Weekly BaT Porsche v.3: 1987 911 Cabriolet; Guards Red; ~85k

[COLB]

Here is the third installment in what looks to be a weekly column here on Pelican.



Original Paint 1987 Porsche 911 G50 Cabriolet | Bring a Trailer

I am particularly interested in this car because it is a very close comparable to my Silver/Burgundy 1988 Cab with 87k miles -- of course, mine has MUCH better colors.

Physically, the car looks clean and straight, with the patina of a well-cared for car at around the claimed mileage. The mileage is an estimate due to a CARFAX discrepancy, but it may be legit -- the owner doesn't exactly know why there was a previous entry of 93k. Broken odometers that leave gaps are normal -- rollbacks are not. Sounds like a prior owner (2003 or later) might have put a new cluster in it to fix an inop speedo/odometer.

Car is claimed to be accident free, with original panels, paint, and interior, including torn leather on the driver's seat (pictured.) It appears to have an aftermarket head unit, a recent 993 top, and rear fender stoneguards. Momo wheel, but original included.

Lots of pictures, but very little detail on the maintenance history of this car -- the owner prior (10 years) kept it nice, but the overall tone of the add indicates that the current owner (2 years) actually knows little about the condition and history of the car, which is a little concerning. So assume no records, since they aren't mentioned.

Looking at the underside, I would guess it has not had a major service in a while -- it is likely leaking from the Trinity, and I would assume needs a valve adjustment, gaskets all around, new high pressure fuel hoses, and an overall service of fluids/filters/plugs etc.

EDIT:Since writing the above, the seller has come on line and posted the following:

There are some drips of oil after its been running but its hard to track down any leaks and there’s never been any measurable oil loss. I changed the air filter two years ago even though the old one was virtually new. Also recently changed the oil/filter, plugs, wires, cap, and rotor for no good reason other than maintenance.

Good info, but allow me to retort[/Jules]: a guy who has put 800 miles on a car across two years of ownership doesn't have any sense of how much oil the car may be using/losing. Unless it is some optical illusion, there is a visible puddle of oil in one of the pictures:



So it is leaking a little more than the owner is claiming. Not saying he is lying -- just reinforces his statement that he doesn't have much experience with this car, or 911s in general.[/END EDIT]

Has been converted to R-134a, but original hoses and condenser indicate it was partial. A/C is claimed to work.

Appears to have H4 headlights, with a cracked lens on the drivers' side.

It is a power top, but motors are non-functional.

My car has some of the same chips, ripped seat seams, and similar (but true) mileage. I would price mine at $34,500 if I were to place an ad today.

I am going to estimate a $5k BaT bump and say that this car sells at $39,500.

Call your shot peeps. You know the deal: Price is Right rules.

[gtc]

Those are H1 lights.

[COLB]

Originally Posted by gtc

Those are H1 lights.

You are correct. You can read the part numbers in this picture:



I saw from the photos that they were not stock, and assumed they were H4s. I've never seen H1s on a 87-89 car.

[Nachtfalter]

Changing the steering wheel always makes the car look like it has been messed with. The later roof replacement isn't helping either..... my guess is 32k.

[CountD]

Originally Posted by Nachtfalter

Changing the steering wheel always makes the car look like it has been messed with.

I agree. Pull those wheels off before sale and sell it on eBay or put it up here in the parts section.

[COLB]

Originally Posted by CountD

I agree. Pull those wheels off before sale and sell it on eBay or put it up here in the parts section.

Especially when you have the original on-hand (as this seller does.)

[COLB]

Car sold for $27,456.

Boy was I wrong.

1) Mileage discrepancy

2) No history and a generally uninformed seller

3) Some unanswered questions about paintwork, accident history, oil leaks.

4) Guards Red

Buyer got a good, deal though.