1970 911t

jonbot · 09-15-2007, 05:51 PM

Hi there, does anybody know what the price of a 1970 911t sportmatic should be around? The car is pretty clean, it has the original engine, it's not the original color, and it has no rust. Thank you.

Jon

ossiblue · 09-16-2007, 07:34 AM

Jon,

Way too little information to offer an answer. It's all about condition, condition, condition. From what you've said, it could be anywhere from $5K-$20K.

Just to get this started, though, a color change tends to reduce value, sportomatic tends to reduce value, original engine is a plus as is "no rust" (don't you believe it!).

A bit more detail as to mileage, maintenance, history, rebuilds of trans and engine, specific condition of interior, originality of interior pieces, modifications or upgrades, will help get you some estimates of price.

jonbot · 09-16-2007, 08:10 AM

Ossiblue, thanks for responding.

The condition looks good, of course, there may be rust under the repaint, but the owner did say he can't find any rust on it. As far as service records go, there are none. There's no records of the transmission or engine having ever been rebuilt. The owner says the sportomatic works perfectly. The owner also didn't have the mileage on hand, but let's assume it's high, say 180k. Interior looks very very clean, dashboard has no cracks, seats recently redone, headliner is good and solid with no discoloration, glass is all good. Everything on the interior appears to be original except for the steering wheel. The car does not have the original wheels. Does this info help?

As of right now, If I purchased the car, I would be inclined to convert it to a 5 speed. How would that effect the resale value positively or negatively?

Thanks!

Jon

ossiblue · 09-16-2007, 09:33 AM

Jon,

Remember, this is just one opinion and is based on mere speculation.

From what you've posted, it sounds like you haven't seen the car in person and are relying on the owners description. If true, you would naturally get a PPI to confirm all you've been told, and then some but let's assume it's all correct.

Not having original paint tends to reduce value because it moves the car further from it's original look, in the eyes of many. More important is the quality of the repaint, however. A good quality repaint could negate much of the value drop of color change. Personally, I prefer older repaints as any poor prep or rust tends to show up. I am always skeptical of recently repainted cars unless there is documentation of work done.

The two biggest negatives from your post seem to be the lack of history, both for trans and engine, and the non-original wheels. A good PPI will give you an indication of the mechanical quality--compression test, leak down, road test, trans. inspection--so that can be eased a bit. The wheel issue depends on what is on the car.

If you decide to convert to a 5 speed, that is a cost you have to bear and should not influence the value as it stands now when negotiating price. If you do convert later, it is possible the value will be lowered as Sportomatics that function well are starting to get a following but most buyers prefer a 5 speed. Just keep the Sporto and all parts for restoration, if needed.

I know this has been a bit long, but I hope it gives you a clue as to how difficult it is to state a value on something as subjective as a car. Given what you've said, and assuming all is correct and a PPI checks out the engine and trans as solid, the car could sell in the low to mid teens, in my opinion. However, I wouldn't even consider offering anything until a thorough evaluation of the mechanicals is done by an expert on Porsches. (And don't forget the suspension and brakes!)

Of course, get ready for other opinions.

jonbot · 09-16-2007, 10:37 AM

I would love to hear more opinions guys.

You're right, I haven't seen the car in person, it's located a short plane flight away. I would definitely get a PPI on the car before I went to see it. I would have thought that a sporto converted to 5 speed would raise the value, making it a more desirable car to purchase, but I see what you're saying about keeping originality. I may just have to pass on this car, and wait until one comes along with all the options I want, and maybe even closer distance wise. It's a shame because if the car turns out to pass PPI, it would only be the sporto and maybe the small engine that would deter my purchase.

Jon

ossiblue · 09-16-2007, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonbot

I would love to hear more opinions guys.

You're right, I haven't seen the car in person, it's located a short plane flight away. I would definitely get a PPI on the car before I went to see it. I would have thought that a sporto converted to 5 speed would raise the value, making it a more desirable car to purchase, but I see what you're saying about keeping originality. I may just have to pass on this car, and wait until one comes along with all the options I want, and maybe even closer distance wise. It's a shame because if the car turns out to pass PPI, it would only be the sporto and maybe the small engine that would deter my purchase.

Jon

Welcome to the wonderful world of vintage cars! From your last two sentences, it may be time to sit down and seriously consider just what you want to do with the car you buy. Changing from sporto to 5 speed should not kill the deal because "value" in the future may be lowered--remember that change can be reversed upon sale. Do consider the money you will put into a car to make it like your dream machine. That money may never come back to you at sale and if those features are that important to you, then wait. There are many here who lament the "car that got away", even though it wasn't "perfect." Welcome to the club.

techweenie · techweenie's Garage

I've seen instances where a Sporto was about a $3K hit on the value of the car. Converting to 5-speed is $2500 or so, so there's probably no great advantage to be gained. The difference, ultimately, when you go to sell it will be that the 5-speed will be easier to sell.

The color change is probably the big value hit. IMO, unless it was one of those few colors never likely to gain favor (subjective), that was replaced by a popular color and extremely well done.

Lots of "ifs."