I have the chance to pick up a 1976 911T. What issues should I know about. The owner has put some $$$ into it. The last I heard it was running then stopped. Let it sit over night and started again. He has said it might be the fuel pump? I really want this car. Thanks for your time folks. This will be my first 911.

TIA

 

Ron: Sorry, no such thing as a '76 911 "T". I humbly suggest that you log on to Amazon.com and order a copy of my book, "The Used 911 Story". It will explain what you need to know about that '76 911!
Pete

 

By T, do you perhaps mean Targa?

The T was the low end of the option & engine power line in the series S, E, T for early 911s (thru '73). A targa is a different roof....

 

The Zimmerman book is a pretty great starting point. You're going to want to see proof of a rebuild on the Magnesium-cased motor that addresses its headstud-pulling, oil-leaking, overcooking ways. It'll be a bonus if it's not a California car, originally (since I think they had the case-cooking thermal reactors in 1976). And get a body shop to check for rust in addition to an independent shop doing a mechanical PPI.

74-77 911's can be a great bargain (don't pay more than 8-10K, tops) since they're kind of an unappreciated iteration of the model. But many of them are worn-out money pits -- not financially worthwhile cars even if the car came for free with the glove box stuffed full of twenties.

 

Jack: You got it right regarding thermal reactors. Of course, they have value - on cold nights, take your 2.7 for a short drive, park it in the garage and leave the door into the house open. It'll be toasty in minutes!
Pete

 

You boys play nicely now! Don't want to scare off a future enthusiast. I speak as an owner of a 1975 911S which had a 2.7 magnesium cased engine go to 130,000 miles before melt down., and enjoyed every mile. With disappointment comes opportunity- in my case, 3.6. Pete's book is a great way to get to know 911s and their ups and downs.

 

ADD Jack's two figures TOGETHER for the amount I got for my '75 - and it was a good buy. The guy I bought it from had over $50k into it. His comments make sense for a '74-77 car that is not modifed. As above, these cars can be great buys because of the rampant fear about them -- much like an undervalued stock.... I prefer the '74 over the others.

 

I thought T stood for Targa. I'm learning something about the car already. Thanks for all the info. I'll keep you posted. If my shark sells tomorrow, I got a call to make.

 

74-77 911's can be a great bargain (don't pay more than 8-10K, tops) since they're kind of an unappreciated iteration of the model. But many of them are worn-out money pits -- not financially worthwhile cars even if the car came for free with the glove box stuffed full of twenties.

It seems like a good bargin, I'll know more soon. My 87's glove box was stuffed with headaches. Takes more than a few war stories to scare me off. I can turn the wrenches, so need to find out what it needs. It is an original Texas car.

 

My advice: read Mr. Zimmerman's book and also the 911 FAQ before you jump.

(A 1976 911 is like a 7-8 second car to 60.)

 

Then the T must stand for Texas, or T for Tennessee, or T for Thelma... don't let the car make a raging fool out of you, check it over carefully and be sure the engine has been fixed up. Be sure a good Porsche mechanic swears it won't cost you thousands....

 

Thanks Randy . . . I'll do just that. I haven't talked to the guy in a few weeks. I will ask if he has reciepts plus have a good Porsche guy do a PPI. IT's tough walking away from something when you really want it.

 

Ron,

Just remember - there's another one around the corner! Porsches aren't rare - but good ones of this age are so just wait and keep your wallet locked if you are not happy with the paperwork or the answers you get. I would want to see all the paperwork and speak to the shop who did the work. Had my baby 17 years and just about to have her 2.7 rebuilt at 104,000 miles - before it decides to let go.

PJC