I am about to give up!!

[jetdriver21]

I have been searching for nearly a year for a great early 911 (no projects) with little success. I took a 72 T to PPI earlier this year and the PPI did its job. The owner turned out to be a flat out liar and the $300 I paid for the PPI saved me $24k and a helluva headache.

Fast forward to this week, I thought I had found the perfect ride...a 2 owner 1973.5 T. After talking to the owner for over a month via phone and email, I was feeling good about the car and put a deposit down. PPI this Monday showed the car was in excellent condition...one problem, the owner decided not to sell it after getting the PPI results.

Not to be completely heartbroken, a very nice restored 1973 E recently returned to the market after a potential sale fell through and I made an appointment with the owner to drive 5 hours to see the car next Monday. One small problem...the car sold on fleabay (of all places) two nights ago.

Well guys, I am out of leads and at this point I am not even sure I have the energy or excitement left to continue the chase. I am not fishing for leads, I am not looking for sympathy and I dont want a pep talk. I dont really know what I want at this point...just very frustrated and needed to vent a little.

I really enjoy this board and one could easily say "addicted." It is always the first place I stop after checking email. I appreciate the opportunity to get some frustration of this week out and thanks for listening (or reading).

[techweenie]

Unfortunately, your experience is all too common. The car you want is the one the owner does not want to sell, but has to, for one reason or another. Anything else is more of a project than you'd like. Either that, or it's a "done" car that's been flipped into stratospheric pricing.

I've seen quite a few cars that fall into the category you're looking for, but of course, they are all 2,000 miles away from you. If you wait, the car will show up. But as another thread says, you need to be prepared to act immediately.

[SandyI]

We've all been there. Took me a year to find my 911E. The problem you have is that you're hooked. No matter what you say, you won't quit looking. But the good news is this -- you'll find it when you least expect it.

Now, go open a cold one and relax.

[jetdriver21]

Originally Posted by techweenie

I've seen quite a few cars that fall into the category you're looking for, but of course, they are all 2,000 miles away from you.

I havent let distance be a concern. The 73.5 T was 1800 miles away. I am willing to do a long-distance PPI/deal and have the car shipped in order to get the "right" car.

[Rich76_911s]

Originally Posted by techweenie

If you wait, the car will show up. But as another thread says, you need to be prepared to act immediately.

That is the whole problem right there. If you find a car and want to do the right thing and get a good PPI, the seller has 3 people behind you that won't be that hassle. So you are risking a lot, by just going for it.

I had agreed to buy a car from a pelican, offered a down payment, subject to a PPI (the down payment was refused, said a handshake is good enough). Seller said, “don't worry about it I will hold onto the car until you can arrange a PPI.” A couple days after he and I arranged a PPI he sold the car for 500 less than I offered him.

Another problem is that there are quite a few places in this country where a PPI is a real challenge. As there just aren't a lot of QUALIFIED Porsche specific shops out there. For almost every car I have looked at it would be a 100 mile trip to a decent Porsche shop, and in most cases that is the shop that worked on the car.

I have for a long time thought about putting a thread together of a how to go about a very thorough DIY PPI. All the tools, all the special places to look out for problems, and how to inspect the chassis, suspension, tie-rods, all of it. Hell if you have the right tools you could do your own compression test, you could change the oil, check under the valve covers (bring new gaskets), pull the plugs, etc.
***I don't have this information I would be asking for it.***

I’m sure you are specifically looking for an pre ’74 car. You might call me crazy but if you want the driving experience of a early 911 and can deal with the later styling Noah Pollaks car sure does look like awfully tempting.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=365190

Only issue is where you go to get a PPI in Vermont? Also it is on ebay so you no longer have the time to get a PPI.

I almost feel like it is easier to backdate a really good SC, than it is to find a decent non-rusty longhood, priced reasonably.

Regardless, I can’t even think about affording a longhood right now. If you want to trade places with me send a PM.

Good luck on the hunt, the diamond in the rough will show up.
Rich

[don911]

did you see this? It had me thinking and I'm not even looking for a long hood.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=369139

Hang in there. I spent over 3 years looking for my 87. If you wait for the right car for you, the wait will be worth it.

[NiceT]

Jeeez Jetdriver21,
Don't give up, just put the brakes on the "gotta have it now" sydrome.
I found my current car by putting a wanted ad in the Panorama. Not just online but in the magazine. Say exactly what you want. I only wanted a 73.5 CIS"T" in mint condition and was offered a 53,000 mile mostly original paint coupe in my favorite color light yellow with EVERY reciept since the first service at 316 miles for within $1000 of what I was hoping to spend. The car was not on the market but he just saw my ad and called me up. I also recieved letters from people who clearly did not have internet. This was just two years ago. The market is cooling down and there are still plenty of good cars out there.
Be patient and keep looking.

Good luck.

[jetdriver21]

Maybe you fine people can give me some advice --

One thing that is true and techweenie pointed it out is that the longhoods have reached astronomical pricing if they are worth having.

Should I look elsewhere to other years? I started this search wanting to spend between 15-17k which would get me a solid SC. And you know what happened next...I started letting my budget limits get pushed. Before I knew it, I was considering (and still would) spending 30k on a car that is older than me.

I am still kicking myself for a 78SC that graced this board a few months ago. It was red/black, low miles (i think in the 40k range), a/c delete, rear seat belt delete, basically everything that could save weight...very special car. I thought about it for a while as this one was reasonably priced but I decided to stay the course with the longhoods. The car was snatched up within days and left me wondering if I should have persued.

So, for the advice...I have a Cayman S and looking to partner her up with an older 911. I would prefer not to spend all 30k but I have it if the right car comes along. Between early years (70-73), SC, 3.2 G50 or 95 993, where is the prize? Is the early "light weight" experience worth chasing the high dollar 70-73s?

[wm711]

Jason,

We have had many good conversations, I understand your frustration. Just ask my wife how I am when I can't find a car. Here are a couple thoughts from a sick mind like mine when it comes to 911's.

In the market today, if you find longhood, you have to take a chance and write the check, at least for a deposit. Thats the only way you are going to find a deal. I know most everybody here likes and insists on PPIs, and thats fine. I've never requested one. I think the longest time it has initially taken me to find a car, and have it in my garage was 7 days. My advantage is I'm always looking for restoration projects, so condition to me is not so importent. There are very few deals on completed cars. It doesnt matter if its a longhood or a model T.

As to the market cooling down, I have had 2 offers after the auction close for more than the auction price. Supply on quality cars is dwindling.

It was my E that sold on Ebay. I am picking up another 73E Monday, I closed the deal yesterday, but until that car is on my trailer... anything is possible.

Ebay is what it is. I have no problem with it. My car was listed on the S registry and Pelican for over a month. It was on Ebay for 15 hours.

Remember looking is where most the fun is, the thrill of the chase. I'm a huge longhood fan, but for the same money, you can get 3 SC's, 2 Carreras, or a 930 and have money left over for a new turbo, huge intercooler and remodel the bathroom. For my money, I'm buying an SC with 150,000 miles for $10,000 adding a set of Webers or PMO's , and having a blast.

Stay in touch. You have a standing invitation.

Bill Woods

[Rich76_911s]

I think the answer to your question lies in what you want to use the car for, and also being honest with why you moved from short hoods to long hoods.

Do you want a:
1. Track toy
2. Canyon Cutter
3. Sunday driver
4. Daily Driver
5. Show car
6. . . . . . .

And what lead you to long hoods?
1. Was it just the feel of a light car with the quick throttle response and sound of MFI or carburators?
Or
2. Was it the look and feel of long hoods.

- I am not faulting you if it is both, just if it is both it is difficult to get that in an SC. If you just want the feel than something like Noah's car could be right up you alley.

Here is a good link to a lot of places to find P-cars:
http://www.rallystuff.com/pcar_sources.html

Also check PCA classifieds for idividual regions. Each region has its own web site, a lot of times cars show up on the regional web site and not on the general at large PCA website. I have seen some really nice long hoods in the Denver PCA classifieds, some down in Texas, etc. I would stay away from east coast longhoods unless you have a keen eye for rust. Ask some of the shops around too. Somebody like TRE in California, or Steve Weneir up in Oregon might know of some cars that are looking for new homes.

[psjoe]

jetdriver21-
I feel the same way. I have been looking since 04/05.

I think this car is still available:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=349841

[Fidalgo911S]

It sounds like you prefer the longhood look. Here's a suggestion, and you may not find it an option, however I bring it up because I once thought of doing the same with my '74 S. Backdate a later car. I was going to backdate my '74 to a E/F series car, but decided to make a '74 US Carrera instead.

You can take a G-series car (1974) and backdate it to 197X. The '74 cars have the chrome window frames and black dash interiors. The drive feel is similiar and even with the base model you'd gain 10hp over the 73.5 T. Cost of a decent '74 911 is less than a comparable 911T. With the modifications you're still in it for less than an early car. There are many other factors and you'd still be in it for a bit of coin. But it's another way to skin the cat.

Best of luck.

[WPOZZZ]

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/big/car/434086321.html

[wm711]

Jason-
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=228568

[Macroni]

I am confused... the market through various channels has at least 10 cars available for delivery today from Ts to Ss.... I wish I needed another car there are some incredible cars for sale.