Archive for 911

What is the best 911 to Buy? This One of Course.

This is the most commonly asked question we get here at GCFSB.  The answer is highly subjective, but I think a good rule of thumb is to buy the best one you can afford.  The concept of “best” varies from person to person.  For me, and many others I suppose the 1998 incarnation of the 911 is the pinnacle for the series.  This was the last year of the air cooled 911′s, the 993 is as good as it gets for me.

There are a handful of low mileage ’98s running around but the sellers always seem to ask for ridiculous sums of money.  While this one is not cheap, per se, it is well priced in terms of the market.

1998 C2 Cabriolet, Original PCA Owner, 23,000 miles for Sale:

From the seller -

“1998 C2 Cabriolet, Arizona car, Original PCA Owner, 23,000 miles. Like new

  • Arctic Silver/black interior. All receipts including window sticker
  • 17” Cup wheels, Hi-Fi pkg, Motor Sound.
  • 3m film on nose.
  • 30,000 mile service recently completed.
  • Always garaged.
  • $43,500.00 firm”

While the description is short on details the pictures speak a thousand words.  This car is mint!

I know if some had the choice of their dream 911 it would have a fixed top which is fine.  For me a soft top is the way to go, this is coming from someone who lives in Oregon.  I guess we get so little sun up here I want to enjoy every little bit I get to its fullest.

Good luck to the seller and congrats to some lucky new owner.

~Aaron.

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Posted by Aaron in Porsche | May 13, 2011 | 3 Comments »

Needle in a Haystack: 1988 Porsche 911 Club Sport

Now I realize that a whopping 29 of the 1987-89 Club Sport cars were sent to our shores but I am pretty sure I have never seen one for sale.  I am not a racing guy but I appreciate the heritage and I really appreciate it when something as rare as this comes along.

1988 Porsche Club Sport:

From the seller -

“The 1987-1989 Club Sport is arguably the most-rare, lightweight production 911 that Porsche has ever produced. Only 29 brought into this country. 26,000 miles.

Description
Absolutely stunning inside out Dark Blue Rothsport built 3.8L street/ race car weaponry . . This awesome car has never been wrecked, raced or had any panel damage. The fit and finish is incredible including the trunk, engine compartment, exterior and interior. The detail on the engine, wiring and plumbing bare the Rothsport signature of excellence making this a very tight package.

88 Clubsport Dark Blue
Composite reversible 964RSR body kit
Fuel Safe Fuel Cell/ Fire System
Roll Cage/ Schroth Harness’s
RS race seats
Clear Bra Front Trunk Lid

Engine
3.8 RS

Transmission
G50
Close Gears
Limited Slip Differential
Trans cooler
Custom raised shifter

Suspension:
Moton Struts & Shocks
Big Red Brakes
Smart racing Sway Bars
Strut Tower Brace
Spare Set HRE wheels”

Back in the day you could order a Club Sport for less than a regular 911 given the lack of equipment available in the name of weight savings.  But, being such a rare car the values have risen steadily over time.  The last one I can find for sale was listed with an asking price of $60K a few years ago.

Why is this one $25k more?  This particular car has a new 3.6 motor versus the 3.2 in stock form.  It also has all sorts of racing bits including a cage, a few sets of wheels, and a questionable body kit.  This car is built to race, and according to the seller has never seen the track.  Which puts it in a precarious position.

Personally, as much as I can appreciate the rare nature of this car I would not purchase this one as it does not in any way resemble this car as it was when sold new.  I could see someone wanting to race this Club Sport but would you really pay $85k to rough up a mint car that has never seen a day of track time?  Me either.

I guess I will have to appreciate it for what is is.  A tweener, nice to look at and marvel at the condition but too altered to be considered collectible.  Here is to hoping it finds a good home.

~Aaron.

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Posted by Aaron in Porsche | May 3, 2011 | 5 Comments »

An Aventurine in 911s – 1995 993 Carrera

Aaron posed an interesting question the other day when he asked “What is a newish 996 really worth?”  The low mile 911 that he wrote up was a beauty but I’d be willing to bet that a large number of Porsche fanatics would take a slightly more worn-in 993 over any low mile 996.  So I went on a hunt for a 993 of similar cost and came across a striking Aventurine Green Porsche 911 Carrera listed on Pelican Part’s Classifieds and for sale at the AutoKennel.

Let’s take a look before we start discussing the details:

Unique 993 Carrera

This 911 has 64,100 miles and checks out with a clean Carfax/Background Check.  The owner also has most of the records, everything from the original window sticker to the receipts for the maintenance and upgrades, which is nothing short of impressive.

 

Preventative Maintenance totaling $5,000:

Rebuilt A/C system by the local Porsche dealer (including new compressor and dryer)
New clutch master cylinder
New power steering rack
New Quaife LSD differential
Major 60,000-mile service just completed
New Hood and Engine Deck shocks

Tasteful Enhancements totaling $15,000:

Alpine CD Stereo in dash
RSR lightweight flywheel and clutch
RSR stainless steel exhaust and airbox
Autothority Performance E-Program
K&N Air Filter
Factory Alarm/Immobilizer
Strut Tower Brace
Porsche Factory Classic II Sport Wheels with Black Anodizing
Keyless Entry
Bilstein HD Shocks and Struts
Eibach Springs (European ride height)
Front Protection Bar (for scrapes)
New Factory Wire Harness
Black Chrome Exhaust Tips
Factory RS Short Shift Kit

There are so many things ‘right’ about this 993.  First off, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Aventurine Green in the wild but it sure looks good in these pictures.  I’ve always loved the Sport Classic II wheels and while I prefer them in stainless, they still look good in black.  At $32,990, this 993 is 10 bucks cheaper than the black 996.   Sure owning a low mile 996 would be great, but I think that I’d be happier behind the wheel of the air-cooled machine.

-Ben

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Posted by Ben in Porsche | April 15, 2011 | 1 Comment »

Porsche 911 Rothmans Rally Car Reproduction on eBay

This car has been getting a ton of buzz on the inter webs so I thought I would share in case you missed it.

From the seller -

“You asked for it.  You got it.  You wanted an all-wheel-drive Rothmans Rally Car and here it is.  You may remember  July of 2010 when I sold my 2-wheel-drive 1980 Rothmans Rally Car to GoPro for upwards of $70,000 here on eBay.   Although that car was stunning in every way I knew I needed something more.  I searched the country high and low for the perfect donor and finally found an accident free, perfectly maintained, weekend driver, pilot owned, all original with every factory option 1989 1/2 Porsche 964 C4.

Meet AWD Paris…

She is an absolutely stunning freshly completed Porsche 911 Paris, Alger, Dakar Winning 953 Off Road Rally Tribute Car that has been painstakingly built over the last year.  I’ve spent thousands and thousands of hours building her.  She was built as a tribute to the winning Porsche 953 raced from Paris to Dakar in 1984 Piloted by Rene Metge and Dominique Lemoyne.  Paris originally started life as a 1989 1/2 Porsche 964 Carrera 4 in PERFECT condition.  She is perfectly street legal and plated and titled in Illinois.

From my understanding there were only three (3) of these factory cars, two (2) owned by Porsche and one in private hands.  Although this is a reproduction, most observers will swear this is the real deal..”

Two things strike me about this car.  One is the attention to detail paid by the seller, this car it more of a tribute than a reproduction.  The best part is that under all the rally bits lies a very functional 964.  I would love to see the looks on the face of the other parents if I picked my daughter up from school in this beast.  With the tires and AWD this 911 would also tackle terrain that some SUV’s can only dream about.

The other interesting part of this ad is that many of the photos are taken in the iconic home from the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.  Evidently the seller knows people and this house is on the market.  Who wants to go in with me on this house?  Anyone?  Anyone?

Anyhow…

This car has been bid up to nearly $70k with less than a week left, it will sell.  Bravo to the seller on such an amazing build.

~Aaron.

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Posted by Aaron in Porsche | April 13, 2011 | 2 Comments »

What is a New ‘ish Porsche 996 Worth?

We have talked often about the abuse the Porsche 996 has taken in terms of value.  Some of this is warranted, these cars (as well as the 986) are plagued by some rather costly issues that have shaken consumer confidence.  Some of the biggest are gushing rear main seals, d chunk issues, and the dreaded intermediate shaft bearing failure.  Some of these have been remedied under warranty programs.  While the IMS failures are still quite common and require, in most cases, a complete motor rebuild.

Now… I tend to lean towards air cooled 911′s but it is not like they were not without their issues as well.  Pulled head studs, failed tensioners, or constant cooling issues ring a bell?  My point here is that I think the 996 cars are good in theory and have become a nice value.  Sure there are maintenance concerns, but if you want reliability buy a Camry.

Which brings us to this 2002 996 with 7,500 miles.

Low Mile 2002 Porsche 996:

From the seller -

“I am selling my one owner Porsche 996, I bought this car NEW from Carrera Motors in Bend brand new 2002 and have ONLY put 7,500 miles on it. The has never been driven in bad weather. Someone needs to own this car who will enjoy it! Non smoker, 6 speed and is black on black, Turbo wheels; just took the car in on 03-252011 to have serviced and no issues, have all paperwork.”

For what it is worth, by 2002 Porsche worked out many of the above issues so I would roll the dice on a 2002 over some of the earlier cars.  I think this is a fantastic value but the market for a car such as this is terribly skinny.  Which is a shame as I am sure there are people forking over crazy money as we speak for a new Porsche when they could have something like this for a fraction of the cost.

~Aaron.

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Posted by Aaron in Porsche | April 12, 2011 | 6 Comments »

No-reserve 1974 Porsche 911 for sale in honor of our “barn find”

My best friend lives in Washington now, having departed California about a year ago to return to our childhood home. His parents still live there, and we have long dreamed of commandeering their underused German treasures: a 1987 VW Westfalia, and the S-ified version subject of today’s 1974 Porsche 911. The Westy is in pretty good shape, but unfortunately the white 911S has been woefully neglected in the garage, its 30k-mile rebuild going unappreciated and the body wilting with rust. It has now been bequeathed to said friend though, and as funds allow, a rejuvenation is planned.

The mid-year 911s are not as desirable as the 69-73s with their crash bumpers and impending emissions-choking equipment, though the latter was thankfully postponed until the 1975 model year. Porsche integrated the bumpers better than most, and the new 2.7L flat-6 put out 150hp normally and 173hp in S trim – enabling the 2300 lb car to be quick even by today’s standards (GTI quick, mind you- not 911 quick). So, these ’74s may not be the ultimate collector’s wet dream, but they’re good enough for me, having pulled me from my Audis and BMWs and leaving me chomping at the bit for my first 911 experience. Today from eBay we have a beautifully clean, 60k mile 911, and I’m getting excited.

The seller has written some nice history and details, but it’s best summed up by this:

This early edition 2.7-liter Porsche 911, unencumbered by power-sapping emissions systems, featuring a rust free pan and a most striking color combination, must be one of the best values to be found in the vintage Porsche marketplace today.

The no-reserve auction is just over $10k at time of writing with a week left. I’m not experienced enough with the sensitive subject of vintage 911 pricing to make a true estimate, but the price could go up quite a bit and I’d still consider this a fun and relatively inexpensive entry into the car, the myth, the legend that is 911.

I’m ready to visit home and start wrenching.

-NR

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Posted by Nate in Porsche | March 26, 2011 | 2 Comments »

2003 Porsche C4S with low miles

It’s pretty easy to see that the 996 has taken the biggest hit on resale value of all the 911 models.  Not too surprising either…it was a major detour from “Porsche 101”.  The all new body didn’t look nearly as pretty or at home as the classic lines of the previous generation 993.  Even worse, the beloved air-cooled engine was replaced with a water-cooled mill.

Sure, this makes the 996 a little less desirable for true Porsche connoisseurs…but it also makes the dream of owning a Porsche much more attainable for the average Joe like me.

Recently I’ve been googly-eyes over the C4S and Turbo variants…after once again realizing that FWD or AWD is a necessity in New England.  Here’s a 2003 C4S on eBay that is worth a look.

I like the C4S because you get a solid all-year performer with the 996 Turbo’s brutish looks without any of the Turbo mechanical woes.  This C4S comes with the factory carbon wheel, shifter and ebrake, Porsche crest in headrest, and upgraded floor mats with 911 logo.  The owner also added a set of Ruf lowering springs, Ruf style wheels and a brand new Fabspeed Exhaust System.  The wheels and exhaust can be had for an extra $2,500.  With only 17,000 miles on the clock, a clean Carfax and a recent tune up including fuel injection cleaned, plugs, oil change, brake flush, brake fluid, wiper blades, and air filter this 996 is good to go.

-Ben

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Posted by Ben in Porsche | March 14, 2011 | 2 Comments »

1983 Porsche 911 Cab with 9k Miles Comes out of Hibernation

What we have here is a 1983 cab that has covered a scant 9k miles over the last 28 years.  This looks new in every way and comes with a $20k re-paint.  I am not sure what would cause storage related paint wear but a well done repaint on a black cab adds to the appeal of this car

From the seller -

“This is a stunning black ’83 SC Cab. This car was originally sold in Colorado for an Alaskan owner where it was driven very little. Mileage is correct at only 9204 miles! The car comes with many uncommon options such as: ZF Limited Slip Diff, Dual-Scale Speedometer and a very rare Heated Windshield! The current owner added the factory cab specific bolt in roll bar, a rare and very expensive option. It rolls on its original equipment tires. The car spent a considerable amount of time in a garage and thus was subject to many years of storage wear to the paint. Because of this, the decision was made to repaint the car. The paint, while not factory, is stunning! More than $20,000 was spent on the paint several years ago and the finish is perfect! Please look at the reflections in the photos.”

I am not sure why but the ’83 cabs never really caught on.  To this day the soft top versions of the 80′s era 911′s trade for less than the hard top or targa brethren.  Which is a shame as these are great cars to drive and own, as are any of the SC’s for that matter.

This SC in particular is an excellent example, it’s extended hibernation in Alaska did a fantastic job of essentially keeping it frozen in time… pun intended.

Currently sitting at $19k I have to think bidding could run into the $35-40k range.  I am guessing the seller’s reserve is north of that, here is to hoping this cab finds a good home.

~Aaron.

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Posted by Aaron in Porsche | February 23, 2011 | 4 Comments »

Ultra Low Mileage 1982 Porsche 911SC in a Rare Hue

Looking back, as I am want to do.  Two things have shaped my love for fine German automobiles.

  1. Three summers spent as a lot attendant at a Volkswagen dealership.  Detailing and delivering VW’s during your teenage years will do that to you.
  2. A gentleman that I used to work with by the name of Chuck who also was also the local Porsche Club of America president.  He had two, a 1975 US spec Carrera and a 1974 914, both were immaculate.  He really got me hooked on the marquee and was always in my ear about how great a car the 911SC was.

This one is for you Chuck.

Ultra Low Mile 1982 911SC for Sale:

From the seller -

“We love it when we find the uncommon cars. Then add in the fact that it has been in one family since new and bought locally adds even more intrigue. The car was upgraded to polished 7\’ and 8\’s, a Blaublunkt upgraded stereo, tinted window and exhaust. The car is equipped with full leather and sunroof. With the low miles, color and history on the car, it makes it a great car for any collection or just a weekend car to enjoy.”

I usually avoid dealer posts, but this car it just too good to ignore.  The Petrol Blue is my favorite color option for the SC and you never see it.  Granted the asking price is astronomical, locally an SC with the same mileage had an asking price roughly $8k less.  But you can’t have a hard to find car with low pricing, those two things do not walk hand in hand.  For me this is the nicest SC I have seen in some time so a few extra $$$ may be warranted for a Porsche such as this.

~Aaron.

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Posted by Aaron in Porsche | January 28, 2011 | 4 Comments »

What Do These Things Have in Common? 1983 Porsche 930 With 50 Miles

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Many thanks to our brethren over at the Rare Sport Bikes for Sale Blog for catching this.

This car reminds me of a scene from the movie Chasing Amy.  Ben Affleck asks, what do the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and a 1983 Porsche 930 with 50 miles on it have in common?  They don’t freaking exist!

Now I cleaned that up but you get the idea.  Cars like this that sit in some dusty garage just don’t happen.  They are the stuff of dreams, the makings of an urban legend.  Like that doozy about the kid who happened upon a soon to be divorcee who sold her soon to be ex-husband’s Jaguar for $25. 

Porsche, 911 Turbo 1983:

A word from the seller, literally -

“Porsche 911 Turbo (930) has only 50 Original Miles. It’s been federalized but never titled nor registered. I have all the original documents. All original including the Perilli tires. Stored since new in a climate controlled garage.

Sport Seats, Limited Slip, Leather Interior, Sunroof, Power Lifts, 4 speed manual,

Serious inquiries only.”

What do you make of this?  Can someone who cannot spell Pirelli or muster more than a few words about it actually have this car in their possession?  These pictures could be from last week or 1983, the fuzzy resolution does not do much for my confidence. 

For the sake of argument let’s say this is legitimate.  Does $125k sound like a good buy for museum quality car such as this?  I am tempted to say the car, if real, is under priced if anything. 

If you are looking for something to park and wax this is the 930 for you.  This will never be a road going car as every ugly mile will only degrade the value.  You would not hear the roar of the exhaust, only the sound of  money draining away from the value of this car. 

Can anyone in the NY area confirm the existence of this 930?

~Aaron.

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Posted by Aaron in Porsche | January 15, 2011 | Comments Off