Buying a classic 911

[VEG]

I an thinking of buying a fire damaged LHD 1967 911. It has a 2.2 engine and other than trim damage, engine fire and the resultant rust patch looks OK.

I would think that it would need several bits and bobs and that I could rebuild it over a few years.

Any good sites for parts or any tips for the unaware?

I suppose when its up to scratch it would be worth around the 10k mark.

[patrick rennison]

I suppose a lot depends on whether you plan to rebuild it as a hobby, ie you don't mind if the sum total of the costs exceeds the value of the car when finished. It is very unlikely that you will rebuild a car for less money than you can buy one that's all up and together for. 911's can hide a lot of problems (especially non galvanised cars the age of yours). I'd advise you read a few books and subscribe to 911 & porsche World magazine for a while, and get to know a bit more about the cars before you jump in to something you might regret.

[rubystone]

I recall a car like this being advertised somewhere recently - ebay or somewhere else...at Warley auto salvage in Brentwood? I also recall it being advertised for some stupid price too. Is this the car that you are referring to?

You'd have to buy it for very cheap money - i.e. less than £2k. It's bound to need panels all round (is there filler hiding under that paint?) and an engine and a wiring loom and sills and.....the list goes on....and you'll end up spending nearer £20k on it if you're not careful. Spend any less and you won't be able to sell it.

In the hierarchy of pre impact 911s, a 1967 car is not the most desirable either. In fact I don't think the 2.2 engine was standard fitment to that car (it was a 2 litre IIRC) so it may be a bitsa...

...you may as well buy a sound car now with your £10k - I don't know what Peter Nardelli at Tower Porsche has in stock now, but he imports lhd cars...

[VEG]

Thanks

The car is at a salvage yard in Sandy/Beds. It looks restored and it does appear to have an incorrect 2.2 engine.

Being a TVR man I have no idea how much an engine for these cost and where the fire could have damaged other than the usual ancillaries. If my cars catch fire they melt so this is a new experience!

[rubystone]

couple of grand for an engine of that era I'd say. Be advisable to have it rebuilt though, or talk to all of the specialists who deal with older cars to see whether they've got a rebuilt one for sale e.g. Gantspeed, perhaps Autofarm, Martin Harvey.

Robert Gant is a good contact actually - he restores early 911s for rallying and the like so can quote prices etc for restoration.

Re this car - if you can get the registration and chassis number, it's well worth calling the PCGB to see whether they can put you in touch with the previous owner. The car may be on the early 911 register, although if recently imported it may not be....