I have an opportunity to purchase a 1977 911 (no turbo). It has
125,000 miles and appears to be in good condition. The body is
straight except for some minor rock chip dings around the nose. The
engine has had a lot of work done to it over the years (the seller has
extensive maintenance records) . Around 55,000 miles there was $9000
worth of work done. The seller tells me that the engine was upgraded
to 220hp. I can attest that the car does go like a bat out of hell.
I have never considered buying a Porsche before, I didn't think I
could afford it, but this deal kinda dropped into my lap. I really
like the car, and the price seems reasonable to me, but I would like
the opinion of some people who know more about this than I do. The
seller is asking $12,000. I thank you in advance for your time in
considering this matter.
Jim
Weekend Guru - 20 May 2004 17:28 GMT
I'm assuming that this is a 1977...not a 1997.
A lot of the value of the car is based on its condition and the work done to
keep it in good condition. Original 1977 cars had a crude, "thermal
reactor" emissions system that tended to "cook" the engine and transmission.
Removing this system and replacing it with a conventional one of stainless
"SSI" conversions is done quite a bit. Depending upon the regulations where
you live, there may be no smog regulations on a car this old.
The price on a car this old is simply based on its condition and what you're
willing to pay. If the car's in good shape, doesn't leak much oil, and runs
great...buy it...but do have it checked out by a disinterested, experienced
Porsche technician...not the one who regularly services the car.
Good luck...
> I have an opportunity to purchase a 1977 911 (no turbo). It has
> 125,000 miles and appears to be in good condition. The body is
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> considering this matter.
> Jim
someone@somewhere.net - 21 May 2004 01:11 GMT
If you get it and it disolves, you're out $12k.
If that's a lot of money for you, then don't do it.
Also, if this is your first Porsche, the things can be really expensive
to fix. You should budget another $5k in case it needs work. Yes, yesy,
get it inspected but that doesn't come with insurance.
> I have an opportunity to purchase a 1977 911 (no turbo). It has
> 125,000 miles and appears to be in good condition. The body is
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> considering this matter.
> Jim
E Brown - 21 May 2004 17:47 GMT
>I have an opportunity to purchase a 1977 911 (no turbo). It has
>125,000 miles and appears to be in good condition. The body is
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>worth of work done. The seller tells me that the engine was upgraded
>to 220hp. I can attest that the car does go like a bat out of hell.
Have you driven a 911 before, so that you have a frame of
reference? How familiar are you with the cars? It might be best to
have someone with a similar-vintage Porsche come along to look it
over. The '75-77 cars frequently have rebuilds or engine swaps, so the
car might be upgraded if the owner was of the "while I'm in there"
school of thought, but the cars were only partially rust-proofed so
that can be an issue. You're right that a '77 with 220 hp would be
damn fast (close to Turbo performance for that era). But there should
also be documentation about brake upgrades and suspension tuning to
deal with the extra 50 horses.
Also, a good place to find affordable Porsches is the Pelican Parts
web site - the for sale board has had some nice deals come up, and
there's currently a 911SC up for under 10 grand; the seller's in a
hurry as he's being deployed this week.
Emanuel

Signature
1983 Porsche 911
1983 Porsche 944
Garrak - 27 May 2004 20:35 GMT
I don't agree with the reference to the cost to repair a Porsche over any
other models of cars.
My wife had 2400 worth of work done on her Ford Exploder by the dealer and I
sent in mine to a Porsche specialist for the same work for comparable cost.
Now a new Dashboard will set you back 500+ and a set of new rear seals for
my Targa's top are around 480.00 bucks. Sounds expensive?
Well if you intend to do restorative work on an older Porsche to the extent
that the wife complains.... I just explain the facts:
My car ins is lower than her new car. Incl. collision, 1800 for year, daily
driver.
My regist fees and taxes are 32.00
No payments, it's paid for.
So I plow money into this car not for taxes payments and such.
---
'78 911 Targa w/'87 3.2
> >I have an opportunity to purchase a 1977 911 (no turbo). It has
> >125,000 miles and appears to be in good condition. The body is
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
> hurry as he's being deployed this week.
> Emanuel