Value of an Early E -- 1972

[jetdriver21]

Here are the particulars:

- Ground up restoration in 2005, resprayed in original color
- Non original 2.4E MFI motor (rebuilt to original specs)
- No rust, all original undercarriage
- Transmission gone through, but not rebuilt
- Only records that exist are from restoration and engine rebuild


Questions for the fine members of this board:

- What is a fair price I should expect to pay for such a car?
- Can I expect such a car to hold/appreciate in value?
- Will the lack of records hurt any resale efforts?
- Will the non-original motor hurt the value (even though it is a correct motor for the year)?
- Anything I should look for, or expect, from the restoration?


I would appreciate any advice from the experts of this vintage (as I am not). I am looking for a weekend driver (2-3k per year) but do not wish to pour loads of money into the car. I asked the resale questions only for future use. I do NOT intend to flip this car, I plan to enjoy it for many years. I just dont want to buy a car that appeals to no one and couldnt sell it if/when the time comes.

[ossiblue]

I'm not an expert, but I will start things off with my opinion.
As far as value, that will elicit a wide variety of responses. I will only say that a restored 72T recently sold on ebay for $20K +: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=130126415316&ssPa geName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=003

You are looking at an E, a rarer car. A lot depends on the documentation of the restoration--there are various meanings of the term "ground up restoration," and the final outcome. The car will never be original nor claim the prices of an unrestored original, so the concern should be, IMO, on the current history of the car.

To your questions:
Value? Not sure without pics, and docs. Probably over the 25K mark if in stock configuration. Nice 73E on ebay was posted for 35K and got no bids. 72 is a one year configuration and, for some, will command a better price. These comments are just a shot in the dark. I'll let others suggest prices.

Is the motor an E motor, with an E case, or a non matching case built to E specs? This will make some difference. If it's an E number motor from 72 but not the one that left the factory in the car, that shouldn't make much difference as the car has been restored anyway. If it is a non number matching motor, then that could drop the value as most people who seek out the E cars want an E numbered motor. Only a COA would show the engine is not original to the car. Does the engine have MFI? Was the MFI removed and replaced by carbs? These questions will affect value too.

If the VIN is E and the engine is E, the car should have no trouble holding value, and actually appreciate. The lack of history prior to restoration will help set the selling price now, and have lesser effect on selling price later. The history of the restoration and since it, will be an asset to future sales.

From what you posted, you want to use the car and enjoy it and not depend on it as an investment. If the car is what you describe, considering some of the points I made, you should not worry about losing money by owining the car and driving it. What you should pay now, I can't say. A good ,solid, quality restored 72E should not go cheap.

[techweenie]

Depending on the color, an unrusted, restored '72 E as you have described is likely worth $30K, assuming it has a 2.4E engine (just not numbers-matching). There are restorations and restorations, so if it was given a show restoration, it could be mid-30s or even higher. If the suspension was upgraded, and the shift bushings, etc, and it drives like new, definitely over $30K.

[fryardds]

Is this '72 a Coupe or Targa? Coupes are valued higher generally. What are the options on the car? A highly optioned car is worth more than a base model. What is the color? This too has an effect on the value? A little more info and photos will help with the $ range you are looking for.

[72porscheman]

options too of coarse effect value. For example sunroof coupe, sport seats, original S optioned spoiler.