A local shop just put out a '71 911T that the widow of the original owner has had sitting around for months since owner died. Shop bought it from widow, they are selling. Here's what I know:
-Odometer indicates 47,700+ miles. 3 page receipt for over $10,000 engine rebuild in 12/01 indicates mileage then was 45,200+ miles. So less than 3 years ago, less than 3K miles since! This shop is not familiar with the rebuild shop, but complimentary of the detailed work done.
-Reviewed receipts, it does not indicate replacement of P/C's (for THAT price?!) but everything else, valve guides, all main and rod bearings, case halves surfaced, align bored, you name it, it was done.
-Why would this be necessary IF it has 45,000 miles...or even 145,000 miles? It does have the chain tensioner upgrade, it does have the Carerra valve covers.
-There is an oil cooler in the right front wheel well (not original to T's, right?) but the fittings are AN's, Blue and Red anodized, though covered with ordinary road grime and were hard to notice.
-Original dark green (color name?, I love it)
-15" Fuchs,Yokohama Avid HR tires (??) w/ good rubber.
-Older Recaro seats, carpet is original, old and worn but not torn or abused.
-Has the flag mirrors "update" and a lame third brake light. Also, (I didn't know this) it has the covers below both doors along the sides, what are they called? This isn't original?
Undercarraige is almost pefectly dry. Some seepage at oil drain plug and some on bottom of oil tank, but all in all, this is a dry solid car to appearences.
-Car appears all original in and out except the pebbled undercoat around the wheel well lip is missing on the left front, all others are original. No rust of any kind I can find. Missing door stop from drivers door and appears has been over-opened so slight misalignment of door bottom, sticks out about 1/8 inch.
Missing front fog lights, but the openings are there. Is that normal?
- Has something called "Perma Tune" electronic ignition box in left side of engine compartment. An old MSD type approach?
-Zenith "40 TIN" carbs? Are these stock? They have obviously been recently rebuilt and it is in the receipt for the engine rebuild.
-VIN 9111102530
-Engine is dry, clean, hoses all fresh, fasteners not covered with any oil or dirt, the rebuild work still shows.
-"Cross bars" welded to top and bottom of rear bumperettes with upright chrome tubes that must have been for? Bike rack? Ski rack? All chromed, appears to be an old mod.
-Asking price $10,500.
-Car runs strong, transaxle has some howl for lack of a better term. No grinding, the usual vague (to me) 901 trans. I think with new headliner (stained, not torn), carpet kit, and general touch up, color sand and polish it would look great. Eventual high dollar paint job would make the car awesome. My interst is permanent ownership, stewardship, but I still think it is a good investment from a financial standpoint. It will replace my well sorted '87 944. Please advise must decide something very soon, it won't last.

 

Sounds like you're buying the engine, and getting the car for free. So, what's the problem?

You know the drill- get a compression test...

I've been watching the market reports and these old ones do seem to creep up in value over the years. No emissions is pretty cool.

It's "only" $10k man. Can't even buy a Scion for that... How badly can you get hurt? Sounds like you want it. If you're like me, it'll eat me up if I do it, or don't do it, so... be a car guy man... if you want it- get it!

 

Now that the 30 year rolling smog exemption has been repealed, the early 911's are being snapped up. I'd find a way to get this one if it checks out with the usual PPI.

 

sounds like fun, sounds like your already sold on it, just get PPI and inspected for rust. but $10K seems fair for an original T with a fresh motor and stuff

 

Ahhhhh Carnutzzz! You said the EXACT right AND wrong things.
Yes, I do want it. I agree it SEEMS to be an engine with a "free" car. And I think that unless there is some serious subterfuge, I can't get hurt on it. I think it would be easy to re-sell...but I never would barring disaster.

If I tell the shop I will give you the $10K if you compression test it (while I am there) and it shows less than 5% difference across all cylinders...do you think this is enough? Pressure's supposed tobe what? Like 15 times the compression ratio?

Should I ask him to pull the valve covers and show me the studs aren't pulled? He already offered to put it up on the rack and show me how dry it is and answer any questions.

Last, I'd have to buy it out of pocket and sell my 944. That'll offset half...maybe. ANyone looking for an incredibly well sorted late 944? Polished 16" Phonies, new clutch, rear axles, motor mounts, AC upgraded to R134A, new Kumho's, Wilk chip, 8mm Magnecors, new, less than 1000 miles since full valve job, T&B belts, Tstat, etc, etc,

 

With a fresh rebuild and no rust at that price, you're pretty much invincible. Pulled and broken studs aren't much of an issue with pre-74 cars and very unlikely on a fresh rebuild. If compression is good (ratio x 14.5 + or - 10% for location/weather) across all cylinders, you shouldn't go home without it. Once you log back on, start looking for new mirrors, please - flag mirrors on a longhood is a crime against nature!

Emanuel

 

Sounds like a no-brainer to me.

 

Just posted on the 944 board that I went at lunch and the shop put it on the lift for me to poke around. No rust damage that I can see. Poked, prodded everywhere, especially suspension attachment points, front pans, near battery boxes. Engine has very slight, um ...leaking isn't the word, maybe seepage? No "dripping" at all, some oil seeps from the "round thing" where the crankcase drain plug goes- screen retainer? Sorry to sound like a complete idiot!

Largely dry and tight. Newer (at least) rear axles, boots are completely undamaged and almost new looking with light road dust. Heater cables are connected, everywhere I look, it looks totally appropriate for what (I think) a 32 year old, non garage queen car ought to look. Perhaps a slight amount of brake fluid leak from right rear where hose connects to hard fitting under body pan. Nothing looks at all amiss. No damage like its gone over curbs or been mistreated. At this point, I just have to decide to commit or not. I am leaning to buying it tonight. If I do, I will post pix in a new thread Monday or over the weekend. Can't thank you guys enough.

 

Pull the headlights and tail lights and check some more for rust.

You may have found a sleeper....

 

Good suggestion, thanks.

 

Take it over to TRE in North Hollywood and let Dave and the boys give it a PPI. If they "bless" it, you're good to go!

 

Looks from all angles like you can't go wrong...