Searching for air cooled 911 in the North America

[TheOldSkool]

So, I’m moving to eastern Canada in 2 months (with my RHD 996) and am keen to explore the possibility of buying an air cooled 911 when there. I’m not seeking a garage queen, but a driver’s car, so places that advertise cars with heavier miles are fine by me.
I’ve heard about US fora like Rennlist and Pelican Parts, however, when searching for air cooled stuff there, are any of you familiar with where else I should be looking?
Here, it’s fairly easy in a sense, but I really don’t know the various portals available there.
I’m assuming EBay is a possible source.
Anything else recommended?

Edited by TheOldSkool on Thursday 16th July 04:37

[Rich_AR]

TheOldSkool said:

So, I’m moving to eastern Canada in 2 months (with my RHD 996) and am keen to explore the possibility of buying an air cooled 911 when there. I’m not seeking a garage queen, but a driver’s car, so places that advertise cars with heavier miles are fine by me.
I’ve heard about US fora like Rennlist and Pelican Parts, however, when searching for air cooled stuff there, are any of you familiar with where else I should be looking?
Here, it’s fairly easy in a sense, but I really don’t know the various portals available there.
I’m assuming EBay is a possible source.
Anything else recommended?

Edited by TheOldSkool on Thursday 16th July 04:37

Autotrader.ca
ca.cargurus.com

Some people here in Canada advertise the cars on Rennlist. I'd also post on Rennlist in the Canada section, plenty of locals on the east side who could advise you more.

I'd personally look in the US at dry state cars (this is what I am doing at the moment) if you fancy something more rust free and happy to work through the import process/cost.

Out of interest, any reason why you're shipping over the 996 rather than buying a LHD one here in Canada?

[TheOldSkool]

Hi Rich,

Thanks for the reply and info.
I suppose the reason I’m importing it is because it’s my own car. I’m familiar with it and grown to love it.
I’m actually rereading the blurb on Transport Canada’s web page and some other sources which has just reminded me of the potential pitfalls of RHD cars there.
What is your opinion on that particular matter?

[Orangecurry]

BAT - bring a trailer.

But the ideal scenario would be for you to export something interesting 'air-cooled' from EU to North America, as the use--on-road rules on (for example) any RS are on an age-basis - i.e. the 964 RS and now 993 RS are now 'legal' in most/all States? I think ordinary air-cooled cars are cheaper in EU as well?

[Orangecurry]

...another few things

1 - the NorthAmerican 993s all have a slightly different engine - they have an SAI or secondary air injection system, which isn't great. DYOR.

2 - the NorthAmerican 993s never had the earlier gearbox, the G50/21. Any car with this gearbox is therefore highly prized over there.

If I were you, I'd sell the 996 and find/buy in Europe before you move a LHD 1996 993, which is the only year in which Porsche fitted both the Varioram engine and 'better' ratio G50/21 gearbox. It will be worth much more money, and be a better drive than any local cars, with no SAI issues.

NB the later gearbox is confusingly a G50/20, which has 'longer' gears to improve MPG.

Porsche introduced the normally aspirated 993 in 1994 with a relatively close-ratio gearbox called the G50/21 (G64/21 for AWD). However, cars bound for the United States, Austria and Switzerland, had to have the G50 (G64)/20 gearbox with taller and slightly more spaced gears to meet fuel economy and noise restrictions in those countries. As of MY 1997, Porsche installed only the /20 gearbox on all normally aspirated 993's worldwide.

ETA actually I don't know if Canadian cars are the same as the US cars?

Edited again for clarity

Edited by Orangecurry on Thursday 16th July 10:33

[TheOldSkool]

Orangecurry said:

...another few things

If I were you, I'd sell the 996 and find/buy in Europe before you move a LHD 1996 993, which is the only year in which Porsche fitted both the Varioram engine and 'better' ratio G50/21 gearbox. It will be worth much more money, and be a better drive than any local cars, with no SAI issues.

NB the later gearbox is confusingly a G50/20, which has 'longer' gears to improve MPG.

Porsche introduced the normally aspirated 993 in 1994 with a relatively close-ratio gearbox called the G50/21 (G64/21 for AWD). However, cars bound for the United States, Austria and Switzerland, had to have the G50 (G64)/20 gearbox with taller and slightly more spaced gears to meet fuel economy and noise restrictions in those countries. As of MY 1997, Porsche installed only the /20 gearbox on all normally aspirated 993's worldwide.

ETA actually I don't know if Canadian cars are the same as the US cars?

Edited again for clarity

Edited by Orangecurry on Thursday 16th July 10:33

Thanks for this. You’re right, and I’m a sucker. I have simply grown attached to this 996. It’s nothing special but it was/is my first Porsche. But all you say speaks logic.
I have to consider this though. A sorted 993 with G50/ Varioram sounds brill.

[Orangecurry]

Logic is very annoying sometimes, when you already have a car you have gelled with.

And make sure I am not wrong about difference with the Canadian version.

And you can 'sort' the base car when it gets to Canada. You just need a LHD low-rust Varioram G50/21 to take over there. Or a pre-varioram, which all had the G50/21. Many people prefer the pre-V.

Even if you can't find one in 2 months, I wouldn't rush it and still try and find an EU one, and get a friend to check it out.

Here's a good french site https://www.leboncoin.fr/

And don't forget the 964 or earlier - depends what you are looking for in a car. Earlier is rawer/purer whatever flowery terms you prefer.

[Cheib]

Orangecurry said:

BAT - bring a trailer.

But the ideal scenario would be for you to export something interesting 'air-cooled' from EU to North America, as the use--on-road rules on (for example) any RS are on an age-basis - i.e. the 964 RS and now 993 RS are now 'legal' in most/all States? I think ordinary air-cooled cars are cheaper in EU as well?

They’ve been importing 964 RS for a few years now so don’t think that’s worth considering as a way to make money. My perception is that they have an awful lot more cars to choose from over there than we do over here.

If I was moving to North America I’d be looking at their classifieds in a very excited manner...to my eye there’s so much more to choose from over there and also some great companies for restoration or fettling air cooled cars. Spoilt for choice !

[TheOldSkool]

Cheib said:

Orangecurry said:

BAT - bring a trailer.

They’ve been importing 964 RS for a few years now so don’t think that’s worth considering as a way to make money. My perception is that they have an awful lot more cars to choose from over there than we do over here.

If I was moving to North America I’d be looking at their classifieds in a very excited manner...to my eye there’s so much more to choose from over there and also some great companies for restoration or fettling air cooled cars. Spoilt for choice !

I have to say this too was my impression of the North American market ( at least from afar), considering year on year sales all the way back from the late 1960s through till about now. I think in the past couple of years China out buys the US, but don’t know what they’re buying ( maybe SUVs?).
I have also been looking forward to the chase, or hunt, or whatever to call it, and setting no certain time limit on finding the right car.

As regards which type of air cooled, I am open. I have never driven a 3.2, so am willing to put in the leg work. 993s seem wonderful. Best of breed and all that, but the purity of form ( slap me now) of those earlier 70/80s cars makes me swoon a bit.

[hopeydaze]

I know you are moving to Canada so this advice may not apply...Porsche Club of America is much more active than PCGB and is a good place to search for cars owned by real enthusiasts.

As a 993 owner I would of course say buy a 993 from a dry Western State.

[Cheib]

TheOldSkool said:

Cheib said:

Orangecurry said:

BAT - bring a trailer.

They’ve been importing 964 RS for a few years now so don’t think that’s worth considering as a way to make money. My perception is that they have an awful lot more cars to choose from over there than we do over here.

If I was moving to North America I’d be looking at their classifieds in a very excited manner...to my eye there’s so much more to choose from over there and also some great companies for restoration or fettling air cooled cars. Spoilt for choice !

I have to say this too was my impression of the North American market ( at least from afar), considering year on year sales all the way back from the late 1960s through till about now. I think in the past couple of years China out buys the US, but don’t know what they’re buying ( maybe SUVs?).
I have also been looking forward to the chase, or hunt, or whatever to call it, and setting no certain time limit on finding the right car.

As regards which type of air cooled, I am open. I have never driven a 3.2, so am willing to put in the leg work. 993s seem wonderful. Best of breed and all that, but the purity of form ( slap me now) of those earlier 70/80s cars makes me swoon a bit.

These are a few of the companies who always seem to have a lot of cars and I think have good reputations. I’d definitely look at owners clubs forums though first.

https://www.topgearporsche.com/
https://www.cprclassic.com
https://www.europeancollectibles.com/
https://roadscholars.com/current-offerings/

[TheOldSkool]

Orangecurry said:

Even if you can't find one in 2 months, I wouldn't rush it and still try and find an EU one, and get a friend to check it out.

Here's a good french site https://www.leboncoin.fr/

And don't forget the 964 or earlier - depends what you are looking for in a car. Earlier is rawer/purer whatever flowery terms you prefer.

ThIs French site is great!

[TheOldSkool]

hopeydaze said:

I know you are moving to Canada so this advice may not apply...Porsche Club of America is much more active than PCGB and is a good place to search for cars owned by real enthusiasts.

As a 993 owner I would of course say buy a 993 from a dry Western State.

It’s ok...the area I’m moving to is in Region 1 of the PCA, so all good. I will definitely be joining.

[TheOldSkool]

Cheib said:

TheOldSkool said:

Cheib said:

Orangecurry said:

BAT - bring a trailer.

These are a few of the companies who always seem to have a lot of cars and I think have good reputations. I’d definitely look at owners clubs forums though first.

https://www.topgearporsche.com/
https://www.cprclassic.com
https://www.europeancollectibles.com/
https://roadscholars.com/current-offerings/

Excellent. I will check these all out as well. My task is getting larger with considering cars in France, Germany and North America!

[Cheib]

TheOldSkool said:

Cheib said:

TheOldSkool said:

Cheib said:

Orangecurry said:

BAT - bring a trailer.

These are a few of the companies who always seem to have a lot of cars and I think have good reputations. I’d definitely look at owners clubs forums though first.

https://www.topgearporsche.com/
https://www.cprclassic.com
https://www.europeancollectibles.com/
https://roadscholars.com/current-offerings/

Excellent. I will check these all out as well. My task is getting larger with considering cars in France, Germany and North America!

Id’ say they’re the top end of pricing but gives you an idea of the quality of cars and breadth that there are in North America. With the weak GBP and relatively weak Euro can’t see it making sense to take a car over there TBH.