What's a 912/911 conversion worth?

obaa996 · 12-07-2008, 10:43 PM

I recently saw a SWB 912 for sale. It had been converted to a 911, using a '76 2.7. Mechanically, the car seemed good. The body was straight and the new paint looked good, but there was rust in the passenger side floorpan, and the trim and interior were rough.
I don't see this particular car as being a restoration candidate, so perhaps the 911 engine transplant is not a bad thing, but I'm curious as to what something like that might be worth....

Thanks!

EarlyPorsche · 12-08-2008, 05:58 PM

From my own experience I think they are usually worth somewhere in between. A "twilight" zone price if you will. Usually more than a 912 of the same condition but of course less than the 911 which has the pure pedigree. I like conversion on the most basic 912's over 911's because they have 3 gauges and the most simplified heating system, simple trim, and simple interior. Its really all relative though. A pricey engine installation would raise price a good deal and a less wanted engine (2.7) would only give you a small boost.

blau911 · 03:06 AM

There is a guy on Ebay who had a red 912 with a 911 motor. It just expired, but I don't know what the bidding ended at. He didn't say in the ad what 911 motor was in it but it did have Carb's not CIS. Also, he mentioned in the desription that it was a great chance to buy an original early 911. Uhmmm

Anyway, my belief is that the more valuable the running gear is on the car, the more valuable it is overall as the car can always be parted for good money. For instance, a 912 with a nice clean 2.4S motor is going to be worth at least $6-8k just for the motor. A clean 912 body is probably worth at least $4-5k. Those two things alone would make such a 912 conversion worth at least $12k. A good way then to value a 912 conversion is to value the parts separately, and then add a few thousand for the fact that the car is together and running.

BK911 · BK911's Garage

I would actually pay more for an original 912 than a converted one. As these things get older originality seems to command a premium. IMHO of course.

matt13421342 · 12-09-2008, 08:42 PM

I agree with originality over mods as well. The 912s have been increasing steadily in collector value. Adding a time-bomb ... er 2.7 engine to it doesn't add any value in my opinion.

EarlyPorsche · 12-10-2008, 09:34 AM

I guess what I was saying is that the driving experience might have a value that the lineage does not dictate. A 912 with a really fun (say 2.0) six cylinder would give lots of smiles for less money than a 911 of its same year and also please the guy that doesn't like the lower power of the 912 engine. I would also guess a clean swap is important which means just swapping in the engine and not doing sorts of things to the body and so forth.

matt13421342 · 12-10-2008, 12:13 PM

I agree. I think a clean swap is key to the whole package being desirable both now and down the line. A really clean swap could leave a new owner with a minimum of work to get the car back to factory 912 spec.
It's easy to get caught up in the values game, but I think EarlyPorsche has reminded us that we're supposed to be driving these cars, not walking around them in circles pontificating on what they're worth and why. You just have to be careful if you're the one writing checks for a conversion, you'll likely not see your investment returned in full.

obaa996 · 12-11-2008, 11:25 AM

Thanks for the comments folks. The car caught my eye because it looked like it would be fun to drive; however, I do not want to be the one taking a bath on it when I eventually would want to sell it.
The car is pretty much b*stardized; it has an RS spoiler and SC flares (poorly lap welded on). It has a welded rollcage inside, which I would need to cut out in order to put my kids in the back. The engine looks to be a '75 2.7; the front suspension was likely pulled from the same car, while the instruments are from a mis-mash of other cars. The passenger floorpan needs replacement (I can stick my pinky through in 2 spots), and one of the rear jack points is crusty too. The interior is semi-gutted. On the other hand, the car is surprisingly quick for a 2.7....
Based on what's been said, this car is probably worth *less* than the equivalent 912? What are driver-condition 912's worth? 8k-10k?

EarlyPorsche · 12-11-2008, 02:07 PM

The car you mention is a terrible example of a tasteful conversion. Like I said that engine coupled with non-period modifications is not adding any value. A period engine (65-67 aluminum block) plus everything else being period correct would add quite a bit of value to the 912 as there weren't that many 65-67 aluminum block 2.0 911's made and that are surviving. I would say what you have there is a $4,000-$5,000 car at best (this is a guess without seeing it but assuming it runs and everything works but the car cannot be used until all the rust is resolved).