for $60k; maybe $70k.
With that color and sport seats I would put my name on the list, but I want a new 140M.

Yes I'm with you. That's a 6x ask all day long, as it sits.

Pedestrian SCs are going higher than that, plus fees, on BaT.

I think selling it for 4x would be a big waste, it'd get flipped three times before it's full retail. If I could swing 4xk bucks I'd buy it myself and I don't even want an SC coupe.