Robert B

Hello all,
I have a bead on a nice 1978 Euro that I am considering. Apart from the smog parts (that they don't have) what other things should I ask about? I think the early Euro models did not come with A/C but I don't know much on the other options.
Anything in particular with the Euro models or are they basically the same?
I have owned a US 1978 and would like to get the most original good condition I can find and this one fits the bill. Will I have an issue getting plates for it since the Vin # is different than the US models (I live in Florida).
Thanks in advance for any help.
Robert

Robert B

Forgot to click instant email notification

danglerb

78 Euro and US are the same for all practical purposes, even the vin is the same. US got whatever smog was required in the US from the factory, Euro imports got them at random from whoever did the importing and federalizing.

Lights on the fenders behind the wheels, light back left of the license plate, KM on the speedo, but nothing really that isn't cosmetic.

Robert B

How about the speedometer. Was it in KPH with MPH on the inside, of MPH with KPH on the inside?

danglerb

Euro in Europe was I'm not sure, but once imported that was changed to US version (odometer changed too, so true mileage is rarely known). Also imported cars and US cars were frequently altered, removing smog, putting in Euro parts like head lights etc.

LeRox

BR,

What made me feel more comfortable w/ my purchase were maintenance records and hopefully this will shed some light on the vehicle your interested in, good luck...

Robert B

Should have posted this here, anyway here it is.
Anyway update on the Euro I was looking at. It was converted in 84, and the instrument panel switched to MPH. But the speedometer is not working and it only reads 14K miles. The 928 does look good, but the owner claimed lower miles (60K) and by my calculation it should be at minimum over 75K miles.
So I am pondering the purchase. It does have all its paperwork though. I just don't know. I have always been told to listen to my gut, but unfortunately I was not listening when it told me what to do!
From the condition of the 928 it just does not look like it went through so many miles. The import paperwork claimed 57K but it did not state miles or kilometers. Would anyone know if the folks at the docks knew how to convert kph to mph back then? hehehe
It would make much more sense that it was 57K kilometers unless someone put 57K miles in 5 years.
Anyway, any input from the board?
More updates, heard from Roger, says he will sell me his Cashmere 928. Going to call him tomorrow and have the talk. I also need to see pictures. Mechanically I know the 928 is in top shape if Roger had his hands on it!
I also called the guy that bought mine a few years back. I have yet to here from him.
So I have decisions to make!

Robert B

If you look hard enough you start to see things that bother you. First was the switch to MPH but I can live with that. The fact that the speedo does not work bothers me. Then I see the rear quarter lights, at first I didn't give it a second look but now I see what is wrong. It looks like to make it legal for the states they installed these lights. They look the part but are not flush with the body,
So I have two questions:
1. Anyone else have these on their Euro import?
2. Do you think they are just reflectors? (I will call and ask tomorrow anyway)
On a side note he has the original wheels. Which I will put back on if I get her.

danglerb

When you say, has all its paperwork, do you mean the import papers, or a service history, or both?

More important questions are;

Do you like this specific car, is it what you want?

PPI.

Robert B

Well, received the interior pictures the bad: the dash has cracks between the vents, rear passenger drivers side seat has a tear, rear trunk space side has a rather large rip about 2 inches in V shape. everything else is in great shape.
So unless he is willing to go down in price I will look elsewhere.