TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Oct 10, 2010 1:14 pm

i have the chance to buy a 50k mile totally stock never touched unmolested orig paint stored inside for 30yrs, documented tons of reciepts 2 owner car with orig tires interior radio car . only driven 6k miles in last 20 yrs with over $7 k spent by an obessive/ complusive military officer on repairs and maintenance that was not really even needed. this is close to a mueseum piece with the trunk and hood probabaly only opened 100 times. mint dash mint carpet ( a little faded) mint hell hole,mint pans, etc etc etc steel wheels all rubber looks new really about a 9.8 on a 10 scale what can i expect to pay and what can i sell it for if i decide not to keep it? any help is greatly appreciated. close to the last one made

Tue Oct 12, 2010 7:40 am

Ok, how close to the last one made? Vin please?
with todays soft market from $8500 to 20,000. Its all about the condition..

Tue Oct 12, 2010 8:44 am

Agreed, the market is off for even the 356, a 914 always goes begging regardless. One like you're considering is a collectors piece for sure, but there just aren't all that many people collecting the standard 914. A GT or a race car with a pedigree would be a different deal, your car is just the basic model, granted the last of the breed, but nothing special as far as the car is concerned.

The condition will make the difference, but ALL of the rubber, from the brake lines to the bushings will have to be replaced immediately if the car is ever to be driven in the real world. Even if it looks good, it's far too old to hold up, it'll go bad in short order. Rubber that old is a real danger. Same with those tires, well past their prime and doomed to form bulges and ruptures under regular road use. Engine hoses and lines will be next and before you know it, it's no longer factory original at all.

It's the sort of car that most likely will go from one collection to the next without ever being driven hard and enjoyed. Replacing the aging bits and pieces will be a constant drain, finding another buyer who really WANTS a 914 to keep inside will be a problem.

Really tough call.

Luck!

TC

Sun Oct 17, 2010 12:15 am

Karnut1 wrote: what can i expect to pay and what can i sell it for if i decide not to keep it? ... close to the last one made
Agreed with above about needing to see the VIN to verify how close to the last one made. On the other hand, there are not that many '76 914's to begin with because Porsche/Volkswagen also had the one-year only 912E that year.

The first part I quoted caught my attention because it appears you are interested in flipping this car. Therefore, my answer (also agreeing with the above) would be closer to the $20k range but has a couple of caveats attached.

In this market, you could be sitting on this car a while. A long while. Also, the '76 isn't really the most desirable year even though fewer were produced. A '76 will have some cache to it for being the last year but it will be a limited audience. It being truly near the end of the 914 production would only add value to someone who intends to collect it, and not drive it.

I am one who genuine likes all post-'72 914's. I would give an extra look to a '76 because of its historical significance. However, I would not pay extra for it because (a) I would intend to drive it, and (b) I have no intentions in bidding against myself.

There are three cars for sale on theSamba (none are 914's) that I have put in perfectly legitimate offers on. They have been for sale for a long, long time. My offers are not low-ball offers (although one or two may think so) and are still valid to the first person who says yes (or until I buy something else).

I say all of this because I am in the minority of who would have an interest in such a car and I would pay a premium for condition -- but I will not pay a premium for collect-ability. You would need a smaller subset of interested parties.

Mon Oct 18, 2010 4:11 am

In terms of "production" the LE with a 1000 cars is lowest
9146 with 3300 is second
4100 for the 76 model year is third

In terms of collecting the LE is demanding high prices as few original condition models exist compared to the 9146's.
A few 76 original concours condition cars are around and demand high prices
but really the top prices are for a car in original showroom condition whether its a 9146, a LE or a 76.

The last 100 or so 76's seemed to be loaded with options so those demand better prices.