bcgreen

Dream cars are just that, dream cars. Can't afford them, at least not the ones I grew up with.
So clarify what you mean about the Porsche of days past vs the GT. I am just wanting to pick your brain and experience, so I can build upon mine. Do you recommend another model other than the 911S?

Ed Hughes

I cannot see any car as an investment. I know many have shot up the last few years, but a nice meltdown in Europe with fallout in the US could change all of that. Having said that, there was a time a couple of year's ago, when cars looked a lot more tempting than what I was getting from my stock portfolio, let alone Calif RE. I was sorely tempted, at least for some diversification. I'd say, if you can afford it, and you love a car, cut a deal you're happy with-then enjoy it, and you can always hope for the best.

bcgreen

Thanks
Nice boat

masterdave

By Porsche's of days past im referring to any thing say pre 993. The Ford GT is in my opinion a new car as it was made in the past 10 years. I would consider it on the same level as a 996 or 997. In terms of pure speed and power the older 911's wont be able to compete with it. As ED has pointed out cars are a risky investment. Prices are all over the place and unpredictable. Unlike most things sports car prices are based on nothing more than people. There are few things that are pure luxuries like a 100K car. There are lots of options other than the 911S, there is the 911T and E. There are also the 911SC/Carrera era cars and one of my favorites the 911 Speedster.

Lapkritis

I'm taking the bait on that post.

Supply and demand .... people determine the price of everything.

There are an abundance of luxury items at $100k. You could spend the money on acreage in the boondocks. You could buy boat, an expensive painting, put in a wine cellar and fill it with rarities or start a wristwatch collection if that's what you're into... many options for investments that empirical evidence shows as appreciating. If you're here talking instead about vintage autos then chances are that once upon a time you caught a whiff of petrol and didn't turn your nose up to it. For me personally, I would diversify if I were at a point in my life where I were sitting on $100k of personal play money... probably half on the car, painting and nice watch. Just my $.02. In each case I would consult a professional expert prior to purchase (I'd avoid internet experts such as myself). Doing otherwise would be equal to putting your money in a neat little pile and lighting it.

Brian 96C2

Do you know about the '74-76 Carrera 2.7 model? These cars have been just about neck and neck in value with the 2.4 S models. The Carrera 2.7 is the first of the impact bumper cars so their styling in not as attractive as the long hood 911, but (IMHO) the engine more than makes up for this. The engine in the Carrera is the same as was used on the '73 Carrera RS. A good one that has been sorted out correctly is an absolute blast to drive.

The '74 model was delivered with the signature rear ducktail spoiler, unless it was originally ordered without it. The '76 Carrera 2.7 was a homologation special and only 113 coupes were made. These are actually an RS model. In the future these will be ones to own, but of course are hard to find.

I think you will hard pressed though to find what I would consider a good to great condition 2.4 S or Carrera 2.7 model for around $100K or less. That doesn't mean you should give up though. As you continue to learn more about these cars and shop around you may indeed prove me wrong. I hope so.

Brian 96C2

The collectible car market resoundingly disagrees with you. The Ford GT is one of the few modern supercars that began increasing in value within the first 10 yrs of production (another example is the Ferrari F40). There is no comparison to a 996 or 997. Maybe a better but still imperfect comparison in the Porsche world would be the Carrera GT.

Ed Hughes

Finding a well sorted 2.7....therein lies the rub.

bcgreen

I will add the Carrera 2.7 to my list as I am looking. More choices, either way I hope I come up with something.
Thanks

theiceman

cars can certainly be investments ... but unfortunately 99.9 % of the time they are bad ones

Peter Zimmermann

Don't forget, the '74-76 Carreras mentioned, with the 2.7 liter engine and MFI, were not imported into the US. The '74/75 models were also prone to rust issues after spending their early life in places like Germany. If you find one of these models, it must be presented with DOT and EPA certification papers; if it doesn't have them, the car may have been brought into the US under the radar and might prove to be difficult/impossible to register in states like CA. On the other hand, the 1974/75 USA Carreras are simply fitted with that year's 911S engine, and the '74 has a duck tail rear spoiler, and the '75 has F&R spoilers. Both models have rear flares similar to those on 911SC cars, and are fitted with wider rear wheels.

There was no "Carrera" for the US in '76/77, when the mighty 930, aka the "Turbo Carrera", appeared.

bcgreen

This is the info I got today, tell me what you think in light of what you've posted:

Among all the 911s, a few models have achieved elevated status and desirability. One of them is the early 2.7-liter Ducktail Carrera. A total of 528 US version Carreras were built in 1974.

These cars were derived from the 2.7 RS Touring and Lightweight cars from the previous year to be a limited run of high-performance USA market road cars. Additionally, the US spec Carreras were able to retain the beautiful 'Ducktail' rear spoiler from the 1973 RS cars which was unavailable in 1974 on the European version cars.

The 1974 models were unique in that they did not have thermal reactors and did not suffer from the excessive heat and related problems that the later 2.7 engines were known to have.

Brian 96C2

Most states that I know of have a 30 yr exemption so an MFI Carrera shouldn't be a big deal to get registered. There are certainly less of these cars in the States than a 2.4 S model now,but there are some to be found for sure.

Peter Zimmermann

1974/75 USA Carreras do not have the power or engine "music" of the Euro model Carreras with MFI, but are considerably smoother cars to drive.

Brian 96C2

The US Carreras are significantly less collectible than the MFI models because as Pete states they lack the 'magic'. I have seen quite a few excellent examples of these cars, they are out there.

You can certain tell my bias, but hopefully you will have an opportunity to see and drive some of these various models and make up your own mind what to spend your money on.

Be sure to check the Early S forum for car events/shows in your area so you can see some of these cars for yourself and speak with the owners. Every week there is a fantastic Cars and Coffee in Irvine. Many classic Porsches show up for this event.