Future air-cooled 911 owner questions

[Vanuber]

I am a long-time enthusiast and hopeful future owner of an air-cooled 911. The timeline to ownership is unknown, but probably 5-10 years from now. I am starting to research the options and thought I'd throw a few questions out there:

1) Which era(s) should I be considering? I want a coupe, naturally aspirated, non-turbo. I love the style of the 60's & 70's 911's but want something more practical in comfort and performance. I am leaning toward the SC's from 1978-1983 but have really just started my research. I like the 84-89 Carrera's too but apparently so does everyone else ($$$)

2) What is a reasonable budget? As we know, prices for all things Porsche continue to skyrocket and who knows where the market will be 5-10 years from now. I am looking for something very original, complete, clean, good paint, and in solid mechanical condition, a driver, not a garage queen, and not a project car. Is $50-75K a reasonable budget?

3) What are the hidden costs of ownership - maintenance, insurance, etc.? I am sure parts are expensive. I can do some wrenching myself, but I don't have the best workspace or tools, so I would be outsourcing any major labor. I assume insurance through Hagerty would be fairly reasonable (I have an agreed policy with them on our Westy)

4) Where else should I point my research? Any other tips?

Comments are greatly appreciated!
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'85 Westfalia 1.9L
'72 BMW R75/5
'71 BMW R75/5
'02 Subaru Forester 2.5L

[VWFIXER]

Get a galvanized model, and spend the time finding a mechanic thats close to you, a Porsche mechanic. accept no substitutes. The Previous owner preferably a pilot, lawyer or doctor in that order. and find a car thats still got bird poop from being stored since he passed away.
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( ) Cheap
( ) Fast
( ) Reliable

Choose 2

Over a million air cooled miles driven and 15,000+ cars serviced.

[Vanuber]

[allaircooled]

I don't post here much but have owned my 75 911 for the past 18 years. You can't go wrong with the years you listed 78-89. I actually prefer the 74-77 but a lot of people look down on those years to do the thermal reactors that were on the 75-77 years and full galvanized bodies weren't made until 76 I believe. That said most problem areas are usually fixed by now and I know of a lot of happy 74-77 owners.

When you do find one that you like no matter the year, get an independent shop to do a ppi on it. Costs can add up real fast on these cars and I would save some of your budget for any necessary repairs that are needed after you purchase, say like $10k to be safe.

I heard many times to buy the newest one you can afford and there is no such thing as a cheap Porsche.

I think my agreed value insurance through american collectors is around $350-400 a year.

The cars a relatively easy to work on and I do all my own work. I have my engine out now as a matter of fact and will hopefully get it back in soon.

Go to the pelican parts 911 forum and start reading up there. Lots of knowledge about these cars there.

Good luck on your search and I hope these ridiculous prices come down by the time you are ready to buy.

[VWFIXER]

[Vanuber]

[Vanuber]

[motorstereo]

Vanuber--are you on the Pelican forums? the 911 forum is a font of wisdom which I use extensively for all things Porsche. I'm also an air cooled BMW guy, I had my R75/5 for decades, I also had a '75 R90/6. Such great machines. Agree with all the advice above. I also chose to go with a galvanized model ('81 911SC Targa), I do all the maintenance and repairs myself.

I agree with VWFixer that "Porsche owners don’t moonlight as mechanics", which I find frustrating since most of the BMW airhead guys I know work on their bikes. I have a low profile floor jack, jack stands, and a decent tool kit and can do most work in my garage. My VW buddy has a lift so we work on my car at his shop sometimes. There are really good write ups on Pelican and a growing number of youtube tutorials (Joe Engineer and Klassik Automotive Training School are good).

I have done all the oil changes, tune ups, brake fluid flush, trans oil change, etc... I decided not to become a K Jet "expert" and to ditch the K Jet and go with EFI (so now I have to learn to tune lol), I replaced the ground straps and installed a new engine bay wiring harness. If you enjoy wrenching, these are very well built machines (they share that quality with the air cooled BMWs in my opinion). I have driven my 911 over 20,000 miles in the 4 years I've had it. Not a lot but just to give you an idea -- these cars are meant to be driven.

Subscribe to the Porsche Club of America's "Panorama" magazine (you can subX without owning one as a "Test Drive") to access the classifieds, there are usually mid years and SCs for sale there. I think you will be able to find a car in your budget. Avoid BAT, the prices are insane. Avoid Beverly Hills Car Club, they are known for selling cars that need lots of work.

Hope this helps!

John
1981 911SC Targa

[Vanuber]

[Dane Tyler]

Good luck in your quest.

The 1974 to 1977 models spent a long time as the black sheep in the aircooled 911 family. The best deals are presently in this group. I like them a lot because they retain the narrow body of the long hood cars. And the 2.7 is a nice engine, assuming the thermal reactors have been removed.

Of the SC's, the 1978 and 1979 models are my favorite since bright trim was still available around the windows. I think in '80 it was all black.

That said, if you find a deal on an SC, the 3.0 is a fantastic engine for these cars. And they will hold their value.

Good luck.

[Vanuber]

[[email protected]]

the best is an 87 88 or 89. However the best buy is a water cooled 996 or 997

[jjvincent]

[[email protected]]

love love the sarcasm, you are right, our shop made LOADS of money on the 74-77 911 replacing the case studs and dealing with other related engine problems