fluque

Hi everyone,
I’ve been lurking for a while and decided to surface. Also wanted to thank members here for sharing great information.

Anyone knows of a good 1974-1976 911 or where can the nicer cars be found? The car ought to have a solid PPI, upgraded if possible.

Cars in my area (DC metro) are not great. I’m willing to travel if I find the right car but it’s tough to assess condition on Internet ads. Are PCA classifieds a good source of solid cars, how do one gets access? It seems one need to own a Porsche to be a member anyway

Just wanted to introduce myself … and ask questions!


Fernando

fluque

btw .... I already ordered Peter Zimmerman's book !

r911

Why those years? Are you looking for a bargains since those years have so many problems? If so, you need a real expert to do a super careful PPI...

fluque

Agreed on the PPI randy..... not really looking for a bargain though. Actually the problem is that the firm I work for is transfering me to Mexico and the car has to be at least 30 yrs. old to be legally imported.

r911

OK, then why the 2.7L years as opposed to an early car? The latter will cost more but are going up in value, and have fewer engine problems. they also have less torque but are lighter....

fluque

I thought of buying the latest car possible (up to 1976) but an early car is definitely an option.... what was a good year for early 911's?
As far as the 2.7's, an upgraded car to 3.0 would be very much my choice.

umfan866

Hi,

I am also looking around for an older 911. I wouldn't make a
wierd job criteria like that limit your search. Are you sure you want
to take your Porsche to Mexico? When I lived in Louisiana I wanted many
time to drive into Mexico and people told me don't-- your car
is likely to get vandalized --and I only have an 86 BMW. If you live there
locally not coming in as a tourist, things might be different. Having looked
around at older (& cheaper) 911s in California, 1 in every 2 seem to have some sort of "story" attached -- either they were stolen, salvaged, abused,
theft recovered, flooded...well in any case it seem to go with the territory.

Once you get your book and/or continue reading you will find that for
911s they aren't always better ever year. The years 75-76 are the most
hated 911s because their engines would blow up after 50k. Also, note
that the body style is different from 1964(?) to 1973 and 1974-1989. The
former years you see some mini grill-like square things on the front of the
hood near the lights. These "early" cars everyone is saying are going up
in value, but some good deals can still be had. It is also hard to find a rust
free one because the galvanizing was only done starting in 1976.
Good luck...

-----------------------------------
I just pulled this up from Cars.com--looks like it is in your Area.
Description — $6,000, PORSCHE - '70 911T Targa.
Garaged. CA thru '00, MD since. Good cond. Driven reg. $6000.
301-963-6581; davidz2000@hotmail.com
GET MORE DETAILS
Listing Date: January 20, 2006
Listing Source: Washington Post
Find Area Codes for Listings from Washington Post Classified Ad

r911

"galvainzing was only done starting in 1976."
- Actually it started in the early 1970's and completely covered the car by about 1977. I researched this and posted it on Pleican if you want to search.

- I would pick an ealry car from 1970-1973, with the top being the '72 -- each year has some good features not in the others.

The '74 is good year if you can tolerate less rustproofing and the bumpers.

I would avoid '75-'77 unless you are, and know enough to be extra extra careful. Super bargains can be had for those years tho.

Otherwise, get yourself an SC and yes be careful about taking it to Mexico.

fluque

I was out of the country for a few days but now I'm back on my search.

umfan866: It is a weird criteria but I apparently there's no way around it other than waiting a couple of years. Thanks for the lead, I emailed this guy.

rabdywebb: If I understand correctly the main problem with '75-77 cars is basically the 2.7 lt. engine. Are there other fatal problems with these models? So in terms of rust proofing after '76 is better

I'll be shifting my search to include earlier cars. However, I found a 1974 converted to a wide body and 3.0 lt. engine but unfortunately it appears to have rust issues even under the hood. There's also a nice 1976 911S (Euro) imported from Germany about 2 years ago. Drove the car, feels good but as you said it's got the 2.7 engine and I'm a bit spooked. Are German specs cars any better than US for ‘76?

Taking the car to South of the border is not as bad as it used to be but it will draw attention and that's not necessarily good. Fancier cars can be spotted frequently in Mexico City though (I was just there and saw a 360 Modena and a Maybach)

Adrian

Why not look for an imported model year 1976 or 1977 911 Carrera 3.0 litre?
I know there are some floating around in the USA.
Ciao,
Adrian.

fluque

I've seen two advertised, both Targas and going for $15-$18.5k. Does having a 76-77 3.0 engine avoids the problems that plagued the '75-76 US 911's and that make them so unpopular? I've also noticed that Euro car sellers mention that these versions faster than the US.

Adrian

Well I am not one that believes in the plague problem. The 2.7 litre engine had issues, but so did and does every other Porsche. It's called the fun of owning a Porsche. Here in Europe the problems were far less reported and complained about.
Anyway back to the Carrera 3.0 litre. The engine has 200HP (I have no idea what US Federalisation does to these cars). The engine uses an aluminium case with 2.7 litre internals except the bits needed to make 3-litres of course.
The Carrera 3.0 litre is the least known and most ignored of all 911s. Some books do not even mention it, but if I could get hold of one I would.
Ciao,
Adrian.

r911

other fatal problems - no
just the rust liklihood that was reduced each year

the engine is not always fatal - if you are careful you can get a great deal since many are scared off.
avoid Calif. cars and try for one from OR or Wash. - cooler and less pollution stuff on the motor to begin with

fluque

Is the 76-77 Carrera 3.0 litre engine similar to the subsequent '78+ SC models? I reviewed Peter Zimmerman's book but there's no mention of this model as it was not sold in the US.

Pedro356C

I had a rustfree 1965 Porsche and I've seen P-cars from the 90s starting to rust...galvanized bodies are better protected but you never know about the car's past...where it has been parking on the last 30 years? Regardless of year, have the body inspected by a reliable shop...a leakdown/compression test is also key!

As far as the early cars...I'd get a 1970/71 911S...more than cool!

Good luck...