80's 911 advice needed
Discussion
Buyers guide here http://www.hartech.org/buyers.html
Can't help with Gmund, I've never dealt with them
Can't help with Gmund, I've never dealt with them
Just bear in mind that the Targa is the least desired of the model variants and in the SC ranking, the 1981 onwards 204bhp cars are the most desirable of that range. The SC is generally ranked behind the 3.2 Carrera in the desirability stakes, but having said all of that, I am a firm believer in buying the best example of whatever model you decide you want....but it'd be wise to bear these kinds of issues in mind for when you look to sell the car on or trade it in.
When I was researching the purchase of my 3.2 Carrera some 7 years ago (have I really had it that long?), I bought a copy of Porsche 911: Guide to Purchase and Do-it-yourself Restoration by Lindsay Porter and Peter Morgan. I found it very worthwhile and worth reading some of the restoration sections to get an idea of the work required to repair any issues you see.
Another good resource are the buyers guides in 911 & Porsche World, reprints or back copies may be available.
Some points to remember - Targas of this vintage may be more prone to rust than coupes because of the relative lack of structural stiffness and potential leaks from the roof.
Coupes will always be more desirable than targas because they are the "purists" cars. May make a targa harder to sell on later.
Always buy on condition rather than mileage, spec or colour. A history file will give you an indication as to whether the car has been cared for or not.
Don't believe anyone who tells you that the galvanised cars don't rust - they do! They are now 20 plus years old. You need to look very carefully in the usual 911 weak spots (around headlights, around fuel filler, B posts, rear quarter panels etc.)
Good luck and have fun.
Alan
Another good resource are the buyers guides in 911 & Porsche World, reprints or back copies may be available.
Some points to remember - Targas of this vintage may be more prone to rust than coupes because of the relative lack of structural stiffness and potential leaks from the roof.
Coupes will always be more desirable than targas because they are the "purists" cars. May make a targa harder to sell on later.
Always buy on condition rather than mileage, spec or colour. A history file will give you an indication as to whether the car has been cared for or not.
Don't believe anyone who tells you that the galvanised cars don't rust - they do! They are now 20 plus years old. You need to look very carefully in the usual 911 weak spots (around headlights, around fuel filler, B posts, rear quarter panels etc.)
Good luck and have fun.
Alan
The SC is one of the all time bargain 911s. That Gmund car looks great in the pics and it probably is too. But these things need independent professional inspection (eg Peter Morgan) before buying unless you really know them well. Targas are worth less than Coupes, but that's not a bad thing if you really want a Targa anyway!
Mechanically, these cars are pretty robust. But watch out for the dreaded rust, oil leaks, corroded heat exchangers, water leaks (especially Targas)
Mechanically, these cars are pretty robust. But watch out for the dreaded rust, oil leaks, corroded heat exchangers, water leaks (especially Targas)
Hammerwerfer said:
You will be glad you did.
...except on hot days when your enjoyment of the car is ruined by being in an oven by comparison to having the roof open or off.Why do you presume the OP doesn't want wind in the hair motoring? Different people want different things from their cars. I appreciate the coupe is more desirable (and hence dearer to buy) but just because you prefer it (without a sunroof) doesn't mean that it's everyone's cup of tea.
Again - agree with above, coupe is not for everyone.
I was hunting a coupe and would not compromise. The car was a present for my wife so I bought the convertible she always wanted. Guess what? Would not change it for a coupe now. Lots of older 911 SC and 3.2 have "issues" with heating, often stuck on or off. No problem in the cab, just drive roof down all the time and have nice cool face and toasty warm feet (my heater valves do work by the way). Each to their own.
I was hunting a coupe and would not compromise. The car was a present for my wife so I bought the convertible she always wanted. Guess what? Would not change it for a coupe now. Lots of older 911 SC and 3.2 have "issues" with heating, often stuck on or off. No problem in the cab, just drive roof down all the time and have nice cool face and toasty warm feet (my heater valves do work by the way). Each to their own.
Hammerwerfer said:
Avoid the Targa. It is the poor ginger haired bastard son.
Get the nicest coupe you can find, preferably without a sunroof.
You will be glad you did.
A bit harsh Get the nicest coupe you can find, preferably without a sunroof.
You will be glad you did.
I much prefer the coupe too, mainly for the pure 911 looks, min weight and max stiffness. Also prefer them sans sunroof, although much less of an issue. BUT I can see the appeal of a Targa and it still looks far better than the cab pram. The lower cost is a nice bonus too. Selling a Targa won't be a problem either as long as it's priced accordingly.
Edited by uktrailmonster on Wednesday 14th November 17:52
Wow, thanks for all the replies guys. I'm actually doing the leg work for a good friend who doesn't have time, we saw this car at the Classic car show at the NEC last weekend and it really looks a good one. As for the targa, it is what's wanted as he is used to having a convertible car and enjoys fresh air motoring!
I actually said to him he might be better with a boxster so he could use it more often than a 'classic' but he's spellbound by the classic 911 lines!
As for me i'm going for a 928 but i'll save that for another thread......
I actually said to him he might be better with a boxster so he could use it more often than a 'classic' but he's spellbound by the classic 911 lines!
As for me i'm going for a 928 but i'll save that for another thread......
OK guys, he's wobbling 
This is his current fleet - Daily (mostly winter) hack Scenic, Z3 Convertible which sees a lot of use and also a classic spitfire summer use only.
He's not sure whether to go for the 911 classic and sell the spitfire, therefore keeping the 911 for summer use or sell the Z3 and use the 911 quite a lot more. I think he might be better selling the Z3 and going for a boxster?
Whats the knowledgeable opinions between the classic 911 and boxster?
This is his current fleet - Daily (mostly winter) hack Scenic, Z3 Convertible which sees a lot of use and also a classic spitfire summer use only.
He's not sure whether to go for the 911 classic and sell the spitfire, therefore keeping the 911 for summer use or sell the Z3 and use the 911 quite a lot more. I think he might be better selling the Z3 and going for a boxster?
Whats the knowledgeable opinions between the classic 911 and boxster?
bigdavy said:
Whats the knowledgeable opinions between the classic 911 and boxster?
They're totally different cars from different eras. A Boxster would be the best choice as an everyday, all seasons, all weather drive. A classic 911 Targa is really more of a garaged summer weekend car. There are a few hardcore 911 nuts who use classic 911s as their daily transport, but personally I'd find it too much of a compromise. I've owned 3 classic 911s over the last 15 years, but never covered more than 5K miles a year in them. Often much less. There's a good reason for that! They're not really very practical. scotty_917 said:
bigdavy said:
Also has anyone any experience of Gmund cars who happen to have a superb example 
Andrew at Gmund has always been helpful when I've visited or spoken to him and their cars always seem competitively priced...and honest...which I think's the most important factor.
Hi Guys, a little update, We went and viewed a couple of 911's at the weekend. The first was a perfect example of what not to buy! A complete shed.
However we then saw a 76 3.0 carrera coupe, a really good car with a history file to choke a horse, infact over £40k worth of receipts! The car has had all regular issues taken care of with engine rebuild new clutch etc etc. It also has a great interior with new headlining and reupholstered seats. There are a couple of minor paint flaws that will probably need a little attention in the near future but no rot. Overall a real nice car which my mate is now seriously considering. As for price, the seller (classic car dealer) has indicated £11k which we think is a fair price although we will haggle a bit more.
So, any views on the 3.0 carrera coupe model and the price?
However we then saw a 76 3.0 carrera coupe, a really good car with a history file to choke a horse, infact over £40k worth of receipts! The car has had all regular issues taken care of with engine rebuild new clutch etc etc. It also has a great interior with new headlining and reupholstered seats. There are a couple of minor paint flaws that will probably need a little attention in the near future but no rot. Overall a real nice car which my mate is now seriously considering. As for price, the seller (classic car dealer) has indicated £11k which we think is a fair price although we will haggle a bit more.
So, any views on the 3.0 carrera coupe model and the price?
bigdavy said:
So, any views on the 3.0 carrera coupe model and the price?
Cool car, I used to have a '77 Carrera 3.0Much rarer than the common or garden SC, vastly under-rated and ignored by collectors for years and therefore likely to creep up in value as a result. £11K is a bargain IF the car really is in excellent condition.
Power is 200 hp on the nose and slightly lighter than the later SC. Performance on paper is close to the earlier 2.7 Carrera, but it's a more relaxed drive (more torque, less top end power). This was basically the first 911 with a few modern day creature comforts added and makes a good long distance tourer.
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