Please opine on '76 911S Value - Garage Find-

[SoCal911SC]

So my neighbor has a black on black '76 911S in his garage that's been sitting for quite some time (not exactly sure how long.....just know that it's measured in years, not months). I have yet to see it since he is suffering some recent health issues, but from what I've been told the milege is somewhere between 60,000-100,000 miles.

I'm assuming there's been no updates (chain tensioner, head studs, thermal reactor, etc.). So my question is, if/when we get to the topic of $$$, assuming he doesn't give a rediculously inflated number.....what are some opinions on what this car would be worth, considering all the work that it would need to get it back on the road as a reliable driver?

Would it be more cost-effective to just source a new 2.7 or 3.0 motor? Thoughts?

[pors1968]

No pict no milege or exact milege US or row car engine size unknow no way can figure price for. Now only part car.

[sm70911]

Difficult question. I used to have a 76 MY which I loved and poured thousands of $ into the 2.7 to try and make the motor reliable and strong. I should have bought a 3.0, but that said I love the narrow hips and 76 is the first fully galvanized body.
If the exterior and interior are in good condition I would swap the 2.7 for a rebuilt 3.0, get good tires on the car and just drive and enjoy.
The Mid Years are coming into their own price wise but as a WAG Id start at around $12k and depending on condition if its very nice with original paint & all records I'd probably be prepared to go to high teens almost $20k

[SoCal911SC]

Maybe to ask it a different way.....typically what price would a well-sorted '76 2.7 bring that had most of the major demons addressed that notoriously cause issues. $18-$25k?

Just curious as to people's opinions.....nothing too scientific.

[vash]

just so you know..that 76 car just missed the cut off. it will require a smog test to get registered..every two years.

[SoCal911SC]

Originally Posted by sm70911

Difficult question. I used to have a 76 MY which I loved and poured thousands of $ into the 2.7 to try and make the motor reliable and strong. I should have bought a 3.0, but that said I love the narrow hips and 76 is the first fully galvanized body.
If the exterior and interior are in good condition I would swap the 2.7 for a rebuilt 3.0, get good tires on the car and just drive and enjoy.
The Mid Years are coming into their own price wise but as a WAG Id start at around $12k and depending on condition if its very nice with original paint & all records I'd probably be prepared to go to high teens almost $20k

Thanks sm.....my thoughts on the 3.0 swap as well. Didn't the 2.7 have a magnesium case? Looking at prices on a rebuilt 2.7 or 3.0, you're almost better off dropping $8-10k on a fresh rebuilt motor and save yourself the time frustration, and possible over-budget on doing it yourself. You could always use original motor as a core and maybe do some horse-trading.

I'm sure there'll be some sentimental value on the seller's part, as the car has been in the family since brand new. I'm not trying to screw the guy or "steal" it (although making a great buy would be ideal). I've already got an '82 that im getting back on the road.

[sm70911]

Depending on color fully sorted I would think 25k + maybe even pushing 30, Easily if the car was a classic bright original Porsche color, orange , green, blue. I think black with the polished brightwork and a OEM period interior, tartan or colored leather is very desirable

[SoCal911SC]

Originally Posted by vash

just so you know..that 76 car just missed the cut off. it will require a smog test to get registered..every two years.

Excellent point. The woes of living in CA.....but maybe in a few years they'll kick it up a year to '76. Fingers crossed.

[SoCal911SC]

Originally Posted by sm70911

Depending on color fully sorted I would think 25k + maybe even pushing 30, Easily if the car was a classic bright original Porsche color, orange , green, blue. I think black with the polished brightwork and a OEM period interior, tartan or colored leather is very desirable

Like I said, owner is experiencing some health issues at the moment, but hopefully I'll have a chance to see it this weekend. I'll definately post some pics of exterior, interior, motor, etc. and see where it stands. Its a lifetime CA car in a warm desert-like climate, so I'm sure rust is a non-issue.

[Uncle Enzo]

I paid 17k for my mint 76 - full interior and exterior resto along with a fresh 2.7rs motor. This was last summer.

[Dave Colangelo]

The 2.7 gets quite a bit of flack for being a bad motor but to be honest every Porsche motor has its issues and a well sorted 2.7 is a well sorted motor any way you spin it. I would not jump right into throwing a 3.0 into the car especially if its a numbers matching well sorted 911S. Yes it has a magnesium case that has be known to throw a head stud or two but with a proper 11 blade fan and a well set up engine you will be fine even on the hottest of days.

As for price the car could sell for as low as 10K or as high as 22K (in todays market) depending on the condition. Pics will help people with that here.

As for the work you need to do, assume that if it has been sitting that long that all the rubber (or at least most) will need replacing. Break pads, vacuum lines etc. If they are not already blown out you will need tires. A basic air filter, oil filter and oil, spark plugs, distro cap and rotor replacement is in order before you even try to turn the engine over. Fresh battery, fuses and other bits wouldn't hurt and of course its going to need a good washing and a tank of fresh gas. You are most likely looking at 1K in just bits and pieces assuming there are no serious issues with the car.

To answer the question on cost effectiveness of the motor that depends on the condition the motor is in. I doubt it needs a full rebuild if any work at all. If it has been sitting and is not locked up I would try the basic stuff first to get it started. It is going to smoke, and smoke bad when you first get it running. Once its running drive the car hard for a few weeks, the smoke will die down as everything sets into place and the gunk is run out of the engine. Once you have done this if its still leaking oil and burning smoke you can look into more serious engine issues and consider a swap or motor change.

Regards
Dave

[NYNick]

Enzo, you got a killer deal.

[SoCal911SC]

Originally Posted by Uncle Enzo

I paid 17k for my mint 76 - full interior and exterior resto along with a fresh 2.7rs motor. This was last summer.

Wow, great buy!

[pors1968]

For ENZO was not great buy. Was more a deal of lifetime 2.7RS style engine like 10k to 15k an got a rust free porsche for 2k .Great great buy.

[Peter Zimmermann]

Keep in mind that the CA '76 came fitted with those dreaded thermal reactors. If they are still on the engine, and there are oil leaks, the TRs represent a huge fire hazard. Exercise extreme care when looking over the car. Also, if the gas tank isn't full, and the car's been sitting for more than 4-5 years, the tank must be drained/cleaned and the soft fuel hoses in the car replaced. Don't try to start the car using the old gasoline.

[allaircooled]

I didn't see it but is this a Targa or Coupe? That will make a difference too.

[Matt Monson]

Keep in mind that the CA '76 came fitted with those dreaded thermal reactors. If they are still on the engine, and there are oil leaks, the TRs represent a huge fire hazard. Exercise extreme care when looking over the car. Also, if the gas tank isn't full, and the car's been sitting for more than 4-5 years, the tank must be drained/cleaned and the soft fuel hoses in the car replaced. Don't try to start the car using the old gasoline.

This was my first thought. And also why I would take a car like this and put in a 3.0l

Do the swap, catalytic converter and all, get a CA BAR ref sticker and you have a reliable and fully legal car.

[CountD]

Originally Posted by Uncle Enzo

I paid 17k for my mint 76 - full interior and exterior resto along with a fresh 2.7rs motor. This was last summer.

Times have really changed - in less than 1 year.

[SoCal911SC]

Originally Posted by allaircooled

I didn't see it but is this a Targa or Coupe? That will make a difference too.

It's a coupe. +1 on the thermal reactors. I'm not familiar with this as mine is an '82. Is there some kind of swap I can do to remove the thermal reactors and replace with a cat?

[COLB]

Even at only 60k it would be very unusual for a 76 to have a stock, unrebuilt engine.

But you have to ask why the car got parked in the first place - it is often for mechanical reasons the owner lacks the health, time or money to deal with.

With no info, I agree with the first poster that you should begin around parts car money: $10k. Then adjust from there based on what it needs.