Early 911 Greed ruinning hobby

[whiterabbit]

I am beginning to think all the fun is getting sucked out of pre-impact bumper 911 ownership. Parts are being sold at crazy inflated prices by so called collectors (part time dealers) on enthusiast forums and the web is full of miss represented rusty POS.

Obviously there is a core of well intentioned enthusiasts who enjoy these cars but its getting extremely hard for an average guy to own one anymore.

I was always an early 911 owner but these days when you get over the hype IMHO its smarter to buy a better performing impact bumper 911 in better condition for less money.

[Christien]

Really? I haven't had any issues with finding parts at good prices, and prices for early cars seem to have come back down to earth, particularly with the recession. It wasn't long ago that you could buy a 6/10 running car for under 20, but now they're in the low teens.

Do keep in mind that as time goes on, less and less cars and parts are available. They're not making them anymore, so the supply will only dwindle. That will make everything more expensive.

[KNS]

I agree and I think that happens to a lot of classic cars - turning into unobtanium. People get excited as the impact bumper cars slowly climb in value (although I don't think they'll ever reach early car values). While a slow climb is fine I wouldn't necessarily be thrilled to see them sky rocket in price. You then have owners who are afraid to drive their cars.

This is true whether you're talking muscle cars or whatever. The ordinary guy who had is sights set on buying one is then priced out forever.

[BK911]

Originally Posted by whiterabbit

...its getting extremely hard for an average guy to own one anymore.

That is fine with me. I didnt specifically buy an early 911 because they were rare-ish, but definitely an added bonus.

There are plenty of Hondas out there with cheap parts.

[BK911]

Originally Posted by Christien

It wasn't long ago that you could buy a 6/10 running car for under 20, but now they're in the low teens.

Most porsche owners have a little disposable income.
Joe average cant afford low teens for a hobby car.

[whiterabbit]

Originally Posted by BK911

Most porsche owners have a little disposable income.
Joe average cant afford low teens for a hobby car.

I can't see getting any decent early 911 for low teens. More like high 20's for a non rusty 911t. I have seen some 911t's priced over 60k lately by dealers!

[Macroni]

Market place sets the values. Lots of great cars out there at very reasonable prices you just have to be patient. The winter really shakes them out of the trees.

[techweenie]

I haven't seen any big pricing shift in the past 6-7 years. It's still mid-teens, minimum, for a running and driving longhood. Really good cars with few needs get into the mid 20s. Extraordinary cars into the 40s for Ts and the S cars are up to three figures.

There are always a few 99th percentile cars that get publicity for pulling down big prices.

I think the big change in the past 6-7 years is that sellers are getting smarter about researching values and there are fewer deals like the one owner '67 S coupe a Pelicanhead managed to snag for under $4K a few years back.

[WANNA930]

It is all about supply, they are over 40 years old and clean cars and parts only get harder to find. Look at it this way Porsche has always been seen as a rich man's hobby car. Well the average 69 Camaro build is $50-100k.

Try and find a clean Beetle for under $8k needing restoration. Time to start restoring 70's Japanese cars untill they become higher priced.

[geshaghi]

An early 911 is still the best classic sports car value out there today. When you compare the alternatives in terms of price, useability, performance and overall driving experience, a vintage 911 is hard to beat.

[Christien]

Originally Posted by techweenie

I haven't seen any big pricing shift in the past 6-7 years. It's still mid-teens, minimum, for a running and driving longhood. Really good cars with few needs get into the mid 20s. Extraordinary cars into the 40s for Ts and the S cars are up to three figures.

I disagree. I (stupidly) had mine up for sale about a year and a half ago. Less interest than I expected, and no serious money. The most serious offer I got was 13, which of course I turned down. My car is a solid driver - mechanically 9/10, cosmetically 6-7/10. No rust. Though it's an RS-look, and most people want original.

[techweenie]

Christien, I liked your car, but I think the largest portion of your prospective buyers are here in the US and intimidated by the potential bureaucracy in getting a car from Canada imported to the US. I know I was (plus 3500 miles to ship). Had your car been in Southern California, I believe it would have sold in the range I mentioned.

[Christien]

Very valid point.