Carrera 3.0...is it worth the premium?

[ActionDad]

I'm curious to hear opinions about whether a 76 or 77 C3 is worth the premium they seem to be commanding over early SC's, Euro or US-spec.

Beyond the rarity in the US are there compelling reasons to buy one?

[aigel]

I would not buy one. A late model SC would be the better car - in my eyes - for less money. There is a collector's aspect to those cars. If you just want a decent 911, look elsewhere.

George

[John Schaefer]

Why do you say that, George? Did you have/ or currently have one?

[aigel]

I used to have an SC which was quite quick, without any major modification. I am trying to say that you pay extra for the rarity. For less money the SC will do the same or more. Is there a performance aspect of the 3.0 Carrera that can not be achieved with the SC, especially if you tune it? Weight savings, power, it all can be done on the SC for less.

Cheers, George

[real550A]

On the other hand, less money isn't always the key criteria.
Pesonally, I'd rather have a 3.0 Carrera than an SC. They are unique, and appreciating at a much higher rate.

[Bobboloo]

Originally posted by aigel
Is there a performance aspect of the 3.0 Carrera that can not be achieved with the SC, especially if you tune it? Weight savings, power, it all can be done on the SC for less.

Cheers, George

Actually yes, there is a performance aspect that can be achieved with a 3.0 Euro Carrera that can't be done with an SC.

The 76/77' Euro Carrera has a unique engine case, that's also shared with 3.0 Turbos, that allows you to use the 66mm crank shaft that was used in the small displacement 2.0 to 2.2L motors. The 66mm crank won't fit the SC/Carrera case.

If you want to build a 2.8 to 3.0 short stroke race motor (66mm) this is the case you want. You can build a motor that will rev reliably up to 8000 RPM.

66mm stroke x 95mm P+C = 2.8L

66mm stroke x 98mm P+C = 3.0L

To me this makes the 3.0 Carrera a lot more attractive than an SC.

You can build a short stroke motor with an SC case but you'll have to hunt down a crankshaft from a 959 or 962 race motor to do it.

[pu911]

The 3.0 Carrera's were pretty unique cars. They used to be cheaper than SC's but apparently not anymore. The were more powerful and weighed less than SC's. I have driven both cars and the difference was not that obvious. Here is the issue as I see it-
1. If you want unique go with the 3.0 Carrera
2. If you want a good car for the best money go with an SC. The euro cars tend to get ridden hard an hung up wet. You really can't go wrong they are both great cars.
Phil

[aigel]

One thing is for certain, the collector's value will go south if you build a race engine from the aluminum case on a 3.0 Carrera. It still would be more cost effective to buy such a case and put that motor into an SC.

George

[eimkeith]

What kind of value is associated with the C3? I mean real numbers...

[ActionDad]

Well they had a nice (looking) one at Victory Motors listed at $45,000 which seems outrageous http://victory-motorcars.ebizautos.com/detail-1976-porsche-911-houston-1434523.html

Then there was this one at Fantasy Junction which was listed at $23,500 or somewhere around there. http://fantasyjunction.com/used-cars.php?id=d97e2f3f2b66980faa1227c073ef2e35

Neither is on the market anymore.

[John Schaefer]

Wow. I knew these would bust loose and go up in value someday, just didn't think it would be so soon.

These are great cars. I love mine.