BradS911

Looking to purchase my first 911 as a restoration project. I like the 70-73 and the 78-79 SC.

I like the looks of the early 911, but think the SC will probably be more fun to drive...

Is there any advice on which would be better? Am I giving up some long term value by buying the newer SC? Am I going to be able to readily get parts and hopefully a rust free early 911? Any feedback from owners on both would be great.

Thanks

Brett San Diego

If you like long term value, try on a soft window targa (1967 to 1969). Rare, and a restored example will be worth a lot. I almost bought one.

Brett

Crimson Nape Racing

I had a 71 and an 84. They were both great but very different. The 71 was a great first Porsche - easy to work on and fun to restore. I had it pre kids so lots of time to tinker (required with all those carbs). Sold it because I was tired of fixing RUST. If you get an older 911, take your time to find one w/o any rust, they're out there. The SC's are galvanized and fuel injected, so you can spend more time driving and less time working. They also are much more civilized. All that said, you need to look at and drive both, and see what floats your boat. There is no wrong answer, both are probably fully depreciated. Also, it is cheaper to buy one that has already been restored, but not as much fun!

g-50cab

Drive one of every era - they will speak to you and you will know which one is for you. Sounds out there -

r911

The SC will be less fun to drive (unless you are gridlocked). It's heavier and has a more sluggish engine. Check out PZ's book or any of the others for more info on different model years. I'd get a '70 or '71 or '72 (bigger engine but lower compression; stronger trans. but worse shift pattern and not as smooth; does have funky oil filler door and better balance)... then a '73, then a '69, followed by the short wheelbase cars. Next, a 73.5 (sluggish CIS injection), followed by a Carrera (DME), then an SC and last a 2.7L car, with the '74 at the top of that class (lighter).

The above applies unless you got a great deal on something like the 2.7L cars, and it was known to have a good engine.

BradS911

Thanks for all the feedback. Leaning towards the 70-73. Ill drive both and let you all know when and what Ive bought...

82Targa

I love my 82 sc, and the fuel injection makes it very reliable. Very little tweaking, just get in and go. But if you are looking for an investment car, I think an earlier car is the way to go. SCs are pretty common, and because of the galvanized bodys, they are not going away. I am not expecting to make any money out of my sc.

bubba sc

I bought a 78 sc, would have liked a 73 but here in England they are at a premium. My sc does have the chrome window an headlamp surrounds which do give it that retro look though, goes a dream with the petrol blue paint job.

Pedro356C

Hi Brad...as far as driving a 911 (or 356 I must add) the fun is included in the package... 70-73 and 78-79, you are actually talking about 3 different cars...not 2...the 70 has a 2.2 liter engine and a 901 tranny, meaning the first gear in located towards you instead of the classic "H"...the 73 has the 2.4 engine and already the 915 tranny with the "H" pattern of shifting...the 78 or 79 are known by reliability due to the so called "bullet proof" engine...every vintage Porsche has its own soul...you have to meet and communicate with them...you heart will tell what's the right one!

Take care...

GrantG

I like the 73 and older 911's for their lighter weight and high-revving motors

Doug&Julie

I'll vote for the SC...but backdate the bodywork and carb the motor (with a cleaner exhaust). If it still feels too heavy, rip out the interior and replace it with RS carpets and lightweight seats.

Having had an early 911 with "very little rust" I'm keen to buying the newer cars and changing the mechanicals and bodywork. Of course, if you can find a great early 911 that is TRULY rust free....go for it. But I think you'll have an easier time getting a good SC than a good early car.

...just my $.02...

JCP911S

Brad... if this is indeed a restoration project, how much "restoration" do you want to do? Financially, you are almost always way ahead buying a good car to begin with. You will be lucky to get 30 cents on the dollar for restoration on most 911s.

IF you are doing this for pleasure and just like working on old cars that is different. How much can you do yourself? If you can do all the mechanicals and outsource the bodywork for example, or you also do most of the body work and outsource paint, then you may not get too upside down on a car... especially if is is something you are going to keep for yourself to enjoy.

If that is the program, and assuming all the work is done to factory standards, I believe you will get more bang restoring a pre-1974 car... they are much more collectable today. A core T will run $4-6K and soak up $15k and be worth $12-15. A core E will cost maybe $6-8, soak up $15K and be worth mayabe $15-18K. A core S will cost maybe $15K (if you can find one), soak up $15 and be worth maybe $25-30K.

You can buy SCs all day long that require no restoration for $12-15K, so restoring one really doesn't make much sense. But if you just want a car to drive, this is a better bet. Despte all the hype an SC will outperform any of the early cars (Including an S) in stock trim, be more reliable, and not have rust problems.

SandyI

1969-1973 911E. The E engine is the best early 911 engine built for the street. (I take mine to the track too.)

BradS911

Thanks for all the feedback... JCP911S your insight was helpful...

This is a restoration for pleasure... can do most of the mechanicals and body work myself.. but would send out paint and engine work... This is not an investment but something to unwind with on the weekends... so 20-25K invested is what I expected...

Ive settled on the 70-73 911 Coupe... Probably a 72-73. Looking for a "low"-rust model with maching numbers. If I get the "T" model, I'll probably upgrade the engine with some S Cams/Etc for more power.

Last project was a 914 2.0, so this will be more fun and rewarding... Ill keep you posted.

Thanks again.
Brad

JCP911S

Brad. If you are not concerned about total originality, buying a T and doing an engine upgrade is the way to go. If you can buy new piston/cylinder set (probably a good idea anyway), and carbs you can get some good power. Lots of stuff out there on different engine combos... get Bruce Anderson's book... a good start.

Budget about $8-10K for a properly done bottom-up professional engine rebuild by an expert shop.... expensive, but if it is done right it will set you up for a long long time.

I would guess you can find a solid body T with a duff engine for $3-5K. Look around. A T is really not worth the price of an engine rebuild so a bad engine pretty much makes it a parts car. You should be able to get a good price... you want a "NO" rust model not a "low" rust model. Be patient they are out there.

Also, check out the R-Grouppe web site.... lots of very nice "hot rod" 911s and links there for ideas and inspiration. Good to see somebody rescuing some of these cars.