Hello guys, I posted this on the 944 board. Hope someone can help.
A relative's neighbor has an '86 911 that he NEVER drives. Seems it was his pride and joy and was stolen and stripped a few years ago. It's a salvage -he bought it back and had it rebuilt from scratch. Very low miles on a rebuilt engine - totally stock. It looks VERY clean, exquisite really. He wants to sell, but is having remorse about it. "been his baby, now never drives it because it might get stolen again and he couldn't stand it" etc. My relative said he asked him about it a while ago and he mentioned $13 or 14,000. Anyone know much about this car?
It is a sort of Rust colored orange-ish. I'm sorry, not conversant with this car/color. Original paint (they stole the engine, seats, stereo, wheels, etc. left it on blocks) Paint is perfect - damned near. Polished Fuchs, black leather, no rips, no dash cracks. Ideas?
What's it worth? What good/bad about this year? I assume the year could be off (possibly slighty older) What can you tell me? And yes, I know a PPI would be mandatory if I actually go for it. Your advice appreciated -Dan
P.S. I'm interested in it as a permanent keeper, not to turn a profit or short term. I've always wanted an older 911S. Original 60's to '72 - if this helps.

 

You might want to check Excellence Magazine, they publish market values and would be good source.

$13-14k sounds like GREAT deal for the car you describe. I would expect this car to go for somewhere around $17-18k.

All depends on the PPI as you already mentioned.

 

Be very careful of the Salvage title. Nothing is forever and resale will be very tough. This car would not pull $17-$18K with salvage title.

Good Luck

Jeff C
81 SC

 

I agree about be apprehensive about the salvage title. I think the general opinion is salvage title = damaged goods. However, it sounds like you have personal knowledge of the car and the owner. If the car was repaired correctly it could be a very nice model. You mentioned you thinking long term, that is the only way to go with a car like that, in my opinion. With that said, I suggest driving an 87-89 to see compare the 915 in the 86 to the G50 transmission of the newer model; since that's the main difference between the two. Just because something is a good deal doesnt mean it's right for you.

Best of luck either way!

Chris

81 SC

 

Oops, sorry missed that this was salvage.

Yeah, a salvage title can be a problem.

 

I think the stigma related to salvaged title vehicles is rooted in salvaged title due to collisions and the possibility of frame damage, etc. If it's salvaged title because it's been stripped, then all you really have to worry about is the quality of the replacement parts and the quality of their installation. Shoot, by purchasing this car, you may be getting a great deal if the seller replaced the stolen items w/ new (in better condition than the originals) genuine Porsche items.

 

For the moment I'll assume the $13-14K is an accurate asking price and further assume it is because the owner knows it won't pull $17-18 with the salvage title.

I have read that the SC is considered super reliable -why? What years are "SC's" I knew there was a displacement change from 3.0 to 3.2 but in what year and which is more desireable? Someone on the 944 board wrote that there are rod bolt issues with the 3.2(?) Correct? Overstated?

I don't know about the G50 trans. Can someone explain to this to the newbie?, what is the improvement and why do I want it? Is this nice-to-have or a got-to-have? I won't be racing it. It would likely be a daily or frequent driver and pampered - I tend to be pretty **** about my cars.

Any other rules of thumb you can offer would be appreciated. -Dan

 

Check out the tech pages on this site, lots of answers to tons of questions. Here is the link to the trans debate: <a href="http://tech.rennlist.com/911/pdf/915_vs_G50.PDF" target="_blank">http://tech.rennlist.com/911/pdf/915_vs_G50.PDF</a>

Overall the newer cars are easier to drive every day and as they get more refined every year.

Chris

81 SC

 

An '86 is not an SC, it's a Carrera 3.2L, which were sold from '84 to '89. These are wonderful cars. The '87-'89 are coveted because they have the G-50 transmission, but an '86 is nice too. Very similar to the '87 except for the tranny.

I wonder if, since this car was stripped & the drive train removed, whether in rebuilding the car the seller had the G-50 transmission installed, or if it kept the car true to its year? In any event, and the salvage title aside, a low mileage '86 Carrera in excellent condition should fetch over $20,000, so $13-14k would be a great buy.

Getting rid of the car may be a pain; or, you may simply keep the car for a long time and eventually transform it into a great DE or track car.

Good luck!

Richard
'87 Carrera-3.6L <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

 

Thanks Richard for the info. If it gets to that point I'll find out for certain if the G50 trans was put in or a stock replacement.

If I actaully buy the car it will never be a track car. Show and shine is more my style.

Sounds as if this car MIGHT be a good deal. I'll post if the relative's neighbor ever gets off the fence and decide to set a firm price. Thank all for the advice, it was sound advice just like all Rennlist info has been to date. -Dan