In defence of replicas
Discussion
After much indecision I finally settled on buying an early 911. The ultimate road car amongst early 911s (perhaps amongst all cars!) is for me the 2.7 RS. There are quicker versions (RSR) but I think the wider tyres for the extra power detract from the handling on the road (especially broken, British country roads).
Having decided on a 2.7RS the question was whether to go for a real one or a replica. Of course part of me would like an original RS but they have increased in value so much that if I were to get an original it would have to be a Touring, rather than a lightweight, which is the ultimate 2.7 RS. Once acquired the question is whether I would feel happy using the car as it should be used - or would I be constantly worried about it being stolen, damaged or otherwise suffer a decrease in value (too much mileage or a big drop in the market).
In the end I decided to go for a replica based on an early car (a 1972 E). Yes, it is not a "real" RS in that it doesn't have the correct chassis number (although it does have an engine from a real RS). It isn't a faithful replica either of a true lightweight as it doesn't have lightweight panels, the seats are reproductions rather than original, etc, etc. Having said that, most original RSs (except those fully restored) are not as they left the factory as many have been crashed or abused or messed around (e.g. changed from Touring to replica lightweight spec).
I suppose the key point is that to drive, my car is over 90% of the real RS experience but at a fraction of the current outlay for a real one. On the flipside, if values continue to rocket perhaps I am missing a trick by not buying a proper one now as potentially the growth in value would cover any costs and even loss in value by over use.
What isn't at doubt is how good the car is to drive. Yes it is noisy (I wear ear plugs and then it is no problem). Yes it is quite a hard ride and the suspension can crash a bit over the worst of British roads. It has no creature comforts (I took my 78-year old mother for a drive yesterday - she loved it! - and she asked why the window was open...I had to reply that that was the A/C!) It smells of petrol and oil. However, the feedback you get from the steering and from the car overall is second to none. Sublime. You really feel connected to the road. So much fun throwing into a corner and powering out. What a feeling. And what a noise. And it is surprisingly quick too for a 40-year old car. Will have to see if the passion dies down over time and whether the lack of comforts start to grate. Only time will tell I suppose.
Having decided on a 2.7RS the question was whether to go for a real one or a replica. Of course part of me would like an original RS but they have increased in value so much that if I were to get an original it would have to be a Touring, rather than a lightweight, which is the ultimate 2.7 RS. Once acquired the question is whether I would feel happy using the car as it should be used - or would I be constantly worried about it being stolen, damaged or otherwise suffer a decrease in value (too much mileage or a big drop in the market).
In the end I decided to go for a replica based on an early car (a 1972 E). Yes, it is not a "real" RS in that it doesn't have the correct chassis number (although it does have an engine from a real RS). It isn't a faithful replica either of a true lightweight as it doesn't have lightweight panels, the seats are reproductions rather than original, etc, etc. Having said that, most original RSs (except those fully restored) are not as they left the factory as many have been crashed or abused or messed around (e.g. changed from Touring to replica lightweight spec).
I suppose the key point is that to drive, my car is over 90% of the real RS experience but at a fraction of the current outlay for a real one. On the flipside, if values continue to rocket perhaps I am missing a trick by not buying a proper one now as potentially the growth in value would cover any costs and even loss in value by over use.
What isn't at doubt is how good the car is to drive. Yes it is noisy (I wear ear plugs and then it is no problem). Yes it is quite a hard ride and the suspension can crash a bit over the worst of British roads. It has no creature comforts (I took my 78-year old mother for a drive yesterday - she loved it! - and she asked why the window was open...I had to reply that that was the A/C!) It smells of petrol and oil. However, the feedback you get from the steering and from the car overall is second to none. Sublime. You really feel connected to the road. So much fun throwing into a corner and powering out. What a feeling. And what a noise. And it is surprisingly quick too for a 40-year old car. Will have to see if the passion dies down over time and whether the lack of comforts start to grate. Only time will tell I suppose.
That's a beautiful car! - and I totally share your sentiment about being comfortable about using the car as intended - on the basis that the tedious value issue is not so important. If it's 90% RS driving experience - i bet it doesn't owe you 90% of todays asking price of a Touring! That's not to say if i had the money - and i don't - I would not be straight on the phone to Mr Bainbridge for a bid on the 2.8 RSR that I saw at his place the other week.
I am sure the diminutive size of your classic 911 makes absolute sense to thrash on narrow country roads - and having a real RS motor is a lovely feature - get some more pics up for us to feast over
I am sure the diminutive size of your classic 911 makes absolute sense to thrash on narrow country roads - and having a real RS motor is a lovely feature - get some more pics up for us to feast over
abidr500 said:
Slight change in subject. Has anyone seen the 964 RS replica at jzm ? I'm quite tempted but have no idea what constitutes good value for that type of replica ? 54 k it's on for I think. Real ones 100k. C2's 25-30? What's the general consensus ?
Looks good, although I prefer the proper mag wheels.I think with a rep the price should lie somewhere between the value of the bits and the cost of replicating it. Given the level of work that has gone in then the price doesn't seem too bad. One thing to consider is that reps are usually more difficult to resell than straight cars.
abidr500 said:
Slight change in subject. Has anyone seen the 964 RS replica at jzm ? I'm quite tempted but have no idea what constitutes good value for that type of replica ? 54 k it's on for I think. Real ones 100k. C2's 25-30? What's the general consensus ?
They sold a mint green one recently that was built by jasmine for c£42k. Hard to tell if the maritime one is £10k better but I doubt it. Right pice feels like somewhere in the middle. Jasmine quote around £50k ish to build up an RS rep from a manual c2 coupe given base cars have increased in value. I think good c2 manual coupes are more like £25-35k at the moment and genuine rs's seem to fall anywhere from £100k-225k. Really up to you if you think this RS rep is worth it. 
DAB964RS said:
OP - stunning replica! Is it running the correct 2.7 engine on MFI? would you post a picture of the engine?
Yes on MFI but previous owner fitted a crankfire ignition system so not totally standard. I have all the bits to change it back but haven't decided what to do yet.How is your search for a RS / ST rep going?
(Will post picture of engine later when I get a chance).
It doesn't give you 90% of the drive of a genuine RS .... It gives you 99.9% and arguably will be much more fun ... Mechanically that car is identical to many a genuine car. It was in the same ownership as a genuine RS at one point too.
The only part where ownership will feel different is the emotional tug of wether genuine or recreation . Either way, you'll probabally have more fun with your car than if it was a £400k genuine one you were punting down a narrow country lane at 7200 rpm in 3rd
The only part where ownership will feel different is the emotional tug of wether genuine or recreation . Either way, you'll probabally have more fun with your car than if it was a £400k genuine one you were punting down a narrow country lane at 7200 rpm in 3rd
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff