Wisdom of the crowd – what ye think of this 73T?

[kp.sfo]

A couple weeks ago I started the hunt for a 1973 T Targa and have come across a number of nice ones. Needless to say, most of them are way beyond my price range. I am still in shock about today’s prices – what the heck happened to the market in the last 24 months? Back in 2012, $25k got you a decent longhood driver. The same money today? Basket case, roller, project car – at best.

Anyways, I’d like to get your collective thoughts on this car I’ve been offered:

1973 T Targa (MFI)
numbers matching (per seller, needs to be verified)
66,500 miles
same owner for last 29 years
engine “overhauled” at 42k miles (extent needs to be defined)
color: tangerine (originally), now red
mostly unmolested (wrong mirrors, wrong exhaust)
originally sold in Germany, imported to US by US pilot stationed in Germany in the 80s
Factory AC not working

Seller is open to a PPI.

With a fresh paint job in its original tangerine color, this could be a winner at the right price point, no?

Here’s my million $$ question: Provided the PPI checks out and the car is indeed mechanically sound and has no notable rust issues or other stories, what's a ballpark number you would you be comfortable to offer?

A few images from the seller:

[Cobyryan74]

The problem with today's market is that it's so subjective-- offer that guy $25k, and I would imagine you'd hear nothing but a dial tone.... Everyone thinks they're car is with $100grand... I guess the real question is, what are you comfortable spending?

[73.5TinPA]

Looks like it could bring "around" $50K.

[gearby]

I would be very surprised if that car had 66000 original miles. Not too many 911 engines need to be overhauled @ 42000 miles. Not to mention the car has been repainted. Its most likely 166000 miles. A little bit of documentation will go a long way. Have the seats been reupholstered? That's a dead giveaway that its has 166K or more

[kp.sfo]

Thanks for your replies, folks!

FWIW, Hagerty suggests the following price points for a 73T Targa:

$28,800 for #4 vehicles are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome might have pitting or scratches, the windshield might be chipped. Paintwork is imperfect, and perhaps the body has a minor dent. Split seams or a cracked dash, where applicable, might be present. No major parts are missing, but the wheels could differ from the originals, or other non- stock additions might be present. A #4 vehicle can also be a deteriorated restoration. "Fair" is the one word that describes a #4 vehicle.

$46,900 for #3 vehicles could possess some, but not all of the issues of a #4 vehicle, but they will be balanced by other factors such as a fresh paint job or a new, correct interior where applicable. #3 vehicles drive and run well, but might have some incorrect parts. These vehicles are not used for daily transportation but are ready for a long tour without excuses, and the casual passerby will not find any visual flaws. "Good" is the one word description of a #3 vehicle.

I've highlighted a couple terms that seem to be appropriate for this car. To give the benefit of the doubt, the middle ground between #3 and #4 would be somewhere around $38k.

Really scratching my head if it's worthwhile going north of what Hagerty suggests. Certainly don't want to take a bath here, after all, this is and will always be a toy.

[mattC2993]

I'd wait until the seller through out an asking price if you can.

[NYNick]

Good luck getting that car for $38K. I'd buy 2 at that price.
$50k plus is more realistic.

[CountD]

I'm confused. You say that the car is MFI when I clearly see carbs, and it should be carbs as T's only had carbs. Make sure you know what you are getting...

[Flynt]

Originally Posted by CountD

I'm confused. You say that the car is MFI when I clearly see carbs, and it should be carbs as T's only had carbs. Make sure you know what you are getting...

Nope. It's MFI.
Agree with NYNick on price. This thing (if as described, checks out mechanically, etc) any lower than 50 would fly off the shelf.

[gearby]

Originally Posted by CountD

I'm confused. You say that the car is MFI when I clearly see carbs, and it should be carbs as T's only had carbs. Make sure you know what you are getting...

American T's all had MFI in 72 and 73. ROW cars had carbs.

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by gearby

American T's all had MFI in 72 and 73. ROW cars had carbs.

Not exactly. They went to CIS late 73, which is what is meant by a 73 1/2.

[CountD]

You learn something new everyday. Every T I have seen in person has had carbs. Guess they were ROW

[pmax]

Originally Posted by NYNick

Good luck getting that car for $38K. I'd buy 2 at that price.
$50k plus is more realistic.

Yup.

And ... 2012 is more than 24 months ago.

[gearby]

Originally Posted by NYNick

Not exactly. They went to CIS late 73, which is what is meant by a 73 1/2.

Yes, I didn't mention that as the 73.5 is considered the red headed step child of the bunch.

[kp.sfo]

You guys are killing me! (Just kidding, I do appreciate every single answer....) I was just hoping to get some more ammunition to go in and offer much less than your ballpark figures. I know I can still do that, but I guess the consensus (so far) is pretty loud and clear.

[kp.sfo]

Originally Posted by NYNick

Not exactly. They went to CIS late 73, which is what is meant by a 73 1/2.

Actually they went to CIS already in early 73. My former 73.5T CIS Targa had a Feb 73 build date...

[gearby]

Originally Posted by kp.sfo

Actually they went to CIS already in early 73. My former 73.5T CIS Targa had a Feb 73 build date...

Would have been one of the very early CIS cars as I dismantled a Jan. of '73 T Targa that had MFI. This was 23 years ago when they weren't worth much. And actually if you think about it, February is almost right in the middle of the production year.

[hans1]

Recently repainted, rust issues?

[kp.sfo]

Originally Posted by hans1

Recently repainted, rust issues?

Seller says it has been repainted 25k miles ago because his wife didn't like the original tangerine color (btw, he called the color 'burnt orange' but I confirmed the color code to be tangerine).

No rust issues according to seller as it's been located in Texas for the last 30 years. Needs to be verified with PPI for sure...

[mattC2993]

Originally Posted by kp.sfo

You guys are killing me! (Just kidding, I do appreciate every single answer....) I was just hoping to get some more ammunition to go in and offer much less than your ballpark figures. I know I can still do that, but I guess the consensus (so far) is pretty loud and clear.

Did the offer include a price I would try and get something out of them. Sure as heck he has the internet and has something in mind. You'll find out right away after you low ball him