1981 SC Targa value
 

I have found a 1981 Porsche 911 SC Targa being sold by the original owner. It has around 200,000km (135,000 miles) and still has all original guards red paint. Car is documented from day 1 and has been sitting for the past 2 years. It has been maintained by the mechanic who worked at the Porsche dealer where it was purchased for the entire life of the car. I understand the engine has been "rebuilt" at some point in its life but I don't yet have the details regarding the extent of the rebuild. It needs a new clutch and new tires and supposedly ran well when stored 2 years ago. I am wondering what a ball park value for this car would be assuming that it has the normal wear and tear you would find on a 35 year old car.

Too general.
$20-$35K US$

What factors would differentiate a 20k car from a 35k car?? Just
Overall condition?? Are there specific things I should look for?

How good is the interior. Who did the rebuild and what did they do exactly, etc.

Also - when was the rebuild? Paint condition? This does not sound like a garage queen. Single owner doesn't carry as much emphasis if the condition doesn't reflect it being well kept. I'd say it's much more likely to be a mid-$20k car rather than $35k. Below is my '83. 118k miles, Turbo fuchs, original paint (except for decklid/tail), I'm 4th owner of 15 years. I figure my car is a low $30's car.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1462548095.jpg

Car was garage kept since day one except for the last 2 years when the owner moved to a new house with no garage. Its been under a car cover since then. I am waiting to see all the details regarding the engine rebuild. It was done by a mechanic who worked at the dealer where the car was purchased and then later opened his own Porsche speciality shop.

Mike,

I've seen your thread here and on Rl. I think it's a $25k car based on what we know. If she wants to sell it with a no hassle unadvertised sale 5-10% less than that is probably fair to both parties.

I do have to consider clutch replacement, tires and a contingency fund to cover the things that will likely come up after sitting for a couple of years.

Well, for a start, posting pics would help.

Hoping to go see the car this week. Will post some pics when I get them.

It was mentioned that there is a small spot of rust on the drivers door of the car, but that the rest of the car is rust free. Where should I focus my attention on the body to ensure there there isn't any other rust? Knowing that the car has been stored indoors for all but the last two winters makes me feel better but I am nervous that there may be other areas which may have rust.

Look under the car.
Check near the front and rear window seals.

Targas rust down the bar when the seal leaks. If you see it at the back of the door there's a fair bit there already. Look under the rear seat carpet and under the Jack point for more rust. And what is known as the kidney bowl.

Not a deal breaker on an otherwise nice solid car but requires a discount. And be sure to check the other side because it may also be rusty but not through the door sill yet.

So just got back from looking at the car and not sure how I feel about it....

Regarding the rebuild, it was done at 183,000km in 1999, car currently sits at 213,000km. It looks as if it was a full rebuild as it included crank bearings and connecting rod bearings. Car started but sputtered quite a bit before settling into idle. Once idling it seemed smooth with no strange noises. I didn't see any signs of rust in the "trouble spots" but there is rust at the top of both doors with the passenger side being the worst. All the paint looks to be original but the clear seems to be bubbling in quite a few spots. Targa top needs to be re-done as does a good portion of the interior (carpet, seats could use a recover etc..). It is on its second windshield seal and it is in terrible condition as you will see in the album.

The car will immediately need:
-Clutch
-Tires
-Brakes
-All fluids changed
-Targa top rebuild

Then the interior and paint issues would have to be tackled.

since I can't figure out how to resize images here is a link to the album.


http://imgur.com/a/Th6g0

Looks to have spent more than the claimed two years residing in the elements. Potentially deep money pit - particularly if you're not a solid DIYer. Tread carefully, as you could quickly find yourself spending more than if you'd just bought a well-sorted one to begin with. Not to mention that you could begin enjoying the well-sorted car right away as opposed to having an non-driveable one for the foreseeable future.

It was also mentioned that the car had accidentally been left out in the rain with the targa top off on a couple of occasions.

Hmmm, Sandy or Nawleans car?

Canadian car.

My analysis as a checkbook mechanic....

For me I would have to buy it for under $15,000USD. This would give me enough room to bring to solid driver standard without being upside down.

Re building the targa top= $4,000USD
Re-spray all new seals: $8,000USD
Tires, Clutch, service: $5000USD
Interior: $3000USD

$35,000 for a Guards Red targa.