74 targa vs 86 targa for medium term appreciation

[Diamond911]

Hi guys, just curious...

If both cars were the same price today (let's say $40K), which has better prospects for medium term (5+ yrs) appreciation out of a 1974 Targa 2.7 CIS vs 1986 Carrera 3.2 Targa?

Also, would a 1974 Targa CIS that has had it's 1974 2.7 replaced with a 1975 CIS motor and the sporto replaced with a 5-speed box take a big value hit compared to a matching numbers car?

[Ferrariguyma]

better engine, no fussy CIS and more hp, better in terms of rust (they all rust) but 3.2's seem to take more time then the earlier cars.

[thamlin000]

I agree, the 3.2 is probably the better buy for short-medium term appreciation since the performance and comfort is much better.

Long term, my money is on the 2.7 assuming stock and good condition. These are much more rare and vintage....closer to the long hood experience.

[Matt Monson]

The middies spent the last 18 months spiking and catching up to the other IB era cars. I think going forward the nicest most original cars will gain value most quickly and year will matter less.

So, if the choice is a stock 84 or a 74 Sporto with a 75 engine and 5spd the 3.2 is the clear choice.

[blau911]

When comparing impact bumper cars, The 3.2 Carrera is a way better car in my opinion. If you are looking to get close to the "long Hood" experience", then buy a real long hood. As for future value, anyone's guess, but the 3.2 is a much better car to drive all around.
And unless there is a significant discount, always go with original matching numbers cars first.

[msark]

The 74 would be my pick with the original transmission and engine. Here in California 1974 and 1975 are emissions exempt. That means for an owner that also might want to track / rally no modifications are prohibited and any engine swap is meaningless to the State.

So to have a car that you can run on the street to the track gets your operating costs down and avoids needing a place to keep the trailer.

There will always be some additional value to California buyers.... especially on the coupes...

I sold my SC's and just bought another '74 targa....

And down the road.... A well preserved narrow body will be a bit more scarce...

Only my 2 cents....

[Diamond911]

Thanks guys.

You confirmed my thoughts.

[josborn10]

I think it is worth thinking about who you will sell the car to in 5 years. It occurred to me that young folks getting into older cars may be looking for something more analog. The 3.2 is a great car and very driveable but in 5 years, will it still be desired for more money? Of course, we don't have a crystal ball but there is an age and income demographic of folks who buy these cars.

On the other hand, a 50 yo man may want something a bit more comfortable than the 2.7 but will the 50 yo pay more than the guy who wants a car closer to 50 years old...

I don't have an answer rather something else to factor besides the car itself.

Another factor will be the cost to keep these cars up and running for 5 more years. That will depend on the individual cars themselves.

Good luck.

John

[dienstuhr]

Buy the car that you'll enjoy owning and driving. Buying a car as an "investment" intended to "appreciate" is a crapshoot at best. People thought beanie babies were "investments" too...

Having said that it's more likely that a nice original 3.2 will hold its value, than an engine- and-trans swapped '74. The only person who'd pay more for the '74 is someone who wanted a hotrod and I don't think a stock '75 2.7 is lighting anyone's world on fire.

Good luck with the purchase but remember cars are for driving and your enjoyment in owning and driving this car is worth something too.

Cheers

d.