1971 911E Project Value

[georgeinhere]

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[G450X]

are a pretty good value and a better all around driver than the "S." The E was reported to be faster to 100 mph than an S, and it had better low rpm torque/h.p. which usually made it more pleasant to drive in general.

I'm not sure of your budget, but there are some nice E's floating around for $25-$30k. If I had the money, I'd probably spring for a restored E and enjoy it.

A few things to remember on a taken apart and boxed up car......

If it was tagged, bagged, boxed in an orderly fashion you may be o.k., but that is not always the case.

Despite the best efforts of the owner, a few pieces are usually lost in the process. If you did not disassemble it and are unfamiliar with 911's, re-assembly could be a challenge.

You probably won't see damaged and/or parts that need to be replaced to deduct from a valuation.

E's had MFI which is reported to be somewhat quirky and expensive to repair - make sure a pro builds the system. Most of them had that odd front suspension, but most have probably been converted to a normal set-up by now.

As for costs, I would pay a premium for a color that I really liked. I would consider a restoration of a rough 911 E (and S of course) in slate gray, viper green, Mexico blue, etc.. If it was red I'd probably pass, or if I caught a good deal, buy it to flip - some people love red, but I don't on a 911.

All other costs are somewhat standard - assuming someone else does most of the work, and you perform most of the assembly. Engine/transmission build (figure $15k), paint & body work ($10k), and interior ($5k or so). That already puts it at $30k without brakes and misc, for which I'd say add another $5k. I've seen some over restored "T's at crazy (like $60k+) prices, but I have yet to see them sell at that price - somebody correct me if I'm wrong here.

Unless it held a special value (Dad's car, etc.), or if you really just wanted that particular model/color and want to keep it forever, don't get too emotional if it's a restoration for sale and keep to the restoration cost tally to avoid getting in the hole.

If you had a 73.5 CIS "T" (140 hp I believe), then you should be happy with an "E" - the '71 version had around 153 - 155 hp or so and light weight. Most people place a bit of a premium on the '72 models due to the oil tank location and the displacement bump (T 140 hp, E 165 hp, S 190 hp). I believe the E is a bit undervalued now and the S is over valued a bit. I think the T is right on the money - I see many nice T's in the $20k - $25k range. It's supply and demand, they sold many more T's than either E or S models - it was several $k cheaper to buy new.

If you really just want a nice inexpensive "driver " 911, I'd consider a a later SC and perform a backdate. Decent SC's are $10k, have CIS & galvanized chassis, and a nice torque range to make them good drivers. You might get a good backdated driver for $15k with plenty of life left in the mechanics....

Good Luck, there are still lots of deals out there now....

[Macroni]

I agree w/ G450X...... This car is going to be difficult to bring in on a budget that would not exceed its eventual value.

Seems in the last two weeks a number of these projects have been discussed here. Very nice cars that deserve (need) to be saved but the current cost of restoration as well as the cost of required replacement parts make them economically unfeasible.

[G450X]

I see where you're going here, you forgot to mention your T had 240 hp!! 240 hp and only 2300 pounds makes for a screamer. I'm actually saving for a 3.0 short stroke with Max M P&C's, etc., trying to hit the magic 230 to 240 hp range myself.

That E could be a good deal if you are able to get paint that cheap. Many were high option cars with S brakes/trim. I'd question the paint quality at that price, but I think paintwork/prep is generally over priced, and it depends on the part of the country you're in as well. You may consider providing the painter with a higher quality paint since the labor costs are the same - an extra $500.00 or so in materials could make a huge difference in the paint quality - especially 5+ years down the road.

If the engine is the original numbers matching E, carefully prep it (and the MFI) for long term storage - that car may be worth decent coin a few years down the road and you might make some money with it. A later 3.0/3.2 could do the power trick without breaking the bank.

I'm all about fun drivers myself. Having a $100k '73 S that I'd be terrified to drive would be more of a burden than a blessing IMHO! I once met an older gent who was driving a Ferrari 275 GTB on the road (1988) and I chased him down on my cycle to chat. The gent had no idea that that bright blue beauty was worth probably twice as much as his house - ignorance is bliss I suppose - until someone crashes into it and it costs a few hundred thousand to repair (never could total it I suppose!).

Since I'm kinda in the market for a restoration 911E, would you mind providing a few more details on the specifics (crash/rust damage, options/colors) and the asking price (or pm me)? I plan on retiring in a few years and I'm trying to run across a few inexpensive restoration projects so I have something to look forward to!

[Macroni]

Originally Posted by georgeinhere

I just have never dealt with such a big project....

I would venture for a solid and straight tub you could get almost $6000 alone!

Building a hot rod can be as expensive as restoring the E back to original. It again comes down to the level of detail and the expense of the parts you use. example a set of 7Rs to fit bigger rubber.............


I have a 73 3.2 T hotrod and a fully restored S, which came as a rusty tub and a pallet of parts. I am out of pocket equally on both cars. I will breakeven at minimal on the S. I would be lucky to get 50 cents on a dollar on the hotrod. Yet I did 7000 miles last year in the hotrod vs. 1000 in the S.

I would build out the 2.2 to a 2.7MFI (200hp) and keep the car a numbers matching...........

[georgeinhere]

G450X...
The car is primed and ready for paint, all body work and rust work has already been taking care of. I have no idea as to where to start a conversation in terms of price. I was thinking of offering 8K but not sure where that would leave me at the end, I would imagine upside down but I don't know many of us that do this as investments.

Macroni,
I've read a ton of your posts and drooled over your cars over the years....

I thank you both for your insight, it is much appreciated.

So, the questions remains: Start at 8K? Where do I stop? at 10K?

[Macroni]

Sweet........

Start at $8K and thanks for the comments on my cars. Truth be told the hotrod concept is what draws my attention and really stirs my passion. The other Classic Porsche built hotrods (Rs, RSs, RSRs, Euro Carreras) are out of my reach. Building your own allows you to experience the performance.........

[G450X]

$7k to $8k is a starting point I'd agree with, with maybe a $10k cap, unless you really loved the color - I might go higher for an interesting color. If it's a numbers matching "E" that would seem to me to be a decent price - especially if the body shop will paint it for a bargain price.

I just found a '71 E myself, but it seems to be in decent shape, but it's $20k which is more than I want to spend on a car right now. I was hoping to stumble across a $7k dollar E myself....

Good Luck, and please update your progress and thanks for the photos of your old hotrod!.

[borisschaefer]

Hi G450X: Are you still looking for a 911e project. I have a white 71 Targa... comes partly disassambled...

Let me know if you are interested...

Originally Posted by G450X

.

I just found a '71 E myself, but it seems to be in decent shape, but it's $20k which is more than I want to spend on a car right now. I was hoping to stumble across a $7k dollar E myself....

!.