Should I pull the trigger - 1969 911T
 

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1969 911T sunroof coupe. It is in running condition but has some issues that will effect value. Such as:

- non original color
- non original motor and transmission (has 1971 engine)
- interior very tired (missing some door pockets, dash cracked in numerous locations)
-body good but front pan replaced at some point
- various electrical issues

It is driven daily and is currently licensed for the road. I can get it for around $18,000 but I am a little nervous because of the work it needs. I know prices are up for the long hoods but am unconvinced if non original project cars deserve the same premium.... or am I wrong?

I am not buying it to resell it but intend to slowly restore it while driving it during the summer months. It will never be an "original" car but will look great when I'm done.

Is it worth the $18,000 ? or am paying too much?...after the restoration I will easily double the price. As a comparison I can get an SC in great shape for around the same price ...

The forums advice is greatly appreciated!

Go for it but a full restoration vice make it a nice DD could be expensive.

Very fair price these days for a complete, running car that does not have some HUGE issue. IMO.

Let me ask you this question:
What air cooled Porsche can you buy for $18,000, let alone a long hood?

That sounds like a slam dunk price. Get the interior sorted, paint shining, electrical fixed, and it's still worth double your money.

Thanks for the feedback. I was concerned about the engine and transmission not being original and having around $30,000 into it before I get it sorted. I guess I can drive it as is as well.

Drive as is, fix as you go. Win/win.

+100

If you choose not to purchase please message me, I can find the East Coast with cash in hand.

I wonder how many PMs did he get so far???

I haven't received any PMs yet :)

It isn't for sale locally I just came across the car and spoke to the owner about buying it because I am in the market (just sold my 964).

I understand the long hood market is on fire. I just don't want to get caught up in the hype and overpay for the car. At $18,000 I will be getting a 911T that I can get in and drive but that has a poor interior, electrical gremlins, a poor repaint and the non original motor will most likely require a rebuild (smokes some on acceleration). From what I am hearing here it is probably worth the asking price which reflects the current market value.

I also own a red 1972 911T targa with original motor and transmission which I will sell if I get this one. I wanted a coupe and bought the targa as a compromise because they were just no coupes available in my price range when I bought it. It is also red my least favorite color.

I'm most likely going to pull the trigger but the owner still might change his mind because is quite attached to it.

Sounds like a good deal to me. All there is out west is wanted ads.

At $18k, even with the hassles, it sounds like a deal. This is a car that begs for the hotrod treatment. Drive it and sort it. Work on assembling your fixes and the money to implement them. In the end you'll have a great car, and the one you wanted, and a KEEPER.

I'd buy that car. But I think selling a '72 to buy a '69 is like selling a Mustang to buy an Impala. Targa or not. But then I don't hate targas like many members. And I prefer my coupes without sunroofs.

Frankly, you're buying a chassis. A car that needs an engine rebuild, repaint and interior restoration will cost $35-40K over the purchase price. So unless you can defer these activities or do most of it yourself, it's a pass.

I don't know TW. I like beat up drivers. I think they're cool, and you can park them at Home Depot.

If he's not looking for a beauty when he's done, and goes the driver/hot rod route, I like the idea.

But I'm with Matt on not selling the 72 to do it.:)

I don't mind targa's but like the lines of non sunroof coupes better :) I should probably should keep the 72 but one of the drawbacks of the recent run up in values is it makes it more difficult for a hobbyist like me to work on these cars because I fear it's become too valuable to risk ruining by attempting the restoration myself.

I was surprised to learn the 69 911T's are among the least desirable of the long hoods. I want the 69 because I can dig into it, make mistakes and not feel awful afterwards if my work wasn't completely up to standards. Still paying $18,000 for a project car is still a lot of $$$.

How much do you expect your 72 will fetch??

Quick math should make it easier to decide. My 71 gets driven because I love it.

If you worry too much to drive it sell
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1411838615.jpg


This is my joy.

Fantastic looking cars, Larry! Do you fly that plane?

Depends what he wants in the end. If he won't be happy with the car with the existing paint and engine then I would buy a restored car budget permitting. The way prices are going he might not even be upside down doing a resto.

What you need is a '69 912 with no engine or gearbox. Then you don't feel like a child molestor and can play with it as you please. And you don't have to sell your '72 to walk in the door.

The ONLY way I would sell that '72 is you planned to take all the money from the sale and buy yourself a nice driver non-sunroof coupe 911. But to buy a project car with that money? I'll sell you some crack that will give you an equal amount of satisfaction for about the same length of time.

Thanks everyone for the advice. This is a great community!

I've got a decision to make. I'll post some pics of the 69T if I acquire it. Regardless, I've decided to hang onto the 72.

Nyaaaaaahaha. Words of wisdom.

I pulled the trigger and purchased the 69 911T! A big thank you to this forum, your feedback was instrumental in making my decision!!

After factoring in the U.S. dollar exchange rate and transport cost it made sense to purchase this local car..... cars like this are almost never for sale locally.

Here are some pics:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1412363422.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1412363441.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1412363465.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1412363494.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1412363517.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1412363558.jpg



The 911 is fairly original. I have confirmed it has the original transmission. It currently has a 71 T engine but...... wait for it ..... I may have found the original engine case. A fellow Pelicaner and New Brunswicker acquired it a few years ago and says I can have it! Only in Canada eh :) The carbs / intake on the motor are also original to the car.

It has SSI heater boxes and ANSA Quadruple Outlet exhaust system (what ever that means). The 5 speed transmission was rebuilt by a fellow name Gary Fairbanks in CT. It also has a "S" front spoiler, Nardi wood steering wheel and gear knob.

The floor panels are original. Some work on the rocker panels is evident but the work looks ok and all new metal was used. The body is overall in great condition. The original color was code 6804 (ivory white). I have the original door pockets which need a little help. The seats are original but one has been recovered. The dash and headliner are toast. The sunroof isn't working but it just recently failed.

I've also decided to keep the 72 911T and will make the decision to sell it at a later date.

Thanks again!http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1412365198.jpg

Great, It look good

Congratulations, I think you done well.

Derek: I have a project sitting out back that just so happens to be a one owner 1969T; non-sunroof coupe.

I has a '71 2.2 engine and been repainted another color....It runs well, but:

1) Had a rust hole in the passenger front floor
2) Big rust hole in the right side rocker (both cause by leaky rear window seal.)
3) Terrible paint
4) Needs full interior
5) Front pan has already been replaced. (No other rust issues)

I was recently in Europe for a month and had one shop offer me $15K US sight unseen....YMMV G'luck.

Great color and congrats. And if you really got the original engine you now have my blessing to sell your '72. It will easily cover the restoration costs of your '69