78 Targa with 84 Catrrera 3,2 conversion. What't it worth ?

[DanielDudley]

Hi all. Well I haven't been on the forum for years, and my life has changed radically, particularly since my wife's health has had several ups and downs. I don't drive a lot anymore, and I have a fellow enthusiast asking about my 78 Targa, and I don't have any idea what it is worth. It is a Frankencar, a 78 Targa with a 3.2 conversion. No AC, bad paint, but very nice mechanicals. The engine has about 130,000 miles with a top end rebuild about 10,000 miles ago and 964 cams. no smoke, very strong in the upper rev range. Straight body, needs a complete repaint. Currently running a 72 915 box which was rebuilt less than 5,000 miles ago and is supposed to have limited slip. It also comes with the original 78 box which I drove for a number of years and is in very good operating order. Straight body and chassis. Comes with the 2 transmissions, a set of Boxster seats, a set of perfect 76 911S seats, and a set of 78 sport seats that need to be recovered. Has a roll bar installed, and a set of 6&7 x 16" Fuchs, plus a set of 7&8 x 15" Fuchs, and a 72 and 78 speedometer. Has a fiberglass Targa top, and a folding top that needs a rebuild.

Mechanically reliable and sorted, a very good runner that drives out well. I very much undersold my last Porsche, and I don't want to do so again. Any ideas as to the value ? The fellow who wants it is a real enthusiast, and will do right by the car, but I don't need to sell it. Your opinions would be appreciated.

[NYNick]

$50 plus. Could be a lot more if someone seriously upgrades the appearances, but that'll cost a bunch too.
Not sure about that 72 box instead of the 78. Lots of extra goodies too. If the engine looks and runs like a beauty, there's associated paperwork by the engine builder and zero rust on the car, that'll go a long way. GLWS
Nick

[DanielDudley]

So a Hundred at least... I knew I could count on you guys.

[ChrisHamilton]

Here's one that is similar to your description of yours.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/1167004-78-911sc-targa-37-500-a.html

I don't know squat really but from your description I think $50K would be the very high side of what you could expect to get.

Check out some of the sales on Bring A Trailer. (bringatrailer.com) There have been quite a few 78 SC Targas sold there. That should give you a pretty good idea of what fair and what's not.

[usera]

$40K seems more like it if you need to have the car repainted.

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by usera

$40K seems more like it if you need to have the car repainted.

Please find me a 3.2, even in an SC, anywhere for $40K.

[usera]

Originally Posted by NYNick

Please find me a 3.2, even in an SC, anywhere for $40K.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/link/390002777

How about this? There are a few more for $50K that don’t need a repaint. The OPs car needs some TLC, AC and a repaint. $40K is fair in my opinion. You need to know what these are actually changing hands for. I just bought a 993 for $42K because it needed lots of TLC and that cost adds up on these cars. The owner could put $15K into his targa but I doubt he could then sell it for a bunch more than $55-60K.

[ChrisHamilton]

Originally Posted by NYNick

Please find me a 3.2, even in an SC, anywhere for $40K.

On BAT I see plenty of 3.2's, 1984 and up that bring that. But none of them needed paint. And the OP's is a transplant into a 78. Say it brought $50K, then $20K for a decent quality paint job and now you've got $70K in it. $40K seems more realistic to me. And prices are coming down on everything now. If the OP put the car on BAT my guess it brings somewhere around $40k.

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by usera

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/link/390002777

How about this? There are a few more for $50K that don’t need a repaint. The OPs car needs some TLC, AC and a repaint. $40K is fair in my opinion. You need to know what these are actually changing hands for. I just bought a 993 for $42K because it needed lots of TLC and that cost adds up on these cars. The owner could put $15K into his targa but I doubt he could then sell it for a bunch more than $55-60K.

If you say so, but I wouldn't touch that Cargurus car with a ten foot pole. Zero history and most likely screaming "HEAD STUDS" and with no rebuild. The OP has a full rebuild with a top end recently. I qualified my price based on documentation.

Buying a $40K BaT 911 is a crapshoot. Worse than that is a 993 for $40k that needs work. I'll take a solid engine with a car that needs paint any day. I'm sticking to my $50K. No one says you have to paint the car.

[usera]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1989-porsche-911-carrera-targa-44/

Here is a $50,000 sale for a 1989 G50 Targa that seems like a really nice car. The OPs car is not on par with this one in any aspect. $40K is a very good price. I think the next owner will be getting a really good car too as it seems mechanically sorted

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by usera

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1989-porsche-911-carrera-targa-44/

Here is a $50,000 sale for a 1989 G50 Targa that seems like a really nice car. The OPs car is not on par with this one in any aspect. $40K is a very good price. I think the next owner will be getting a really good car too as it seems mechanically sorted

You're right. Looks like a good-great deal. No mention of a rebuild however. That's right down the road from me!

[Matt Monson]

The beauty of selling a used car is one can negotiate and mark it down if it’s not getting bites. Start at $50k and see.

[deemsriddle]

In May, I sold my 1979 Euro Spec Guards Red Targa for $48K. with an 1987 3.2 with great compression and leak down. It had a recent driver quality paint job and new covers on comfort seats. Dash, top and interior were good. 7 & 8 by 15 Fuchs had 008R needing replacement. It was an early "gray market" car with no AC and with roll up windows. The 3.2 teamed up with the early 915 gear box made it a great driver's car. The new owner and I are comfortable with the $48,000 price. He keeps me updated all the time.

[nickelplated5s]

If the Catrrera purrs it might be worth more...

[2.7RS]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

The beauty of selling a used car is one can negotiate and mark it down if it’s not getting bites. Start at $50k and see.

Plus hundreds of tire kickers, dreamers, scammers and loosers wasting valuable time.

Not to mention the potential of professional car thieves that could take the car from your driveway and run you over. Literally.

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by 2.7RS

Plus hundreds of tire kickers, dreamers, scammers and loosers wasting valuable time.

Not to mention the potential of professional car thieves that could take the car from your driveway and run you over. Literally.

With that much fear, I’m amazed you ever leave your house. Keep a close eye on your dog.

When you start high, it actually keeps most of those people away. Bottom feeders don’t shop the top of the market.

[2.7RS]

Matt Monson I leave my house carrying. Always have.

I guess you haven't sold a car lately

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by 2.7RS

Matt Monson I leave my house carrying. Always have.

I guess you haven't sold a car lately

Personally, I think carrying is fear based as well. In my entire life I've only ever seen one gun in the wild. 7 decades worth and never a problem.

If you think professional car thieves might steal your car out of your driveway, you're living in the wrong neighborhood or should park your car in the garage.

[nickelplated5s]

Don't let them come to your home. I wouldn't unless I knew them. OR laws are different than TX. I do have bird dogs here if you know what that means.