Mark Hubley

Hello,

I'm looking at purchasing a 1974 911. I only got a quick look on Sunday, and this week I hope to get a closer look as well as a pre-purchase inspection. One question I have is, "How can I tell whether the car is a 911, a 911S, or a Carerra?" It has a targa top. Does that make any difference?

Anyone care to take a minute and give me some hints on the big things to look out for?

Thanks,

Mark

RJT

Mark....
AS a former owner of a 74, the "big" thing I would make very sure of is if the motor has been rebuilt with all the right stuff. Chain tensioner update is essential. 74s were better than 75-77s because of not having the thermal reactors,egr etc. But still had problems with the studs pulling out of the magnesium case. I went through mine and drove it 12 years without any problems! The other potential problem would be the 29 year old targa top. Not too many older targas out there that doesn't have a water leak or wind noise situation. I'm sure someone will respond that their targa doesn't leak, but I think that's a pretty rare car!
Good Luck.....

Mark Hubley

By the way, I might be able to buy the car for about $8500. If it is mechanically in decent shape, and I do some sprucing up, do you think it could then be sold for a profit?

RJT

Hi Mark...
I had to leave before I finished the previous reply to your question. Really only way to destinguish a 74 911, 911S and Carrera is the VIN #. A 911 Targa VIN# would be between 9114110001 and 9114113110. An S Targa would be 9114310001 and 9114310898. A Carrera Targa would be 9114610001 and 9114610433. The price you stated is in the ballpark for a car that has been re-done some time ago but is probably due some freshening. I wouldn't speculate on whether or not you could "make a profit" on reselling the car.

Doug&Julie

I wouldn't gamble with any '74 - '77 911 if you're trying to re-sell it to make a profit. Most Porsche people steer away from those cars and will advise others to stay away from those cars. When working properly, they're great cars, but as many others will tell you (and have told you), they're the most problematic of all the 911s. That's why you'll find them for such good prices.

Having said that, the '74 is definitely the better of the group from a motor standpoint. Heat is the big enemy of the magnesium motors, and the thermal reactors put off A LOT of heat. But for rust protection, you'll want a '77 or newer. I would be sure the car you're looking at is at least an "S".

For more information, try this website:

<a href="http://www.middleyear911.com/" target="_blank">http://www.middleyear911.com/</a>

Good luck!

Mark Hubley

I probably shouldn't have used the phrase "make a profit." The deal is that my wife and I have some money in savings that we are putting toward a bigger house. We hope to upgrade in a year or two. I saw this car for sale, and I wonder if I could buy it, get some experience with a 911, and do a little fixing up. When the time comes to buy the new house, perhaps I could get a little return on my investment, or at least get back what I put in.

As with any investment, I understand there is risk. Who knows what could happen with a car! My money isn't doing anything in a savings account, but on the other hand, at least I'm not losing money.

I have plans for a PPI on Thursday, and it will be interesting to see what the mechanic says. I guess I'm more interested in having some fun with the car, and not so worried about the money.

Thanks for all the input, and if anyone has anything else to add, please do!

Cheers,

Mark

Mark Hubley

If I'm going to be fooling around with a 911 I guess I also need to learn to spell Carrera!

RJT

Mark....Let us know what the PPI reveals. I love my 993, no question, but there is a part of me that actually misses my 74!! There is no finer sound than a 2.7 motor with headers at mid rpm!
<img border="0" alt="[jumper]" title="" src="graemlins/jumper.gif" />

Doug&Julie

I would still caution that the '74 - '77 911s are hard to sell. I've seen some advertised for YEARS and not selling. I hate to be a killjoy, but if you buying thinking of selling again before too long, I wouldn't.

Having said that, I would still say if this car passes the PPI it could be a very fun car! Some say despite the impact bumpers of these cars, they still retain a lighter feel than the later Carreras.

Do keep us posted!

RJT

I'm not saying I want my 74 back. AND I would advise someone to stear clear of a 75, 76 and 77, definately! But a 74 that's been rebuilt with all the updates that need to be done, is a very nice ride. A 74 that still needs all the work done will be a financial headache. As I said earlier my 74 was completely "done" and as such, it sold in 3 hours after putting it up for sale......$14,000. This was in 2000.
Just be sure you are not buying someone else's problem! OR be prepared to FIX IT.

Mark Hubley

Robert,

How many miles were on the car when you sold it?

Mark

RJT

165,000

pwd72s

Mark, I've followed the used 911 market for more than a few years. Car condition is all important regarding to the selling price. But beyond that? There are only a few 911 Models I've spotted an upward trend on, the '67-73 "S", the RS, and then we get into old race cars of the "if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it" class. A bigger home is a better thing to save for than buying a 1974 911. Now, if you really "need" to have a Porsche, as many of us do, that's fine. Just don't try to kid yourself that it's something you might turn a profit, or maintain value on. My car is a '72S. I could sell it for a LOT more than I paid for it. But it's not an investment, because I would have done much better in a broad based index fund over the same 29 year time span, and I wouldn't have had storage, service, insurance, and repair costs. If you want the car, buy it...as the toy & fun hobby it is! I sure don't have any regrets, despite the $ I could have made by investing the money elsewhere...and I'm still loving the same old beater...a 1972 911S!

Mark Hubley

Hello everyone,

First off, thank you all very much for taking the time to offer very helpful advice. The people on Rennlist are great!

For good or bad, I did not have the opportunity to make a decision on the car. I was planning on a PPI this morning, but yesterday evening the "owner" called to cancel the deal. Apparently the car is "in his wife's name" and she does not want to sell. I did not ask for any details.

Oh well, I learned a lot from your posts. My only regret is that I didn't at least get a test drive. I was planning to do that this morning.

In the meantime, my 944 is running well and looking good. I have hoped that in a few years I can purchase a nice 964 or 968.

Cheers,

Mark

Doug&Julie

Damn...I was hoping to hear good news!

Good luck in your future searches. In the meantime, keep that 944 beautiful!