TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri May 27, 2011 10:10 am

Okay my friends, I have had several air-cooled VW's in my time, and I'm currently mid-restoration on what seems like a F-O-R-E-V-E-R long restoration process on my 1966 Porsche. I am far less familiar with the ins and outs of early 911's as I am with the older VW's. For instance. I know that unless you're talking about a Thing, or some other very select VW models, pretty much anything newer than the mid-late 60's is less than desirable.

However, when it comes to the Porsche 911. What's known as the "911 Classic" Lasts all the way from when they were introduced in what, 1964 or whatever it was, until the 964 body style came out in 1990. But I'm sure, as is the case with many of the older air-cooled VW's there are likely certain years that are better than others. For instance a 1959 Karmann Ghia is highly desirable and therefore worth much more money and would likely be treated differently during a purchase/restoration/sales process than say a 1972 Karmann Ghia.

So here's my question. In 1973, from what I understand, there were the following:

911-E
911-S
911-T
911-Carrera RS

Any other models or trim that I'm missing? Anyone know which of the above are better or more desirable than others? Is there one of those above trim packages that's the "red-headded-step-child" of the 911's and is not very desirable? I know that the Carrera RS is the one to have. But I don't know much about the others.

But here's the situation. I have a friend who has a friend who has a 1973 Porsche 911 Coupe with a sunroof in a burgundy color. It's supposedly complete but somewhat taken apart because a restoration process was started. I don't know which model it is or which trim level it is. But I'm just trying to help her figure out what it might be worth and give her some info on it.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks guys.

Fri May 27, 2011 2:13 pm

1973 - Last year of the "long nose" 901 body. The RS/RSR is really the "classic" '73. The pinnacle of the long nose.

1974 begins the somewhat less desirable "big bumper" style.

Season to taste.

Fri May 27, 2011 2:16 pm

dltracy wrote: ...the "red-headded-step-child" of the 911's and is not very desirable?
Thanks guys.

Sportmatics? Maybe "comfort" packages? Neither is similar to a bulbous windshield Super Beetle, if that's what you're asking, heh. :lol:

Fri May 27, 2011 4:55 pm

As you mentioned, the RS is by far the most valuable followed by an "S", the "E", and the "T". However, there is a '73.5 "T" that is very desireable.

Fri May 27, 2011 11:21 pm

Sweet, thanks for the help guys, I have found out that it's a 911S burgundy color with tan interior. It's all original but needs some electrical work and some rust repair on the floor pan but otherwise is in good shape apparently.

Again, thanks for the input.

Sat May 28, 2011 10:16 am

"The Used 911 Story" by Peter Zimmerman has a great breakdown of all the differences in the early cars. Good buyers guide, too.

Sun May 29, 2011 6:03 am

The 1973 mid year 911 that one poster speaks of is when the T went to CIS. The others Including the early 73 T's had mechanical injection. Unless you're very familiar with mechanical injection, it is very difficult to tune and many enthusiasts found the CIS injection much more desirable (with good reason in my opinion). 911's then used CIS all the way to the 1983 SC.

Sun Jun 05, 2011 5:52 pm

So what kind of coin can a 73 bring. In good shape good running 14k-18k.
With engine and tranny done and supper clean 24k. If it had an alum decklid put on some time in its life add 3k. Alum decklid with factory duck tail add 4k. The little things are crazey money on the 73s

What did you mean about the 59 ghias? I have one that needs to be gone. Any chance of your friend of a friend looking to swap?

jcl