Assistance Valuing 1974 911 Please

[topend]

Hello everyone im looking to get some assistance putting a value on this 1974 911. It is currently one of my clients vehicles. He brought it to my attention that he is interested in selling it and im willing to purchase it from him. He said he has owned it since 2009 and has no idea on what he would sell it for and asked me to make an offer. I dont want to low ball him but i also dont want to overpay for the car as well and although i am very versed in the automotive field, Porsches in particular aren't my specialty but i would love to acquire one.

A little run down on the car from what he has told me is the following:

It was repainted with a full color change (not sure what the original color was)

Body is clean but it does have some places that could use some work

My main issue with getting a value is because the car isn't all original so factoring that in im not too sure what something with these type of modifications would go for.

Any type of input would be greatly appreciated and any other details needed i can provide as well. Thank you

[eastbay]

Pretty car and pretty modified. I would suggest taking a look at closed auctions on Bring a Trailer and Ebay for values.

VIN and paint code are necessary for accuracy.

[ErrorMargin]

A few thoughts:

A full pre-purchase inspection is a must do. Post your location and I'm sure members in that area can refer you to a reputable shop for the PPI. The PPI must include a leak down test (to tell you if you need an engine rebuild), and a diagnosis of the oil leaks and smoke in the cabin. The PPI also needs to tell you all about any rust issues and if there is any accident damage of any significance, and about anything else that needs work.

Take a hard look at all the panel gaps and alignment. For example, it looks like the upper left corner of the engine lid has a very tight fit, while the bottom right has large gaps. It looks like the front hood sticks out well ahead of the fenders. These could be just slight misalignments that are easily corrected, or it could be painted over body damage pushing the panels around. Also, it looks like the side skirts are peeling off..

In the pic of the engine bay, I see that the lower body to deck lid gasket is missing. Check this picture and look at the large black rubber gasket across the bottom for comparison: https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/152403-3-2-engine-bay-pics.html#post1205766

It makes me suspect plenty of other things are wrong or missing on this car.

Worst case scenario you could be looking at an engine rebuild, a transmission rebuild and significant body work to mitigate the rust. Just going on the pictures and what you've told us, you are looking at well over $30k (could be $50k+) just to get the basics done to make it a driver. Do you have a shop in mind to do the work?

As for values, here are a few examples:

A hot rod 74 911 in apparently excellent condition recently went for $85k: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-carrera-coupe-24/

A stock(ish?) 74 911 in an unusual but very cool original factory color and in apparently excellent condition went for $74k just a few days ago: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-coupe-9/

A modified 74 911 with a 3.2 engine and fender flares and questionable condition (seller did not answer questions or make clear how well it ran) was bid up to $38k and did not sell: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-targa-10/

Finally, a 74 911 underwent a multi-year RSR tribute build and sold for $215k: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-80/

You should spend some time on bringatrailer and looking at sold eBay auctions to find comparables to the car you want to buy to establish a value....only after you get the PPI done so you understand what you are getting into and how much it will cost to fix.

https://bringatrailer.com/search/?s=1974+911

[Bill Douglas]

Is it actually the sort of Porsche you want.

When it needs work or breaks down it's going to be pretty hard to figure out what's been done to it and which bits are 1974 and which are 1987.

A straight clean 911 SC or later Carrera 3.2 may make life a lot easier.

[Dpmulvan]

Offer him $30,000 I wouldn’t pay anymore.

[boyt911sc]

The engine & transmission is worth $15K+.
The roller with wheels and 930 flares is worth $20K.
Make sure the title is clean and good. And if this is the right car for you and running well, offer to buy it for $35K or more subject to a PPI. Good luck.

Tony

[CBA]

@Dpmulvan is spot on. $30k max... I'd even say $20k......your going to spend $5k to $10k to get it sorted... not including Transmission full rebuild $7,000.... if you replace first gear only $2,500 to $3,500, Engine leaks $3,500 to $5,000k. Engine stuff could be $3,500 to $20,000k. it all depends on what is needed versus what you might want to do. Misc. body work $3,000 to $10,000. So you could be in it for another $15k to $37k depending on what is needed and it still is a '74 that looks like a 964. If you love it and want a project do it.... if not spend the money and get one that is already sorted. I'm speaking from experience. Enjoy it either way.

[Matt Monson]

I’m struggling with one comment from the description. You say it has all steel fenders done right, but then say it could use some work on the front fenders because of bondo and previous rust repair. Sorry, but that was not “done right” in the first place.

I want to see pictures of it on a lift before I give a number.

[NYNick]

I'm not sure what "...I am very well versed in the automotive field..." means. If you're a Master Mechanic that's one thing. If you're the GM of a dealership it's another. You're going to need a Master Mechanic (and autobody guy to troubleshoot and fix this heavily modified car.

Bill Douglas is right. There's no such thing as a cheap Porsche. You'll be into this thing for another $20 or $30K in no time. Add that to the purchase price and go find yourself a decently sorted SC or 3.2 Carrera and save yourself a bunch of time and hassle.

[topend]

Apologies for the late response for some reason i was unable to access this thread for the past day not sure why but im back now replying to all the responses currently

[topend]

Originally Posted by eastbay

Pretty car and pretty modified. I would suggest taking a look at closed auctions on Bring a Trailer and Ebay for values.

VIN and paint code are necessary for accuracy.

Been looking at the above places with not really any luck finding solid comparables

[topend]

Originally Posted by ErrorMargin

A few thoughts:

A full pre-purchase inspection is a must do. Post your location and I'm sure members in that area can refer you to a reputable shop for the PPI. The PPI must include a leak down test (to tell you if you need an engine rebuild), and a diagnosis of the oil leaks and smoke in the cabin. The PPI also needs to tell you all about any rust issues and if there is any accident damage of any significance, and about anything else that needs work.

Take a hard look at all the panel gaps and alignment. For example, it looks like the upper left corner of the engine lid has a very tight fit, while the bottom right has large gaps. It looks like the front hood sticks out well ahead of the fenders. These could be just slight misalignments that are easily corrected, or it could be painted over body damage pushing the panels around. Also, it looks like the side skirts are peeling off..

In the pic of the engine bay, I see that the lower body to deck lid gasket is missing. Check this picture and look at the large black rubber gasket across the bottom for comparison: https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/152403-3-2-engine-bay-pics.html#post1205766

It makes me suspect plenty of other things are wrong or missing on this car.

Worst case scenario you could be looking at an engine rebuild, a transmission rebuild and significant body work to mitigate the rust. Just going on the pictures and what you've told us, you are looking at well over $30k (could be $50k+) just to get the basics done to make it a driver. Do you have a shop in mind to do the work?

As for values, here are a few examples:

A hot rod 74 911 in apparently excellent condition recently went for $85k: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-carrera-coupe-24/

A stock(ish?) 74 911 in an unusual but very cool original factory color and in apparently excellent condition went for $74k just a few days ago: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-coupe-9/

A modified 74 911 with a 3.2 engine and fender flares and questionable condition (seller did not answer questions or make clear how well it ran) was bid up to $38k and did not sell: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-targa-10/

Finally, a 74 911 underwent a multi-year RSR tribute build and sold for $215k: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-80/

You should spend some time on bringatrailer and looking at sold eBay auctions to find comparables to the car you want to buy to establish a value....only after you get the PPI done so you understand what you are getting into and how much it will cost to fix.

https://bringatrailer.com/search/?s=1974+911

Really appreciate the in depth response it is very helpful. As far as the closest comparable goes i would say it would be this one for sure https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-targa-10/

It will definitely need a extensive amount of body work to get it into "show" quality here is some pictures of things i would address as soon as i would acquire it as far as cosmetically.


The side skirts appear to have the studs broken off of them (owner said he scraped something when they became detached) so those would have to be re-secured as well.

Im just gauging if it would be worth it for me to purchase it, clean it up a bit but not go too crazy and enjoy it for a little while and possibly re-sell it. I have a bad problem of getting bored too easily with cars and end up getting offers and moving on to something else. All that to say i do really like how this car looks but i wouldnt necessarily be interested in doing a full restoration on it.

[topend]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Is it actually the sort of Porsche you want.

When it needs work or breaks down it's going to be pretty hard to figure out what's been done to it and which bits are 1974 and which are 1987.

A straight clean 911 SC or later Carrera 3.2 may make life a lot easier.

That is a very good point, im just thinking if i can get it for a good enough deal that would make me willing to take that risk.

[topend]

Originally Posted by Dpmulvan

Offer him $30,000 I wouldn’t pay anymore.

That is around the price i was thinking as well

[topend]

Originally Posted by boyt911sc

The engine & transmission is worth $15K+.
The roller with wheels and 930 flares is worth $20K.
Make sure the title is clean and good. And if this is the right car for you and running well, offer to buy it for $35K or more subject to a PPI. Good luck.

Tony

Thank you appreciate the input. That is what i would like to offer, something that worse case scenario later down the road i can at least get my money out of it if needed and at least wouldnt be taking a loss on it

[topend]

Originally Posted by CBA

@Dpmulvan is spot on. $30k max... I'd even say $20k......your going to spend $5k to $10k to get it sorted... not including Transmission full rebuild $7,000.... if you replace first gear only $2,500 to $3,500, Engine leaks $3,500 to $5,000k. Engine stuff could be $3,500 to $20,000k. it all depends on what is needed versus what you might want to do. Misc. body work $3,000 to $10,000. So you could be in it for another $15k to $37k depending on what is needed and it still is a '74 that looks like a 964. If you love it and want a project do it.... if not spend the money and get one that is already sorted. I'm speaking from experience. Enjoy it either way.

Thank you for this breakdown. I wouldnt want to go too crazy with it just get the "must do's" done on it and enjoy it for a while. Maybe keep it for the long run or sell it in the future.

[topend]

Originally Posted by ErrorMargin

A few thoughts:

A full pre-purchase inspection is a must do. Post your location and I'm sure members in that area can refer you to a reputable shop for the PPI. The PPI must include a leak down test (to tell you if you need an engine rebuild), and a diagnosis of the oil leaks and smoke in the cabin. The PPI also needs to tell you all about any rust issues and if there is any accident damage of any significance, and about anything else that needs work.

Take a hard look at all the panel gaps and alignment. For example, it looks like the upper left corner of the engine lid has a very tight fit, while the bottom right has large gaps. It looks like the front hood sticks out well ahead of the fenders. These could be just slight misalignments that are easily corrected, or it could be painted over body damage pushing the panels around. Also, it looks like the side skirts are peeling off..

In the pic of the engine bay, I see that the lower body to deck lid gasket is missing. Check this picture and look at the large black rubber gasket across the bottom for comparison: https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/152403-3-2-engine-bay-pics.html#post1205766

It makes me suspect plenty of other things are wrong or missing on this car.

Worst case scenario you could be looking at an engine rebuild, a transmission rebuild and significant body work to mitigate the rust. Just going on the pictures and what you've told us, you are looking at well over $30k (could be $50k+) just to get the basics done to make it a driver. Do you have a shop in mind to do the work?

As for values, here are a few examples:

A hot rod 74 911 in apparently excellent condition recently went for $85k: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-carrera-coupe-24/

A stock(ish?) 74 911 in an unusual but very cool original factory color and in apparently excellent condition went for $74k just a few days ago: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-coupe-9/

A modified 74 911 with a 3.2 engine and fender flares and questionable condition (seller did not answer questions or make clear how well it ran) was bid up to $38k and did not sell: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-targa-10/

Finally, a 74 911 underwent a multi-year RSR tribute build and sold for $215k: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-80/

You should spend some time on bringatrailer and looking at sold eBay auctions to find comparables to the car you want to buy to establish a value....only after you get the PPI done so you understand what you are getting into and how much it will cost to fix.

https://bringatrailer.com/search/?s=1974+911

Im not sure why my response didn't load because i wrote a pretty extensive reply but it said it would have to be approved. Maybe because i attached pictures and the other responses didn't include any attachments. I am pretty new to this forum so forgive me if im still learning the ropes. I will give it a few to see if it posts but if not then i will retype it again

[topend]

Originally Posted by NYNick

I'm not sure what "...I am very well versed in the automotive field..." means. If you're a Master Mechanic that's one thing. If you're the GM of a dealership it's another. You're going to need a Master Mechanic (and autobody guy to troubleshoot and fix this heavily modified car.

Bill Douglas is right. There's no such thing as a cheap Porsche. You'll be into this thing for another $20 or $30K in no time. Add that to the purchase price and go find yourself a decently sorted SC or 3.2 Carrera and save yourself a bunch of time and hassle.

Well im no Master Mechanic but i have had my fair share of projects and "restorations" and i am always up for a challenge but i try to avoid making bad financial decisions when possible.

Which is exactly why i came to a forum to discuss this with people that are a lot more verse than i am in these cars just to see what i would be getting myself into if i was to buy it. Thanks for the reality check as far as budget because i have got in over my head a couple times building cars

[topend]

Unfortunately my lift is currently preoccupied so i wasn't able to get the best underneath pics

[topend]

Originally Posted by ErrorMargin

A few thoughts:

A full pre-purchase inspection is a must do. Post your location and I'm sure members in that area can refer you to a reputable shop for the PPI. The PPI must include a leak down test (to tell you if you need an engine rebuild), and a diagnosis of the oil leaks and smoke in the cabin. The PPI also needs to tell you all about any rust issues and if there is any accident damage of any significance, and about anything else that needs work.

Take a hard look at all the panel gaps and alignment. For example, it looks like the upper left corner of the engine lid has a very tight fit, while the bottom right has large gaps. It looks like the front hood sticks out well ahead of the fenders. These could be just slight misalignments that are easily corrected, or it could be painted over body damage pushing the panels around. Also, it looks like the side skirts are peeling off..

In the pic of the engine bay, I see that the lower body to deck lid gasket is missing. Check this picture and look at the large black rubber gasket across the bottom for comparison: https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/152403-3-2-engine-bay-pics.html#post1205766

It makes me suspect plenty of other things are wrong or missing on this car.

Worst case scenario you could be looking at an engine rebuild, a transmission rebuild and significant body work to mitigate the rust. Just going on the pictures and what you've told us, you are looking at well over $30k (could be $50k+) just to get the basics done to make it a driver. Do you have a shop in mind to do the work?

As for values, here are a few examples:

A hot rod 74 911 in apparently excellent condition recently went for $85k: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-carrera-coupe-24/

A stock(ish?) 74 911 in an unusual but very cool original factory color and in apparently excellent condition went for $74k just a few days ago: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-coupe-9/

A modified 74 911 with a 3.2 engine and fender flares and questionable condition (seller did not answer questions or make clear how well it ran) was bid up to $38k and did not sell: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-targa-10/

Finally, a 74 911 underwent a multi-year RSR tribute build and sold for $215k: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-80/

You should spend some time on bringatrailer and looking at sold eBay auctions to find comparables to the car you want to buy to establish a value....only after you get the PPI done so you understand what you are getting into and how much it will cost to fix.

https://bringatrailer.com/search/?s=1974+911

Looks like my previous response may be lost so i will try this once again. Thank you for the references they are all very helpful.

I would say this one would be closest to this specific car which sounds about right from the value other are giving as well https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-porsche-911-targa-10/

Im located in CT from what i found Butzigear would be the most reputable in my area to do a PPI on the car unless i come across any other suggestions.

I would honestly be satisfied is i can enjoy the car for a little while and possibly resell later down the road but from what others are saying that might not be the case with this vehicle considering what it may need

I may possibly consider bringing the car to do the PPI depending on the price i can get it for just to crunch some numbers in my head to see if it would be worth picking up for a weekend warrior