mdonline

I don't know much about old Porsches but have always want to own a early 1970's Porsche for the look of it. Someone is telling me that he bought a completely restored 1971 911 for $46k. He did some additional racing upgrades to the car and now wants to sell it for $50.

Is that possible for a 1971 911 to cost $46k assuming that the car underwent a top notch, over the top, 10/10 restoration?

What questions should I ask? What should I look for, etc...?

Ed Hughes

Yes, a 1971 could cost more too, depending on the model and history. You need to do some reading, there are a ton of books on what to look for and that varies based on model year. To ask this on a thread is almost counterproductive. You need to buy some books and start reading.

You may also want to provide a few more details about the car.

JackOlsen

Prices for longhood cars have been on a protracted bump in the last five years or so. Early S models frequently sell in the eighties -- sometimes much higher. E and T models are often in the 30-60K range. The prices are probably going to come back down a little with the economy doing what it's doing, but the early car market is now a collectible market, which means racing mods hurt a longhood's value (broadly speaking), not help it. The top end of the market is for original, unmolested examples. Very period-specific 'sports-purpose' mods can add value in some cases, but that's when you add old and rare parts, not modern go-fast stuff. Matching numbers (engine/chassis) and things like original paint and original and unusual options are what make the valuable ones so valuable.

This hasn't always been the case. Early cars used to be the cheap and light starting point for building a hot rod or race car 911. When I crashed my car at Laguna Seca in 2002, I picked up my rust free 1972 tub for $3,500. Nowadays, I'd probably have to get a 1974-1989 chassis instead, backdating it with earlier body pieces. Early tubs are too valuable.

abe

If I were to buy a car completely top notch restored....I would prefer stock and not racing modifications.
That said, I agree witht the above...read,read, read. In that age group, my personal preference is the last years model...a 73. Also, check out other prices in the net...I think the market is much softer now than a year ago. I have seeing the same cars for sale for months, where as before it would disappear quickly. I think Pete Zimmerman's book is helpful if you want to get educated.
abe

Edgy01

Sadly, many of the cars from that era are being fabricated from spare parts bins and viola! They turn from a very common T to an S. You have to do your homework when you start paying that kind of money for a 71.

r911

"for the look of it."

in that case, you can buy a nice SC or Carrera and backdate the sheet metal - you will have a faster car, same looks and it will NOT rust -- see Pelican bbs for more info