Value of a 1973 2.0L 914

[Stophos]

I'm looking at a fairly original lime yellow (I'm sure this color has a name) 73 914 2.0L that is for sale for $1500.00.

The Bad
Needs general restoration including, paint, minor body work, seals. side view mirror(s), carpet, seat resto, one window regulator. Top is ok but not great. One of the roof top hold downs is broken. No major body panel rust or sail rust. It has some rust in the hell hole but not in the longitudinals. No rust in the front or rear boots. Both floor pans need replacing as does one of the rear suspension mounts. The clutch barely catches but owner says it has a new cable and that the problem is the brass bushing in the pedal cluster is bad.(?) Car runs but barely. Car was converted to Webers which need rebuilding or replacement. Engine was said to have been rebuilt less than 4k miles ago but there is no documentation and no leakdown or compression numbers are available. Has headers rather than heat exchangers although maybe this is a plus if I don't drive it in the winter months. Non original radio.


The Good
New motor mount(s)?
New Clutch cable
Good Tires
2 sets of wheels - Original Fuchs and Minilites
New rear Konis
New torsion bars
Runs some what and engine sounds like it is ok other than carbs and tune up.
Good Glass
Decent Chrome Bumpers
Comes with the new Floor pans. (uninstalled)

He is asking $1500.00. Is this a fair price?

Thanks for your input.

-Chris

[seventythree]

That is bottom-feeding price for a 73-2.0L. So, sure, that is a fair price. But is it a 914 PROJECT that you really want to take on?

Sounds like a grief deal to me.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[Stophos]

What's a little more grief?? Any idea as to the cost to change the floor pans and suspension mount? Also what does a clutch job cost on these?

[Woobn8r]

There's a number of ways to look at this...it really depends if you want to convince youself or not...
What are a good set of chrome bumpers worth...add the value of the wheels & tires...okay you made your money back.
Or say you are going to sink $15,000 in to this car...can you sell it for that? Or do you just want this desireable model 914 as it's been your dream and you'll nwvwr sell it...then you will never stop spending on it...and it won't matter!
Bottom line for me is a $1500 914 as described is a reasonable starting point for a project...if you feel you can manage this resto and it's going to fulfil your requirements...go for it. On the other hand you can always get out your wallet and pay for one someone else has already done...

[racer]

Stophos.. what are you looking for? A project? A driver? A platform for a race car?

The price is fair for what it is.. A rusted out, 33 year old car.

Which rear suspension mount needs replacing? The one under the battery?

I find it somewhat odd that the floopans need replacing but the trunks are ok. Were they already replaced?

How are the brakes? Is the car registered? Are you buying someone elses unfinished project because THEY are tired of throwing time and money at it?

I imagine that for about 1/2 of what you will spend to get the car going, you could simply find a better example in the $4-5K range to begin with.

[Stophos]

I finished convincing myself with the help of you guys that this was a good deal......

racer- This car was someones everyday driver until about Feb, 2006. It than sat outside for about 4 months with the window partially down. This may explain the floor pans although the most severe rust is behind and under the seats which I have been told is a typical problem because moisture builds up between the 2 layers. (?) The trunks definitely are original as is all of the other sheet metal as best as I can tell. The suspension support on the right side has rust. Probably could be repaired but I will have it replaced.
I'm sure the 914 guys will be hearing from me in the not to distant future as I start collecting the bits and pieces.

Thanks - Chris

[racer]

Why would anyone leave a car, outside, with the window down for 4 months. Regardless.. I hope its what you are looking for. It's always nice to see a 914 on the road, rather than rusting away!

[BK911]

Hey Chris, you have to check out 914world.com. It's the equivalent of the pelican BBS for 914's. Lots of good wrenches there who know the 914's very well.

[Stophos]

racer- Why? Junk yard mentality. I guess they didn't perceive it to have any value.

Thanks again - Chris

[the]

Rust is the biggest problem on these cars, and if you can see a little, there is always going to be a lot you can't see, but will discover later.

From your description, this sounds like a car I'd pass on. You are going to very quickly get upside down on this neglected rustbucket. You will be much better off starting with a nicer example.