Rich Osborne

I have a 1970 911S Targa with matching numbers - a collectible classic that should be getting more valuable over time. Due to my own ignorance of what rust problems cost, I paid way too much for it, considering the condition it was in. Even though I have made a jillion fixes/restorations, there is still a long list of things that need to be done to the car. I obviously, in hindsight bought the wrong car, but I am now in for considerable money and I am wondering if I should continue to pour money into this car. I would rate the car a 4.3 on a 5 point scale. I think I am getting close to being competitive in the local Zone concours. However, at Parade, I took a long look at the concours cars in my class and I don't have a chance at getting this car to be competitive on the National level. So, my dilemma. I would not be able to recoup the money spent by selling it. Do I do stop the spending, do I continue to restore as time/money allows, or do I accept my mistake and sell it? Obviously, each alternative has many pros and cons associated ith it. I would appreciate your personal experience as to why you did or did not continue to spend money on restoration.

ked

a) if you want to concours a car, and be a winner, start w/ one that is already in (or very nearly in) the condition required to be a winner. if this car won't meet that criteria for you, sell it now, trying to minimize any $ loss.

b) if the car is a good driver, and you like driving it, then drive it! lots! this will amortize your $ investment via pleasurable experience.

anyway, here's how I'd approach it... I'd put a for sale sign on it, & enjoy every moment driving it to search for the concours-capable car I REALLY want. no telling, you might run into someone w/ a "garage queen" who REALLY wants a driver...

Jay H

Rich:

I agree with both of Kevin's points above.

These guys that concours professionally and win have started with exceptional cars right from the beginning or have dumped quite a bit of cash into their car.

I know two gentlemen in my region that concours at the National level. One of the individuals bought his car new in 1985, drove it a little, then started concours participation and basically stopped driving it and started storing it in a bag. His car is perfect and he spends hours on it. But, he still sometimes looses to the "pro" guys that buy perfect cars that ship them to companies that specialize in concours prep.

You could certainly stop spending huge amounts of cash on your car, start driving it (to get some enjoyment out of all the money you have spent) and concours it at the local level (which still can be fun and competitive - age and mileage can get you points). I think you would have to put quite a bit of money into a car to get it perfect if you are talking about your car having rust damage. Then when the time comes, either sell it for the perfect concours car, or buy a second car strictly for concours events.

Best of luck,
Jay

Roland Kunz

Hello

Porsches where made to play on dirty roads.

Ferraris where made for display

Grüsse

H. D. Smith

I agree...JUST DRIVE IT! <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

pwd72s

Let's see, I have 3 kings and a Jack,,and a trey...I've bet a lot, but the other guy just bumped me...what to do?

soterik

Rich,

You don't state the current problems you perceive the car to have to be competetive....are you going to start again from ground zero? Or is it details...(is your paint perfect?), etc.

Why not bring the car to Cambria for the RGruppe meet next weekend, and let a few people look at the car and give you opinions....

To be competetive at the Parade level takes a very big wallet if your car was pretty rough to start with....even if you can do a lot of the work yourself...

regards,
Eric

Martin S.

Blow off that "girly" concours stuff and take the car to the track!!! Sorry concours folks, I just had to let that one fly! <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

Carlos Artal

My 2 cents worth of anti-concourse yadada... (no flaming please)..

So what is the point on buying the best sports car in the world (regardless of model /year), and have it locked inside the garage in one of those "carcoon" thingies.
I believe top concourse to be a parade of fat egos, trying to get external approval.

Porsches were made to drive (fast). Can you imagine buying a race horse, just to show your friends you have it?

My point... keep it, drive it, take care of it, bring it as close as possible to perfection, and enjoy the pleasure of others telling you how good the car looks & DRIVES!

As someone said... enjoy today, it´s later than you think

ked

Concourse are good things, I enjoy them & I am glad people support them through participation - even to the point of absurdity. There are alot of positve "second order consequences" for all of us (knowledge base on what "original" really is, availability of obscure parts, support for fringe craftsmen, preservation of important examples, etc.). I don't think I could cost-effectively restore my '59 356A if it weren't for the collector - concourse "market".

Beyond all that, the extremes some people go to are STILL cheaper (& possibly more effective) for them than psychotherapy. My suggestion; be thoughtful when judging how others enjoy their "Porsche experience" - just work on enjoying one's own.