1981 911 Turbo - Where Do You Peg Its Value?

[porschecab]

I don't know much about an '81 Turbo, but understand it to be graymarket here in the US.

Considering purchasing one, fantastic shape, great color, receipts, 70,000 miles. I haven't a clue what something like this is worth.

Thoughts or opinions?

Dan

[christiandk]

45-80k depending on color, condition and level of originality - in Western Europe anyway.

Too little info to get any closer, imo.

[porschecab]

Great, thank you.

More info?

Car is not red, black, white, or silver - and it IS its original color that has seen a high end repaint.
The car is completely original, number matching, etc.
The engine has a complete, high end, with receipt, bottom up motor rebuild at 55,000.
Interior is in fantastic (not restored, but original with sport seats) condition.
No accidents.

My reasoning is that I have always loved the 81. I have a '69 hot rod that I would sell to buy this other car. Not many cars I would want in order to force me to sell my '69 that I love so much, 3.6Varioram, 915LSD, great ride. This 1981 Turbo might get me to do it, but I haven't owned any graymarket cars.

[porschecab]

Great, thank you.

More info?

Car is not red, black, white, or silver - and it IS its original color that has seen a high end repaint.
The car is completely original, number matching, etc.
The engine has a complete, high end, with receipt, bottom up motor rebuild at 55,000.
Interior is in fantastic (not restored, but original with sport seats) condition.
No accidents.

My reasoning is that I have always loved the 81. I have a '69 hot rod that I would sell to buy this other car. Not many cars I would want in order to force me to sell my '69 that I love so much, 3.6Varioram, 915LSD, great ride. This 1981 Turbo might get me to do it, but I haven't owned any graymarket cars.

[Photon]

I can't offer any expertise on valuation beyond an opinion that the 930 will be worth disproportionately more than the hot rod as time goes on. Rarity, originality and condition are key, along with desirability, which has always been high for 930s.

Oh, and do let us Pelicans know if you decide to sell the '69! 😄

[biosurfer1]

Originally Posted by porschecab

Great, thank you.

Not many cars I would want in order to force me to sell my '69 that I love so much, 3.6Varioram, 915LSD, great ride. This 1981 Turbo might get me to do it, but I haven't owned any graymarket cars.

You didn't happen to buy your '69 in the Roseville/Sacramento area did you? That sounds a lot like the car my neighbor had when I moved in. He sold it a few years back to buy a 993.

[Pezho405]

ill sell mine for a 993

[porschecab]

Biosurfer1 -

I didn't get it from Sac area, rather San Diego area some time ago. It didn't look or drive like it does now when I got it - with a dead 2.7L.

Dan

[porschecab]

Any further thoughts of a non-US car here in the states?

[jwasbury]

Originally Posted by porschecab

Any further thoughts of a non-US car here in the states?

There is a lot of "negative press" circulated about avoiding the grey market turbo cars. I think informed enthusiasts will not (and should not) care if a car is grey market, and rather will judge a car based primarily on condition. Non enthusiasts and p-car "newbs" will be more likely to heed warnings and completely avoid such cars, which could harm the value potential here in the USA. As a buyer, this could work in your favor.

Today I'd buy a good grey market car...but when I was shopping for my 930 I was a "newb" and looked for true USA models only. Seeing as you're in Californiastan, I might be worried about passing smog as a car that was not properly federalized will not have the emissions stuff you would need.

[techweenie]

Originally Posted by porschecab

Any further thoughts of a non-US car here in the states?

All the 'gray market' issues are a thing of the past. Many reported problems were from sloppy conversions and others were baseless rumors that came from dealerships feeling threatened.

[copbait73]

For some cars but not all.
Recall 930s were not imported to the U.S. and that high demand drew in money.
Some came here rode hard and put away wet. They were given new gauges, zero miles, new brakes and local top end repair- many good paint. Still the interiors showed their miles.
I would not consider any "low miles, original" grey market 930 to have investment value, possibly they are great drivers.
You have your opinion based on your review of postings and I know what I saw.

[pirahna]

Originally Posted by Pezho405

ill sell mine for a 993

Hmmmm...

More info on yours?

[Les Paul]

Well since these grey market cars have been in the us for 30+ years more than likely all the bugs have been flushed out.