PeteL

Hi All:
I am a regular on the 944 board. But a friend knows I am into Porsches and asked me for opinions.
He is looking at a 79 911 SC Targa, the description follows. Owner is asking 9500. Deal or no deal? What else should he look for?

Thanks!

1979 Porsche 911SC Targa, Red with black interior. 71,000 original miles
The car is in very good condition with new tires, no rust. It is a European model with a galvanized body.
The paint is not original but overall is in great condition. The Targa top is in good condition, no leaks.
Comes off and folds. All trim is present.
The interior is in good condition, original front seats no tears. The bottom seat section of the back seats are a bit frayed.
No cracks in dash board, original radio. A/C unit has been removed (currently sitting in trunk)
by previous owner and heater is not hooked up.
There is a small oil leak on the hose connection to the oil tank. Owner says this is normal for this model.
Car drives well, shifts through all gears, does not appear to smoke when revved.
Owner asking 9500.00. What should I look for? Is this a fair deal?

Amber Gramps

I think that is a year where the first thing you do is pull the valve covers off and see how many headstuds fall to the ground. but even before that you buy Peter Zimmermann's book "The Used 911 Story" 'cause just because it's half price now, doesn't mean it's gonna stay that way long....

Peter Zimmermann

Douglas: You hit the nail directly on its head! The first thing is to look for broken head studs... the '79 car is one of the higher risk models.

Oil leaks at hose connections are NOT normal.

Trader220

Its an ROW car so the mileage can be suspect too. When was the speedo changed and how many KM's were on it before the swap? Why was the car repainted, what kind of job was it?

Hard to say if 9500 is a deal or a nightmare.

PeteL

Thanks..am passing the comments along to my buddy.
Is it difficult to pull the valve covers? Will the engine give any indications of bad head studs without pulling the covers?

Peter Zimmermann

Not always.. the covers should always be removed. Also, a professional PPI should also be done, and the head stud exam can be done at the same time.

old man neri

A PPI would be quite useful.

PeteL

The car and potential buyer in NC near Cherry Point he does not know of a good Porsche mechanic, but I am encouraging him to get a PPI...he still needs to know what to look for.

Peter Zimmermann

Find and click on "Search" at the top of the page. Type in "Pre Purchase Inspection by Peter Zimmermann" and it will link you to my PPI article...

GothingNC

Check for damage/rust since it was a repaint.

How long ago was the car painted?

Seems like a decent price if the motor checks out and the mileage is true.

John