1975 911s Widebody @BHCC

[Robbylou]

Hi everyone,

First post here as i'm looking for my first porsche. I've been driving/enjoying BMWs for a while now (currently in an F80 M3) and i'm looking for a classic car/something to work on a bit. i already have a copy of the 101 projects for my 911 (that i don't have) ready to go.

I've been browsing the classifieds here in addition to ebay and some other sites and i came across the below linked 1975 911s widebody, no sunroof, AC (blowing air but not cold), in red.

1975 Porsche 911S Coupe | Beverly Hills Car Club

I've seen some mixed reviews about BHCC but the car looks pretty good in the pictures. I did reach out to the seller about the floor/undercarriage that looks a bit mangled and they responded that it appears to be previous rust repair and that there is no longer rust there. The other bits i learned were that the engine is original, needs a "tune-up" and it runs/drives. Also the paint is not original, which i expected given the flares.
Some of the positives for me are: Turbo flares, no sunroof, AC (at least the presence of it)
Negatives: Exterior color (i can live with it) and location (across the country so i won't be able to see it in person/drive it). That "turbo" badge on the rear will be removed immediately.

Anyway, apologies for the long post, but i was hoping to get some input. maybe someone has even looked at this particular car. my primary concerns are hidden rust and the need of a "tune-up," whatever that may mean to the seller. I've read briefly that some of the 2.7 engines from this timeframe can be troublesome.

Thanks in advance
Rob

[thamlin000]

Due to the extensive amount of pictures included in every ad, I give credit to BHCC that they don't seem to hide any issues in the cars that they are selling.

Aside from the rust 'repairs' on the underside and the fact that it isn't running correctly, also note the uneven hood gaps. Yikes. Aftermarket wheels don't fill the wheel well correctly. It might be an ok car for someone to put work into, but it would need to be $1x,xxx.

Way overpriced at $29k. You can find a pretty good mid-year or SC for that price.

[Patrick3000]

Keep looking, that car has serious rust issues.

[NYNick]

Hey Robby,

1)Buy locally if possible
2)Do a search on Pelican on Beverly Hills CC
3)Learn why a 75 is different from a 73 or a 78, etc.
4)Search the ads here and elsewhere daily
5)Have your money ready
6)Drive as many as you can
7)Learn what should be included in a PPI, and what issues each model year suffers from
8)Go to car shows and talk to Porsche guys
9)Read, read, read
10)Don't buy that car, it's crap

Good luck...There are plenty of us in Metro NY.

Nick

[Robbylou]

Thanks for the advice guys. I figured for the right price, it might be worth it but you're right, the rust, the body lines, and the distance make it very risky and I should keep looking. I appreciate the responses and I'm going to keep doing my research. I know Of a few things that I want already but I need to learn more about the positives/negatives of each year.

One thing I definitely want to do is drive a non-sunroof and sunroof car back to back (or as close as possible). At 6'4" fit is a concern although I've read about seat rail mods and steering wheel spacers to help with legroom. I don't want to rule out the sunroof until I confirm its not a realistic option.

If any tri-state members have suggestions about test driving (possibly a dealer that typically stocks a few of these) it would be appreciated. Otherwise I'll keep monitoring for the right car and drive as they come along.

[JackMan]

Run away from that car. It's a cluster of pieces that don't fit. Eyeball tail light, one weird tail that combines elements of an early and late turbo tale, look at the junction of the front and rear bumpers to the wide fenders -- ghastly.

Pass. Buy local or shop. It took me a year to find my first Porsche. Patience is rewarded in the Porsche buying game. Follow your gut, find local Porsche experts through PCA, we are a ravenous bunch that love to pick over cars and find the wrong and the right things.

And most importantly, get a PPI before you buy the car. If the seller won't let you take the car for a PPI, walk.

Oh yeah, I agree with NYNick. That car is crap. Sorry Bevery Hills but my gut tells me that car has some hidden, probably to Bevery Hills as well, issues.

[Rick Brooklyn]

Stay away from BHCC! At least until there's a big market correction and they get their ballz squeezed hard.

Send an email to the CVR chapter of the PCA, ask if you can attend their nect monthly meeting and you may well walk back with a few leads on good cars.

PS the 2.7 is a sweet lovely little engine despite what anyone else might tell you.

[thamlin000]

I agree. No shame in a 2.7 with the necessary updates; 11 blade fan, thermal reactors removed, tensioners and headstuds replace with proper documented engine rebuild. PPI and maintenance documents are needed when spending around $30k for a 911.

[matt930s]

I'm gonna go against the grain here. If you can take the issues in to account and get a price reduction, this could be a fun sheeper to tool around in. Fly out and check it out for yourself, drive it, get it PPI'd.....your still ahead of the game even if you don't buy it.

MattR

[techweenie]

I've looked at a bunch of BHCC cars over the years. They get good, as well as bad cars there.

It is extremely rare for a good car to last 3+ days in stock. The place is infested with brokers (like me). But their brokers are usually working for European buyers who have a higher tolerance for rust.

At the asking price, this car demands a PPI. I do not know of a good PPI service that's both mobile and Porsche-knowledgable.

[Robbylou]

Lots of great advice- thanks again guys for taking the time. Sounds like if it was a diamond in the rough, it probably would've been snatched up already and while i'm interested in some projects, rust repair and refitting body panels are not high on my list even if i could get a significant discount on list.

I have my eye on another mid year wide body that seems to be a lot more well sorted... 3.2 swap, no rust, suspension upgrades, pretty much everything i'm looking for except that the AC has been stripped out (not a deal breaker). There is an older looking pca sticker on the rear driver side window so hopefully that is an indication that it has been taken care of in its time. its priced low/mid 30's, which i realize may open up another segment of cars since i was looking initially in the mid 20-30 range but at the same time id rather pay up (a bit) to get a better car in the long run.
1975 Porsche 911 3.2 In Hailey ID - Sun Valley Auto Sales

[specialtyoneinc]

Originally Posted by Robbylou

Lots of great advice- thanks again guys for taking the time. Sounds like if it was a diamond in the rough, it probably would've been snatched up already and while i'm interested in some projects, rust repair and refitting body panels are not high on my list even if i could get a significant discount on list.

I have my eye on another mid year wide body that seems to be a lot more well sorted... 3.2 swap, no rust, suspension upgrades, pretty much everything i'm looking for except that the AC has been stripped out (not a deal breaker). There is an older looking pca sticker on the rear driver side window so hopefully that is an indication that it has been taken care of in its time. its priced low/mid 30's, which i realize may open up another segment of cars since i was looking initially in the mid 20-30 range but at the same time id rather pay up (a bit) to get a better car in the long run.
1975 Porsche 911 3.2 In Hailey ID - Sun Valley Auto Sales

Definitely pay up and get a well taken care of example. You usually get what you pay for in this market. Make sure to have a reputable independent shop PPI any vehicle you are planning on purchasing. A through PPI will cost you $350-$500 depending on how many hours they spend on the vehicle and shop rates.

I'm 6'4 also. You should fit rather comfortably in the sunroof/coupe G body except for the 1985s (one year they didn't change the seat rails for the newly designed seat). I own a 85 sunroof/coupe and had to get my seat foam customized. Speaking of 1985's this looks pretty sweet.

https://www.pca.org/classified-ad/315806

[Robbylou]

Thanks wow I didn't realize PPI's would get up that high. Good to know since I'd probably think I was getting taken for a ride if they hit me with 500 off the bat. Thanks for the info about the sunroof, I wouldn't have known about the 85's so I'll watch out for that. I think I'm more leg than torso if that makes any sense since I typically don't have headroom issues (my m3 has a sunroof) but my legs/reaching the wheel are typically not the best. I think a steering wheel spacer will be one of my first purchases after I find a car.

I may sign up for the PCA quest membership to gain access while I search. The 85 looks nice and now I'm wondering what else I'm missing.

[NYNick]

Hey Robby...

Why are you looking at modified cars, right off the bat? I would always recommend to 'new to the game' buyers to stick with pretty original examples, although perhaps not a purist collectable, per se.

That 85 does look nice. Stick with that type of car. These cars don't need a lot of bells and whistles to go fast and be loads of fun.

[Rawknees'Turbo]

Originally Posted by NYNick

These cars don't need a lot of bells and whistles to go fast and be loads of fun.

Exactly, they only need a certain something that doesn't ring (well, it makes the cash register ring, in a symbolic sense ) but sure does whistle!!!

[David Borden]

Originally Posted by Robbylou

Lots of great advice- thanks again guys for taking the time. Sounds like if it was a diamond in the rough, it probably would've been snatched up already and while i'm interested in some projects, rust repair and refitting body panels are not high on my list even if i could get a significant discount on list.

I have my eye on another mid year wide body that seems to be a lot more well sorted... 3.2 swap, no rust, suspension upgrades, pretty much everything i'm looking for except that the AC has been stripped out (not a deal breaker). There is an older looking pca sticker on the rear driver side window so hopefully that is an indication that it has been taken care of in its time. its priced low/mid 30's, which i realize may open up another segment of cars since i was looking initially in the mid 20-30 range but at the same time id rather pay up (a bit) to get a better car in the long run.
1975 Porsche 911 3.2 In Hailey ID - Sun Valley Auto Sales

From the pics, that looks like a much nicer car. The first one looked like a horror show.

Good luck in your search! David

[Rick Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by Robbylou

Thanks wow I didn't realize PPI's would get up that high. Good to know since I'd probably think I was getting taken for a ride if they hit me with 500 off the bat. Thanks for the info about the sunroof, I wouldn't have known about the 85's so I'll watch out for that. I think I'm more leg than torso if that makes any sense since I typically don't have headroom issues (my m3 has a sunroof) but my legs/reaching the wheel are typically not the best. I think a steering wheel spacer will be one of my first purchases after I find a car.

I may sign up for the PCA quest membership to gain access while I search. The 85 looks nice and now I'm wondering what else I'm missing.

"Get a thorough PPI that costs $500" is very good advice but often impractical. Many shops follow their own protocol for PPi and will do a $200 to $300 job. That includes shops hailed as "best in the area" on these forums.

[Matt Monson]

I'm 6'3" and hit my head in a sunroof car, even my 86 with lower seats. I fit fine in my 74 with no sunroof.

[Robbylou]

Originally Posted by NYNick

Hey Robby...

Why are you looking at modified cars, right off the bat? I would always recommend to 'new to the game' buyers to stick with pretty original examples, although perhaps not a purist collectable, per se.

That 85 does look nice. Stick with that type of car. These cars don't need a lot of bells and whistles to go fast and be loads of fun.

I have always liked to modify my cars- i like to think subtly (think color matched bits not autozone tail lights) so i know the more hard to modify bits that im eyeing that are already incorporated, the less i will have the itch to do down the line. I think the only thing i know i will adjust is the seating position/steering wheel distance so that i can fit comfortably/appropriately. Maybe a seat if necessary.

The rest are nice to haves/tweaks that i could see myself making down the line. Im a big fan of the turbo flares (although the sc flares are certainly growing on me) and a nice set of period correct wheels to fill them out are the visual items i can imagine. in the performance dept, i want to get to know the engine and suspension in stock form well before i touch anything.

Originally Posted by David Borden

From the pics, that looks like a much nicer car. The first one looked like a horror show.

Good luck in your search! David

thanks- the more i look at the original car, the more ill-fitting panels i see.

Originally Posted by Rick Brooklyn

"Get a thorough PPI that costs $500" is very good advice but often impractical. Many shops follow their own protocol for PPi and will do a $200 to $300 job. That includes shops hailed as "best in the area" on these forums.

Thanks for the input, Rick

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

I'm 6'3" and hit my head in a sunroof car, even my 86 with lower seats. I fit fine in my 74 with no sunroof.

Thanks, this is my worry and i will 100% not buy a sunroof car without test driving for this reason.