Help pricing 1985 Carrera

[sigchuck]

Hi folks, I don't have many posts but have lurked for some time. I'm looking to re-enter Porsche ownership, and was hoping for some pricing advice.

The car in question is a fairly unmolested '85 Targa. Aside from an aftermarket stereo, it's pretty much bone stock. Mileage is 95k, and carfax reflects a front end collision in the 1980s, but there's no evidence of repair to the tub.

The paint looks to be original, and there are a couple dings and scratches, but overall it's in great shape, as is the top. Carfax also indicates a southern car and I can't detect any rust.

It is leaking oil (return lines according to dealer, for whatever that's worth). Aside from that, all other systems, switches, etc. appear to be in working order.

Any thoughts as to a fair price range? Thanks in advance!!

[NYNick]

The car is hardly 'unmolested' by my definition and Carfax's. A front end collision dispels that, as well as the paint being all original.

It sounds like you haven't actually seen the car and are going by the dealers description of the oil leak being from the oil return lines. I'd be front and center with the car on a lift with a good flashlight and my handy dandy mechanic in tow. It's hardly ever one leak with a car this age.

There isn't enough info for a price estimate. Pix all around would be helpful. These cars can be $15k beaters that need everything to $60k beauties that need nothing. With this lack of info I'm going low $20's. Who knows? That engine could need everything.

[specialtyoneinc]

Pictures and more details. Condition and history are key to get you an accurate valuation. Make sure to get a PPI from an independent air-cooled specialist with leak down/compression test and paint meter readings. If everything checks out with the PPI with no major problems/damage history it's worth upper $20s to mid $30s.

[sigchuck]

Guys, sorry for not providing additional color.

I have viewed and driven the car. By unmolested, I simply mean it looks like it has everything it left the factory with, including the Porsche front and rear spoilers. It was a local one owner car that came from a nice part of town based on the address on the records I viewed. I have looked under the car and pulled the carpet out of the trunk and there’s zero evidence of repair or paint to the tub. I can’t tell if the genders or bumper have been replaced, but carfax does date the collision to 1987, so I would think even a minor incident would be reported.

By original paint, I mean there’s zero evidence of a respray of the entire car (no masking lines, no overspray, etc.). The guards red paint code sticker is present also. The car had no issues at cold start and didn’t appear to burn any oil at idle, cold or warm.

I would best describe it as a one owner car, but not necessarily an enthusiast owned car. I’m guessing (again, based on the part of town) this was acquired as a second or third car by a very wealthy individual who garaged it for 30 years while driving occasionally. The records indicate no major maintenance aside from a basic (based on parts list) engine reseal in 2006.

The car tracked straight, clutch seemed okay as did transmission. All accessories (including autoheat and a/c) seem to be functioning. As mentioned earlier, I didn’t detect any significant oil burn at cold start, under load, or when warmed up. Seat of the pants feel (for whatever that’s worth - probably not much) was similar to that of my last 3.2 in which all cylinders were 4% or less on leakdown.

Thanks again for your help and please let me know what else I can provide. Price is $30k currently.

[Nick Triesch]

If the motor checks out , shifts ok, and a body shop guy says the front damage was minor, I would say at least $31,000.

[Nick Triesch]

So the price seems ok.

[specialtyoneinc]

Originally Posted by sigchuck

Guys, sorry for not providing additional color.

I have viewed and driven the car. By unmolested, I simply mean it looks like it has everything it left the factory with, including the Porsche front and rear spoilers. It was a local one owner car that came from a nice part of town based on the address on the records I viewed. I have looked under the car and pulled the carpet out of the trunk and there’s zero evidence of repair or paint to the tub. I can’t tell if the genders or bumper have been replaced, but carfax does date the collision to 1987, so I would think even a minor incident would be reported.

By original paint, I mean there’s zero evidence of a respray of the entire car (no masking lines, no overspray, etc.). The guards red paint code sticker is present also. The car had no issues at cold start and didn’t appear to burn any oil at idle, cold or warm.

I would best describe it as a one owner car, but not necessarily an enthusiast owned car. I’m guessing (again, based on the part of town) this was acquired as a second or third car by a very wealthy individual who garaged it for 30 years while driving occasionally. The records indicate no major maintenance aside from a basic (based on parts list) engine reseal in 2006.

The car tracked straight, clutch seemed okay as did transmission. All accessories (including autoheat and a/c) seem to be functioning. As mentioned earlier, I didn’t detect any significant oil burn at cold start, under load, or when warmed up. Seat of the pants feel (for whatever that’s worth - probably not much) was similar to that of my last 3.2 in which all cylinders were 4% or less on leakdown.

Thanks again for your help and please let me know what else I can provide. Price is $30k currently.

You can't go wrong at $30k (under market) after your more detailed description.

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by specialtyoneinc

You can't go wrong at $30k (under market) after your more detailed description.

Agree.

[Nick Triesch]

If you check both hagerty and NADA. The asking price is a bit under market. You Should buy it. I have an 85 and it has been a great car for over 7 years.

[1979-930]

Deduct $5k for Guards Red.

[Macroni]

seems very fair.

[Toast54]

Originally Posted by 1979-930

Deduct $5k for Guards Red.

Another 5K if the motor "reeks"

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by 1979-930

Deduct $5k for Guards Red.

Unless you are a millennial. Then add another $5k.

[sigchuck]

Thanks guys!

While the guards red/whale tail combo isn't my favorite, perhaps they'll see appreciation in a few years as the quintessential 80's Porsche? Wishful thinking?

Not a millennial, but I'll definitely entertain a handle change to AvocadoToast unless someone else has dibs.

Thanks again for the help guys!

[old man neri]

Originally Posted by sigchuck

perhaps they'll see appreciation in a few years as the quintessential 80's Porsche? Wishful thinking?

Don't go buying a 30yr old porsche hoping it will appreciate. Buy it cause you want to enjoy it and have fun.

[1979-930]

Originally Posted by sigchuck

Thanks guys!

While the guards red/whale tail combo isn't my favorite, perhaps they'll see appreciation in a few years as the quintessential 80's Porsche? Wishful thinking?

Not a millennial, but I'll definitely entertain a handle change to AvocadoToast unless someone else has dibs.

Thanks again for the help guys!

Just a joke. My car is Guards Red.

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by sigchuck

Thanks guys!

While the guards red/whale tail combo isn't my favorite, perhaps they'll see appreciation in a few years as the quintessential 80's Porsche? Wishful thinking?

Not a millennial, but I'll definitely entertain a handle change to AvocadoToast unless someone else has dibs.

Thanks again for the help guys!

You're vegan but not gluten free?

[specialtyoneinc]

https://youtu.be/LFCG8rAeiNY

[sigchuck]

Thank you for the video!

Should I be concerned about the steering wheel on my prospective purchase being on a different side than that in the video?

All joking aside, very helpful. Thank you!

[Nick Triesch]

I just do not get the whole guards red thing. Many owners hate the color but yet they go ga ga over flesh colored sand or brown!