ctr2

if you weren't willing to get a grey market car then there would be "no" 73 or 74 rs's in the US

Dino944

There are lots of great cars in the US, that were never intended for the US market...365GTBB/512BB Ferraris, Lamborghinis from the very late 70- early 80's, Porsche 959s, and the McLaren F1. Again a few companies like Amerispec did a great job of converting cars that they worked on. Unfortunately, there were not enough companies like Amerispec that did great work. Furthermore, when it came to less expensive vehicles that had US counterparts cars like the BMW 6 series, Porsche 911s, 930s, and Ferrari 308s & 328s, the Euro conversions tended to be on a more strict budget and the work manship was often quite shoddy.

So again, thanks but I'll pass on any gray market car, particularly those that have US spec cars available that were built to the manufacturers standards.

WERK-I

The perpetuation of the myth continues.....something that was true 25 years ago people cling to it in a Zen-like grip.

There are 930 grey-market cars registered in California now because people bought the '76-'79 or '87-'89 930 parts necessary to make them legal off Evil-bay or some flea market because people in other states removed that emissions crap. By now, every grey-market Porsche has been registered in at least two states, insurance companies have no problem in offering insurance for these cars, and Porsche shops/tuners have no problems working on these cars. Any bad U.S. spec conversion has long since been corrected because any bad work done sure as heck isn't going to last 25 years.

It's the 21st Century, the markets have become even more global. Thanks to the internet, buyers come from every corner of the globe, let alone every state in the U.S. We now have people from Europe coming to the U.S. buying collector cars due to the weakness of the dollar.

Listen, the adage; buy the newest and best Porsche you can afford, still applies to this day. If you spot an '81 930 that's in better shape than an '87 for the same price, get the '81.

Dino944

Sorry but its not a myth. As mentioned previously, there are some cars that did have quality conversions, Amerispec did fantastic work on the cars they handled. The problem was lots of cheap shoddy work was done on many gray cars. In addition, the conversions often involved more than just smog stuff, (bumpers, side markers, gauges etc....hmmm wonder how many of those cars had "odometer massages?"), so big deal that now the smog stuff can be yanked out in several states, sorry but I just don't need a car that was jury rigged by the lowest bidder. As for all the bad work being done being corrected, one has to hope so, but I wouldn't count on it...I've seen plenty of deferred maintenance Euros ...so those cars may or may not have had certain work repaired over the years hopefully by more caring owners along the way.

As for seeing an '81 930 in better shape than an 87, feel free to go for the 81. These cars are a bit more plentiful than 959s ; ) so it would merely mean the right car hasn't come along for me. Thanks again, but I'll pass on a Euro.

In the end, you and I will have to agree to dissagree, and luckily there are enough Euros and US spec cars to please all tastes.

fletcher0780

The car I'm looking at was imported by European Auto Sales in 4/83. Anyone ever hear of them? The car looks very original, the only problem I saw was the dash pad lifting above the vents. I looked at an 88 triple black cab tonight, but it was a bit ragged had oil leaks and needed paint work.

WERK-I

Nope, never heard of them. A lot of the importers saw their business go in the tank in that era because Porsche got heat from the U.S. dealers for selling cars through the "backdoor" and because the Porsche 930 once again became available in dealerships.

fletcher0780

Well, I put a deposit on an 50k mile 87 930 that was maintained and modified by "Cheech" at Rennwerke since 97. got a B&B dual exhaust, stainless headers/ heat exchangers, Kokeln intercooler, 1 bar boost spring, etc. We'll see what happens...

iwaptr

That sounds like the car Autosport is selling.Been for sale a long time on many sites.Definitely get a full PPI.

fletcher0780

Do you know anything about it? It is priced incredibly high, but he worked with me on the price.

iwaptr

Sorry I don't have any info on the car other than like I said it's been for sale a long time.Good luck.

onboost

fletcher0780.. keep your eyes peeled. There are a number of cars out there for sale right now and you should be able to find something within your price range. PPI of course will be important for any.

On the issue of grey market, a huge number of the cars you run across will be grey market cars. The 930 was officially imported 78 & 79 then again for 87,88,89. So you have 6yrs of these cars being privately imported and a lot of them turn up. If it's a clean PPi and a really nice car, I wouldn't hesitate..You will find some out there with the old DOT & EPA certs, others well??

Good luck!!

Dino944

The 930 was actually reintroduced to the US in 1986. So you would have cars from 78, 79 and 86-89 to consider for non-gray market vehicles.

Best regards,
Dino

fletcher0780

I bought the 87 930 listed here: http://www.autosportdesigns.com/Sale...s.aspx?ID=1643 but obviously not for the listed price. I drove the car 200 miles today and have only two complaints so far.

1. The recaro seats are very uncomfortable for a 6ft 200lb guy, they squeeze the hell out of my hips and make my legs go numb. I think I'll put the originals in and try to find some nice seat covers. Anyone want some like new recaro seats?

2. the boost gauge is inop. It pegs when the key is turned on. I assume the sending unit is bad, but have no experience in even locating it any suggestions??

A930Rocket

Good looking car Fletch. If you don't fit in those seats, there's no way my
6' 4" fat *** is.

fletcher0780

They look nice, but are designed for a small person for sure. I just need to find some covers for the original seats, as they are a bit worn.