1974 911 Targa 2.7

[Fergallo]

Hello all

This is my first post.

I am going to view a 1974 911 Targa later this week and I wondered if anyone had any advice/anything in particular that I should look out for please?

Also; does anyone have an opinion on this year/model?

Many thanks

Fergal

 

[Nick Moss]

There is really only one thing to worry about with any pre-964 911 and that is rust. They rust everywhere, especially Targas and RHD cars. Unless it's priced in the hundreds it's not vaible to take on a a project as even a perfect finished car (unless it's a Carrera) is only worth £10K max. Have a look at some rusty 911s here

 

[Fergallo]

Hi Nick

Thank you very much for your message, particularly the pictures which look pretty nasty.
I could not help but notice you say that they are only worth £10K max. The one that I am considering is £12750: http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C170218/

I appreciate that you may be unable to comment as it could be a member's car, but if possible it owuld be great to get an opinion.

Thanks again.

Fergal

 

[Nick Moss]

Hi Fergal

It's a standard 150 bhp, CIS 2.7. At that money you should be considering late 80s Carrera 3.2 Targa, if it's a Targa you really want.

BTW there are some lovely pictures of the car cover, what is the point of that? [8|] The other pictures are pretty worthless. What you need to look at is the front suspension pan, the battery and tank supports, the floor edges, sills, B pillars, kidney bowls, rear inner and outer wings, especially around the Targa bar attachments. There is evidence of work to the front inner wings, are there receipts for any front end accident repairs? If you find any rust, start bargaining hard or walk away.

 

[Nick Moss]

If you want to know whether the owner is a member here, but I would guess not as it would be advertised here if he was, and he would mention it in the advert. Contact Guy, the register secretary. He may know of the car.

 

[craig2105]

I don't know what you're like for originality (not a problem to me but others live or die by it!) but that car seems to have wider than stock wheels (looks nice though), and is wearing a 3.2 steering wheel and 3.2 mirrors. Personally I love all the chrome on this era but do check very carefully for rust. I've just bought one myself but I think I got very lucky with it. Paid alot less than this chap is asking though...

Hope the viewing goes well but don't let your heart get in the way of a sensible decision!

 

[Nick Moss]

The rims are indeed wider than standard; it should be on 6 x 15 Fuchs with 185/70 tyres all round. Those look like they may be replicas, yet another bargaining point as a set of correct rims and tyres will set you back as much as £2000. The mirrors are from an SC or later, it should have small stainless steel ones. The steering wheel is correct for a 2.7. The plastic engine lid grill is wrong, should be black anodised aluminium. The sun visors are from a USA LHD car

 

[craig2105]

Nick - The steering wheel on mine is a pig ugly thing that might be different because it's a German market leftie? Certainly not like the one in the pic. Anyway, a Momo Prototipo has been ordered and will be fitted by the weekend. I've been having a problem with being in first gear, with my right knee touching the underside of the wheel and at the same time trapped against the gearstick. Perfect excuse to invest in the Momo really!

 

[Fergallo]

Hi Nick and Craig

So sorry for my late response as I have been away from the PC all day today.
You guys really know your stuff! Thanks for all the observations and advice on what to look out for.

To answer your question; I am not really after a Targa per se, just a classic Porsche 911 in good condition that won't cost me an aram and a leg.

Thanks again.

Fergal

 

[oldtimer]

ORIGINAL: Fergallo


To answer your question; I am not really after a Targa per se, just a classic Porsche 911 in good condition that won't cost me an aram and a leg.

hi Fergal , Nick has given you some excellent general advice on buying old 911s , to help you any further you will need to share with us a bit more specific requirement -

1. 'classic Porsche 911' - what era do you want , the simplest classification is pre impact bumper ( 'long hoods' 1965- 74) .. or post impact bumper (1974-89) ... you need to close that in as it covers a range of 911 models/types .


2. 'cost an arm or a leg' - how much are you prepared to go up to ?

Following on Nick's reference to the 964 , you can get a good early 90s Carrera 2 for £12000 or so , this still looks like a 'classic Porsche 911' , but has some significant advantages - better corrosion resistance , better brakes , more powerful engine .

PS - You will find the DDK website a good place to start learning about the early 911s if your heart is set on that.

 

[Fergallo]

Good morning oldtimer. Thanks for your post.

Nick and Craig have given my brilliant advie for which I am really grateful.

1) Classic Porsche - I think that I am really after a pre impact bumper but believe that they are probably a lot more expensive than the 74-89 range.

2) I was planning to cap my expenditure at £15,000, but ideally wanting to spend around £10-£12,000.

I wonder whether you could advise as to how reliable they tend to be. for example; woudl it be possible to take one over to France on a week's driving holiday or should such a drive just be undertaken with newer models?

I'll check out DDK.

Thanks again

Fergal

 

[Nick Moss]

Early 911 are very reliable as long as you check the oil regularly and carry a spare CDI box and coils, as they are the most common failure points. There are mny guys on DDK that do long European trips in their cars. Over 70 DDKers went down to Claasic le Mans a few weeks ago, only 2 came back on low loaders.

I would not spend less than £25K - £30k on an early car, all you will get below that price is a rusty project. If all you have is £12K, spend that money on a 3.2 as I said before.

 

[Fergallo]

Hi Nick

I shall follow your advice and not view that Targa tonight.

Thanks again to you and the other forum members for your help.

All the best

Fergal

 

[craig2105]

ORIGINAL: oldtimer

ORIGINAL: Fergallo


Following on Nick's reference to the 964 , you can get a good early 90s Carrera 2 for £12000 or so ,

PS - You will find the DDK website a good place to start learning about the early 911s if your heart is set on that.

I looked at some 964's recently around that sort of asking price. All were iffy, needing expensive engine rebuilds either immediately or in the near future and with suspect/missing/incomplete/patchy/non-specialist service histories. Take very great care. I ultimately bought what I think (so far!) is a reasonably honest car that's got little apparent corrosion and has had 36 years of care and attention. Not perfect, but I like a few things to do and so far it's been completely reliable. I've already done more miles in it in the few weeks I've owned it that it had done in the previous two years! I can't stop opening the garage door just to look at it...So it's not impossible to find them but it takes some effort, a few wasted journeys and a little luck.

 

[Fergallo]

Hi Old Timer

After some deliberation I have decided to go for a newer model.
I am going to try to test drive a 911 Carrera S and a Boxster S this Saturday. I have up to £35K to spend and I live in Clapham, London.
Are there any dealerships that you would recommend? I have just spoken to AFN Chiswick but they were very snotty and blaise!

Many thanks


Fergal

 

[38F3E1]

Oh boy that is a big change. Moderns don't have the same character IMO.

BTW don't just look at the OPC network. There are some good independents in London selling kettles.

 

[Nick Moss]

Quite a change of plan! You should also consider a 993. Both Ian and I, plus many other early 911 owners have 993s. They are the last of the airscooled 911s, have the wonderful feel of the early cars and are fast becoming classics in their own right. Prices are firm for good car, but still excellent value. £20K will buy a lovely car.

 

[oldtimer]

ORIGINAL: Fergallo

Hi Old Timer

After some deliberation I have decided to go for a newer model.
I am going to try to test drive a 911 Carrera S and a Boxster S this Saturday. I have up to £35K to spend and I live in Clapham, London.
Are there any dealerships that you would recommend? I have just spoken to AFN Chiswick but they were very snotty and blaise!

Many thanks


Fergal

Hi Fergal , here's my thoughts about what you are asking.....

I live in London , the nearest Porsche independent dealer to me is Charles Ivey in Fulham , as far as I know they are OK . If you google or look in Porsche Post or other Porsche mags you will probably find other London based dealers.
There are several independents either inside or outside M25 and south of the river.....and north of the river. The Porsche forum to ask for feedback on Porsche dealers if you want quantity of response is probably pistonheads , try it !!

Nevertheless , rather than start by selecting a dealer , start by looking for the model you want ... it will be a lot more difficult (if not impossible) to pick a dealer and then see if he happens to have in stock the car you want.

So we get to the nub of it , which Porsche do you want ? I assume you have done all the reading about the various models , if not you need to. Next would be to drive or be passenger in as many as possible , if you are a club member then go to meetings or events , I'm sure other members will be only too pleased to help educate you regarding their cars. Dont buy in a hurry.

 

[jdpef356]

As the previous poster said Don't buy in a hurry - part of the ownership experience is the viewing and appreciation of all the different models.

When you find one you like the hairs will stand up on you neck! Just like when you first meet your wife. [] However, as with the Mrs is best to go for a test drive before making any decision. One thing the wife would not agree to was a PPI - however, with a car this is not an option unless you fully understand what you are looking for and at - a PPI is essential. [8|] Follow some golden rules - time is on your side - select the correct model in great condition and you should live happy ever after[]

 

[38F3E1]

ORIGINAL: jdpef356

...However, as with the Mrs is best to go for a test drive before making any decision ...

... I found the more you test drove the better the final choice []