How many are left?
 

In determining the value of a car, the number imported vs. the number left in the US should be considered. I recognize that not all 911s are registered but is there a way to get and estimate of many 1973 911's are left in the US?

I think you will find it impossible to find this information on any kind of comprehensive basis.

Fortunately, if you're considering anything but the special "limited" type cars (e.g. pre-74 911"S", RS, Clubsport, RS-A, etc. etc.) there are so many "left" that rarity as a meaningful concept will be unaffected.

Put another way, so many thousands of these fine cars were produced that there will never be a "shortage" in our lifetimes, anyway. They will always be around.

Cheers,

d.

I've been watching the market for 1973 Targas a couple of months now - since then I came across ~30 cars for sale in the US (just 1973 Targas, maybe since April/May).

While this doesn't tell anything about the overall number of vehicles still existing - it's actually more than I thought in the first place...

I have no doubt that there are many left to choose from but at some point, the quantity available hits the threshold of very special to very rare. Though I don't know what that number is, I am still curious how many 911s of a specific year are still being driven on the road.

1973 production numbers
 

Here's a breakdown of 1973 production numbers. My best guess - "a couple" are still left :cool:

911T Coupe/Targa RoW: 3,239
911T Coupe/Targa USA (MFI): 1,926
911T Coupe/Targa CIS: 3,092
911T sporto Row: 197
911T sporto USA (MFI): 149
911T sporto CIS: 202

911E Coupe/Targa: 2,125
911E sporto: 319

911S Coupe/Targa: 2,231
911S sporto: 136

911RS Coupe: 1,550

It is impossible to guess the actual number remaining. I think the big thing to remember is that the current valuation dramatically influences how quickly the herd shrinks. Many have ended up with owners of lower means and they get less maintenance at a time they need more.

A clapped out 3.2 that sells for $12k and has a tired suspension, consuming oil/needs head work, first gear syncro and clutch is toast and the A/C is dead, maybe brakes, plus gobbs of little stuff needs a massive investment. Even 911's that look pretty good and seem to be reasonably well maintained can need a lot of expensive repair.

If you do the work yourself, you're could easily be looking at $10-15k on a really tired car. If you hire it done, think $15-25k more in labor. Who would make that type of investment. Not many. It's why Bruce Anderson and everyone says get the best one you can find/afford.

Many, many clapped out 911's will be sold off for parts over the next 10 years, but I stil don't expect large changes in value. My expectation for appreciation is to average at or slightly above inflation for the next twenty years or so. I initially wanted to keep low miles to keep the value up, but I decided that was nuts and I should just enjoy the car.

This is a website that lists the for sales of Atabuy, Craigslist, Ebay, OOdle.....its does NOT include autotrader or cars.com....and of course there is always a bit of overlap.

The point is....I have been looking for a P-Car thats perfect for me for abotu 1 year.....there are almost always at least 300 readily available at any given time...I've seen upwards to 500. Lots and lots of these cars out there....they are not investments ! On the other hand, they certainly are likley to devalue significantly less than a nwer car. My mindset has changed towards simply enjoying a car once a find it.....sitting on its seems silly.

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Hello kp.sfo,

Any chance you have these numbers for a 1974 911 or let me know where I can look? Thanks!

John

Hi John,

A great resource is the "Porsche Red Book" by Patrick Paternie. It includes production numbers, year-by-year changes and codes, and best of all is only about $10 on Amazon.

Cheers,

d.