grgallo

thinking about getting back in to an air-cooled 911, I've owned 2 '87's in the past. I'm looking to do this within a limited budget, $50K max, preferably in the 40's. I'm interested in 84-87, I understand SC may be more appropriate for my budget, but want to start with the 84-87 Coupes. I understand typically 87's bring more money. I did a quick search cargurus, and found a 118K miles 87 for $60K, a 126K miles 84 for $60K, a 190K miles 87 for $55K and a 28K miles 84 for $70K. I'm almost shocked at these prices, $55 to $70K. Really? I sold my 87 Coupe with 107K miles a year ago for $50K (PPI passed with no major issues). My understanding is prices in this market are plateauing, not increasing. The prices I found are significant increases. I'm thinking prices are getting jacked to compensate for the fear the pandemic will push prices down? I will need to do a more extensive search but am interested in your thoughts. thanks.

AG81

grgallo,

Might I suggest the app "Hammer Price". I follow air cooled 911's only.

Looks like good ones are fetching decent numbers at auction.

I also had a nice offer on mine recently.

GothingNC

The ship has sailed for sub $50K G50 Carreras unless it has serious issues.

Brown 89 Targa, 50, miles, repaint, accident history sold for $81K. It was really nice looking in the photos.

Even SC's are going for crazy prices on BAT.

josephvman

I agree that it's better to have a great SC than an edgy 3.2 for even money. Monday I was at my air-cooled specialist who's doing my '84 Targa synchros, and asked him if he knew of any good cars for sale. He showed my a Guards Red/Tan '87 Targa at his shop that he said was a very sound car mechanically, that the owner wanted to sell in the low $40's. I don't recall the mileage exactly but I think it was just over 100k. It needed some cosmetic TLC and there's not a better air-cooled tech around to do a PPI if someone is interested. It struck me as a very good deal for a G50 car.

raspritz

This isn't Porsche world, but yesterday I bought a significant FIA-registered vintage racecar with period racing history and a win at Monte Carlo at about 80% of what had been the asking price back in February. Coronavirus has certainly had an effect.

mclaudio

@grgallo I’ve been in/out of ac 911s the last few decades. On the lookout recently for non-Guards Red and non-tan interior impact bumper 911s, I’ve been a bidder on BaT on cars I can actually eyeball and have looked at brick/mortar dealers as well. There are new market entrants who are willing to pay the prices. In terms of fun driving experience, I don’t blame them. I hope they drive them.

In 2019, ac 911 market seemingly plateaued. Today (post-initial Covid shock), your ex-87 coupe would probably sell for more than you sold a year ago. Feeling impatient last week, I was going to offer high 70s on a sub 30K miles Guards Red coupe. Someone else bought it for higher. A couple of months ago, I was a BaT bidder on a black Targa, which sold @ >$100k. Not many good cars out there. I’m holding on to my slate blue Targa, but may entertain a trade for a top-notch 80s/90s SUV (Land Cruiser, Trooper, RR Classic, etc.)...another one I follow and have seen emotional bids are running rampant.

@raspritz Congrats on your race car. May we know more about it? Other than old Porsches, I like old race cars with period race history. Your post is actually what triggered me to post. From the ones I follow, certain period race cars are relative good bargains today. As IC-engine cars become more like pleasure-ride horses, current window may be a good time to buy historically significant race cars.

myflat6

I agree that prices have been unexpected/surprising. I sold my 993 pre Covid and thought I timed it perfect - but prices have been up/strong

Mark Salvetti

Yes, congrats. Definitely not Porsche world, but we need to see some photos!

Mark

creaturecat

the SC is an awesome car.
grab a nice one - in a colour you love.
get a Euro car if you have the opportunity.

grgallo

thank you to all responses, I still have questions re: 911 prices: a down economy, 30% loss of GDP, folks unemployed, folks looking to save money during a pandemic, folks with big 401K hits (well supposedly stock market has recouped 2020 losses). It doesn't add up that prices are jacked. Perhaps mclaudio hit the nail on the head, a lot of emotional bids. Emotions run high in pandemics? This is my first pandemic so I can't say for sure. And creaturecat, you are correct I should be looking for an SC, and in a great color and a Euro if possible.

AG81

Those who can afford one might now have the time to look. Working from home allows more time to cruise the web in search of personal stuff, away from the prying eyes of an employers connection. I'm thinking that those who have wanted a air cooled 911are moving forward because they are uncertain what might happen in the future. BAT and auction prices would certainly give some validity to that thought process. I will say that
former races cars have faired as well.....

kreeshp

By definition, buying an air-cooled 911 is an emotional decision - how else can one justify wanting one when every water-cooled variant since the 996 is objectively a better car on paper?

People who would normally spend $5,000 - $20,000 on summer travel overseas have nowhere to go this year so their car budget has gone up by the same amount. There are similar reasons why home renovations are popular this year and why bike sales are way up.

I don't see many deals these days for air-cooled 911's. Deferred maintenance sneaks up on a lower priced car and makes a higher-priced, sorted car usually a better buy in the long run. One thing the pandemic should have taught us is that everyone's future is uncertain. This thing will probably be with us for the next 1-3 years. Are you prepared to wait that long for the chance that air-cooled values might come back to pre-pandemic levels? How many dollars is waiting a year worth to you?

myles engler

Who is your mechanic?

r911

Is the economy down for Porsche owners?

anyway, just keep looking and wait for winter

yelloporsche

It makes no sense I agree. What's even more relevant than 911 prices are real estate values and the stock market. An air cooled 911 is now a rich person's sport. The wilder question to ask is why are house prices up 10% or more over the last 5 months since the pandemic started? Why is the stock market at record levels.

The answer is who knows...