rop3

I know this is a wide open quetion, but have been toying with the idea of a late sixties early seventies 911. What are the more desierable years, and what will be more fun to drive re: weight/power if restored to original spec?

Not to familiar with the older cars, not looking to find the rarest model either. Just a good starting point.

Thanks

Norske

I would look for 72/73 prior to CIS.

ked

condition trumps model yr.
the more examples you consider, the more likely you will uncover a car & deal that suits your plan.
you do have a plan, don't you?

"what will be more fun to drive re: weight/power if restored to original spec?"
hard to respond - does fun-to-drive always & only equate w/ original p:w ratio?

I'd get some hands-on experience w/ these cars (meaning long-nose models from '69-73, maybe include mid-yrs ('74-77) if you'd do a thorough rebuild / restore & NOT to original spec) before going much further. or just buy a decent driver 911T for the experience before dropping 6 figures into a '72 or '73 S project.

g-50cab

If you are going for original/stock restore I'd look for either a 1972 or 1973 "E" or "S"

Look for Rust - get Pete Zimmerman's Book and good hunting.

Not sure your location - but if you are in California - and you want to make a hot rod - I'd look for a nice pre 1975 so you don't have to worry about emissions and go to town.

ivangene

way outta my $$$$ league

rockrimmon

I'd be divorced if I did that.

Tom

ked

"I'd be divorced if I did that."
win / win?

6 figures is an approximation...
donor car + parts + labor + equipt, materials & space + opp cost of the sunken "investment".
lotsa ways to cost less... or more.
one technique long favored by enthusiasts is to "do the work themselves" & not acct for their labor. sometimes this makes sense when that's time & $ you'd otherwise spend on a psychotherapist's couch or pursuing grounds for divorce.
selective memory loss can also work... for instance, just count each attempt at rebuilding / restoring / acquiring the wrong parts for a major subsystem once.
so does mis-categorizing ... apply that $8k bill from the pro shop that you eventually take it to for "final touches & tuning" to "regular maint."
then there's the "factor-in projected massive investment return" strategy. that will dig you out of a huge hole - as long as you never try to sell it.

{& btw, for me, the fun-to-drive aspect is totally devoid of numerical calculation}

whalebird

I agree with KED. Establishing a final objective helps on the front end of the process. Each year has specific qualities you should consider: short wheel base, transmission, suspension, carb/injection etc. The 72-73 cars are nice with the 915 gearbox. power/weight is a fine measing stick, but the "quality" of power is unique in the early cars as a RS spec 2.4 will scream past 7000rpm - nothing compares to the flexibility and responce of a well tuned early car. The song they sing is hypnotic.
That being said, a 72/73 is an easy(relativly) swap with a 3.0 SC/3.2 Carrera motor and the same alloy suspension components to make a sweet lightweight/responsive driver. Any option you choose can be an expensive venture and the current market on the early cars begs responsibility. Your final objective - track, investment, daily driver, RS tribute etc. will simplify things. In any case you want to find a good condition car to start with as Ked states.

rusnak

I'm not even married, but I'd divorce myself if I did that. Those are the most sought after years. Given a barn find or some great deal, probably worth it after a 10 year restoration.

ricster

I'd be divorced if I did that.

Tom

Tom, sounds like a great incentive

rockrimmon

Not for me. I'm still on Wife 1.0 after 23 years. Still looking good for the long run.

Tom

ked

"I'm still on Wife 1.0 after 23 years. Still looking good for the long run."

that proves it - focus on high quality & pay attention to regular maintenance.


update: here's the kinda "1st old 911" I'd look into...
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...1970-911t.html

Ed Hughes

OK, I'll throw out another possibility-a Carrera backdated with some fat removed. 1/2 the 6 figure price tag with a few more ponies thrown in.

whalebird

Ed, where do you come up with these crazy ideas?

rop3

Just a thought right now don't know much about the earlier cars, so no plan as of yet. but once I commit it will be well planned out. Just looking for a starting point i.e. donor car if any years are more desirable assuming like condition.

Thanks