Mark Salvetti

The inconsistent responses aren't that much of a surprise. We all have our own tolerances for risk, and we're making a lot of assumptions on your risk tolerance and mechanical ability. Those of us that would tackle just about any mechanical repair on our own are probably going to say go for it, but you need to be way more cautious of you have to pay someone to fix it.

It sounds like you are on the right track. Hopefully no major rust surprises or broken studs, and you can pull this off. Good luck!

Mark

cascade

I purchased an '84 Targa a year ago. It had 149,000 miles on it, and had not been driven much in the past 10 years. It was driving ok, but leaking oil. The previous owners had kept good records, which came with the car -- I organized those in a spreadsheet -- it helped me understand what had and had not, been done to the car over the years. So if you could see the records, that would really help you I think. I've done quite a bit of work to the car in the past year, some of it myself, some using specialists. The parts on Pelican/Stoddards/Sunset are reasonably priced and generally readily available. It's been a lot of fun working on the car, - but you are probably in for a long list of projects -- some expensive, some not. I ended up having the engine rebuilt to stop the oil leaks. It is dry as a bone now, but that cost around $15k. Also had the Targa top recovered inside and out. And new carpet put in. And replaced the oil lines. Otherwise, lots of little projects and cleaning things up. So I think you could expect to do quite a bit of work on it over the years -- but just prioritize and take your time as your budget allows. These cars are super fun to drive. And the lines on them are really beautiful in my opinion. If you can get the car for $20-25k, I'd say job well done.

raspritz

I agree with the post above. It seems like a great price. Do the safety items first, then have fun driving it and DIYing the rest as you have time and $. Even if the engine requires a full rebuild, that isn't an emergency and is within the value of the car.

hrennry

Update: I'm 3/4 through my payment for the car and will likely be done by the end of August. For some reason there isn't a ton of information online about this model year in particular - the 83/84/85 3.2s seem to be overlooked by the community in large part. There are one or two interesting videos on youtube and a few articles but everyone seems to be preoccupied with the G-50s.

Whats the general consensus on this model year (84), color (Schiefferblau metallic) and model (Targa) within the community? Are they the iconic rise from the ashes Carerra that saved the 911, or are they just a bridge between the SC and the G50s?

I asked about the model numbering system before but still can't find a clear option. The 964, 991, 996, 930, etc. what really determines that numbering system and why can't I find it for this car? I know its not a 930 because that's the turbo. Can anyone clarify?

In terms of slowly but surely getting this car in good shape, the kind people above have given me clear direction on what to fix first. If I really want to simplify this car, is it ok to remove stuff and save it (i.e the already broken speaker system)? How much can I strip this car down without hurting its future value?

Any other information or tips you can give me as I gear up for ownership would be fantastic as well. Thanks again to all the folks above for some great advice earlier this summer.

theiceman

The rise from the ashes was really the SC . once you become more familiar with the model it will all come. the 928 was destined to replace the 911 at the time and the troublesome 74-77 was certainly not helping. But one Porsche exec in particular did assign a small budget to fix the issues of the 911 of the day and strect it out until the 928 took the mantle. This became the SC ( 78 -83 ) It sold astonishingly well as it had overcome th eproblems of the middies of the day with more robust engine cooling, ( with the advent of CAts over thermal reactors ) external coolers . also Aluminum case halfs over Mag.
Also had better corrosion protection and a solid 3.0 litre motor . Along with nice styling cues.

It sold like hot cakes and Porsche was back in the 911 came full on . The Carrera ( 84-89 ) iced it and is considered the Icon of the breed. The advancement in technology with CIS gone and the 3.2 were enough alone ! The 911 Carrera is still considered one of the most iconic cars of all time.

The coupes are valued over all others with targas considered " run of the mill" . Coupes are favored due to complete body monocoque and better track cars ( although many don't know the extra stiffening built into the Targa the Coupe does not have or need )
All depends why you buy it . I love my Targa and so glad I got it . beautiful day or at night there is nothing like cruising in a Porsche Targa.

gavonder

Update: I'm 3/4 through my payment for the car and will likely be done by the end of August. For some reason there isn't a ton of information online about this model year in particular - the 83/84/85 3.2s seem to be overlooked by the community in large part. There are one or two interesting videos on youtube and a few articles but everyone seems to be preoccupied with the G-50s.

The '83 is still an SC. 84 is the first year of the Carrera (84 - 88), 87 being the first year for the G50 transmission. Check out some buyer's guides online or in a bookstore. All the info is available.

Whats the general consensus on this model year (84), color (Schiefferblau metallic) and model (Targa) within the community? Are they the iconic rise from the ashes Carerra that saved the 911, or are they just a bridge between the SC and the G50s?

Not sure if these Carreras are iconic, other than being the last 911's before the much changed 964's (89 - 94). I love Targas. I'm on my 3rd (993) I owned an 84 for awhile. For some, it doesn't look as good as the coupes, so the pricing is a little behind.

I asked about the model numbering system before but still can't find a clear option. The 964, 991, 996, 930, etc. what really determines that numbering system and why can't I find it for this car? I know its not a 930 because that's the turbo. Can anyone clarify?

The model designation is just 911.

In terms of slowly but surely getting this car in good shape, the kind people above have given me clear direction on what to fix first. If I really want to simplify this car, is it ok to remove stuff and save it (i.e the already broken speaker system)? How much can I strip this car down without hurting its future value?

If you start removing stuff, just keep it. The speakers are probably not worth keeping unless this was a very valuable collector car. If you start changing interiors & mechanics, then you should probably hang on to that stuff for originality - to a point - you'll learn as you go what's important to you & not.

Any other information or tips you can give me as I gear up for ownership would be fantastic as well. Thanks again to all the folks above for some great advice earlier this summer.

I say do the safety stuff (brake lines, tires etc) first & then drive it. Address the rest of it as you learn what's what.

Good luck