Ruf 930 s: Restore or move on...need recs
 

Hi Guys.

I hope I am posting in the correct Forum. I would greatly appreciate your recommendations regarding the issue I am facing. I have 1984 (euro obviousy) 930 S (factory slantnose delete) that has RUF 3.4 L engine, upgrades, etc. It WAS a gorgeous car. Like an idiot, I moved to FL and rented a condo on the beach. Despite all my attempts at car cover, car bubbles, etc, the car really took a beating (the idiots who designed the building thought it would be a good idea to leave the lower level/parking open to the elements). This idiot (I) didn't realize how serious it was until it was too late. To make matters worse, I just brought the car to the local shop after seeing white smoke. Car has broken head studs, bad leakdown test, and needs top-end rebuild.

Finally, I get to my question. What are people's thoughts about restoring this. From what I gather engine rebuild is $12k-$15k. The car will need complete media blasting, some metal work (possible new engine deck lid because there are rust spots on two corner/leading edges that may be beyond simple sanding, etc), complete repaint $10-12K....and to add insult to injury interior refurb ($3k).

I've had some really bad luck with cars recently (996 TT with engine detonations 1 hour after purchase...after PPI...don't ask...sore subject), and I'm tempted just to say screw it, and dump the 930. But there are a few issues:
1) When I was a younger buck, this was my dream car and it's sort of my baby
2) The value of these cars keep going up up up...and especially this with the RUF engine, etc
3) So I could spend $30k, but my concerns are am I dumping tons of money into a car that really isn't going to have much value after (I will always worry about future rust, if they have to replace deck lid now it's not numbers matching panels). On the flip side, if I dump it I suspect that 5 years down the line when these cars are all $100K+, I'm going to be kicking myself. But then again, this car might not qualify because of the work I'm describing.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings. I would just really appreciate some honest feedback because I've gotten screwed by mechanics recently and had some really bad luck.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Peace,
Jason

http://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlist.com-vbulletin/960x636/80-930_beast_010c00c40205472dbc0e7cb8e4ae9b90aab9e089 .jpg

PICTURE OF CAR IN HEALTHIER DAYS

All 930s have value, it just depends how much work you are willing to put into it. Why was the slant nose kit deleted? Do you still have the fenders and light assemblies? I say if you can afford it, do the resto. If not, you can do it over time. Start with the mechanicals first, but stop any rust ASAP.

Fix it........

Great looking car. Fix it

Sell it. Too many cars too little time.

Yes I agree.

Obviously you grossly lost interest in this car for so many years it will never be the same. As Bob Dylan says, "You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way."

Are you interested in it now because it's worth more dough? Or you think it will be worth more dough in the future? Maybe if it was all original, and now it seems nothing will be from motor, paint and interior. What's the point?

Seems it was deteriorating for years right before your eyes, and you never thought to rent a storage place a little inland. I know for a fact storage units are much cheaper in Fl than in SoCal.

Having a 911 that close the water presents lots of problems. I know, I lived in a beach town for 10 years. Seems that it's better off sold to someone who wants to put in the labor of love and has a passion for it. If I were you I'd pass it on.

Don't be that guy that gets locked up by indecision and lets it rot for another 10 years while you figure out what to do - or just doesn't want to part with it just because.

Seems like you're debating the money spent and future value more than if you're crazy about the car. Yes, it will probably be worth the money to restore it, but when it's finished will you be enthused about it or still thinking about the dollars spent and the current value? If it's all about dollars I would sell it. If it's about passion I would restore it.
Most here are enthusiasts who don't care about what there 930 could sell for.....period.

Thanks for the feedback.

JD

Nice 930. I might have seen this car. Is it in Highland Beach?

Any current pix?
I'm just up the road in Jacksonville.

Thanks for the responses. I appreciate people taking time out. I've gotten a few private messages from parties interested in purchase as a "project car". I need to consider all my options first.

Thanks again.
Jason

Nobody's business but the OP's, unless he particularly feels like sharing.

This is the marketplace discussion forum.
The OP should feel free sharing what values others put on his vehicle.

I'd be interested as well & I'm on the Gulf Coast just north of Tampa.

This car is probably a $28K car right now as it sits. Let's be serious. They don't come up for sale everyday, but it is probably in this ballpark.

Use the free advertising you started here to sell the car. Unless you are in the "business" with connections and cheap labor, you won't get your money back.

I wonder if it would be economically feasible to ship a car to Europe and back to take advantage of the cheap car labor?

com

Fix the car and drive it like it's stolen. I'm sorry but the 930s one of the greatest cars ever built and you will regret not restoring it. At the end of the day, if you are still having doubts about your decision, you can always sell it with no loss.

Thanks for the good advise
 

I think this is some of the best advise I've received. I was thinking along the same lines today. If I do go ahead and restore it, I might just make it a daily driver. I mean the car was essentially (until the episode with the covered but open garage space near beach) a garage queen for 30 years. When I purchased in 2003, it had 12,750 miles!!! I've only put on 30,000 in 10 years. The car just has such provenance: a true Special Wishes "S" came from the factory with Euro 330 HP (standard euro was 300 HP), factory slantnose delete (so factory regular/non-slant lights/nose, but factory boxed rockers and 930 S front valance) + the legit RUF 3.4 L BTR engine running K29S turbo. OK, enough of my rambling.

Again, I really appreciate the feedback

Happy Thanksgiving.
Jason

I agree. Jason, fix the car and drive it. You will regret selling such a unique vehicle.

And if you do sell, consult here. Those saying that matters of price are private generally are looking to make a grab on a deal. We are here to educate and protect you. What you are offered for your car doesn't really matter as much as what it is really worth. The PM behind the scenes crowd here are generally looking to rip a guy off.