1980's 911 Targa advice
Discussion
I'm looking to buy a 1980's 911 Targa, and wanted to ask if anyone has done this and what I should be looking for. Have a budget of £20,000. Seen a few around the £16,000 mark. I think they are beautiful cars, but have no experience in the whole classic car buying with high mileage. Also, are they expensive to run (inc. servicing) and can they be used daily? Thanks for the help!
I too love the 1980's Targa!
You can learn a lot of the 911 range and history from this excellent book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Porsche-911-Story-Paul-Fre...
Can't remember the Targa history very well but if they were still available towards the end of the 80s a G50 gearbox car is probably a nicer drive.
I ran an '89 3.2 Cab for 2 years and used it daily without major issues.
You should get a decent one with that budget I'd have thought.
You can learn a lot of the 911 range and history from this excellent book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Porsche-911-Story-Paul-Fre...
Can't remember the Targa history very well but if they were still available towards the end of the 80s a G50 gearbox car is probably a nicer drive.
I ran an '89 3.2 Cab for 2 years and used it daily without major issues.
You should get a decent one with that budget I'd have thought.
navinskaria said:
I'm looking to buy a 1980's 911 Targa, and wanted to ask if anyone has done this and what I should be looking for. Have a budget of £20,000. Seen a few around the £16,000 mark. I think they are beautiful cars, but have no experience in the whole classic car buying with high mileage. Also, are they expensive to run (inc. servicing) and can they be used daily? Thanks for the help!
We had an '83 Targa SC.Lovely little thing, really nice.
It was mechanically sound, but had slightly worn interior and was showing signs of age since it's last new wings / derusting session.. and was less than half your budget. It'd done 96,000 and drove beautifully. Also the most fun car I've ever driven on the Nurburgring!
I would imagine for your budget you could get an immaculate, concours condition example
Some pics of our £7k-ish one here http://www.pikeynet.com/stuff/911/911sctarga.htm
Edited by pikey on Friday 17th August 13:59
Yep I've got the book, in fact I can sell you it cheap if you want as I've just been bought the latest version (which just adds a chapter covering the 997).
Good info here:
http://www.performance2and4.co.uk/32_2_n.htm
and also consider the Hartech lifetime maintenance plan, if I was runnig an older 911 I'd definitely use it:
http://www.hartech.org/docs/LMP_Jan_2007.pdf
Just checked the model history and personally I'd look for a 3.2 G50 car (post '87 IIRC). Can't remember off hand what 'tails' they put on Targas - personally I prefer them without a large tail but its a personal thing and they are easily removed if you can find a plain engine grille to go in the hole (but bear in mind the front spoiler and rear wing work together aerodynamically for high speed stability).
Good info here:
http://www.performance2and4.co.uk/32_2_n.htm
and also consider the Hartech lifetime maintenance plan, if I was runnig an older 911 I'd definitely use it:
http://www.hartech.org/docs/LMP_Jan_2007.pdf
Just checked the model history and personally I'd look for a 3.2 G50 car (post '87 IIRC). Can't remember off hand what 'tails' they put on Targas - personally I prefer them without a large tail but its a personal thing and they are easily removed if you can find a plain engine grille to go in the hole (but bear in mind the front spoiler and rear wing work together aerodynamically for high speed stability).
GreatGranny said:
This is nice http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/199118.htm or this
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/207946.htm
Blimey - VERY red and VERY blue http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/207946.htm
btw, was that blue an original colour? Not seen it before..
For daily use the targa roof can be a pain:
1. Make damn sure it doesn't leak. Aside from the obvious problem of getting wet it can ruin the seats, cause condensation, lead to rot and rust and it can get soaked up by the carpets and soundproofing material under the carpets. Rip the carpets up and check if it all possible, before buying. I have heard of some cars soaking up 20kg of water.
2. Drive the car above 70mph with all windows closed and roof on…wind noise can be very loud in some cars where seals are worn. Good ones are only slightly louder than a coupe.
3. When driving around town, listen for creaks and rattles – very annoying
4. Look at the quality of the vinyl and interior lining, a good refurb can cost £600. Try folding it down and re-opening it to see how easily the vinyl retains its shape.
5. Look at the seals at the top of the windscreen and roll-over hoop, replacing them is time consuming process
6. When the car is stationary, go outside and check the roof
7. Drive the car over a bumpy road with the roof on and off, scuttle shake may be an issue for some
All the above are fixable, but at high cost.
1. Make damn sure it doesn't leak. Aside from the obvious problem of getting wet it can ruin the seats, cause condensation, lead to rot and rust and it can get soaked up by the carpets and soundproofing material under the carpets. Rip the carpets up and check if it all possible, before buying. I have heard of some cars soaking up 20kg of water.
2. Drive the car above 70mph with all windows closed and roof on…wind noise can be very loud in some cars where seals are worn. Good ones are only slightly louder than a coupe.
3. When driving around town, listen for creaks and rattles – very annoying
4. Look at the quality of the vinyl and interior lining, a good refurb can cost £600. Try folding it down and re-opening it to see how easily the vinyl retains its shape.
5. Look at the seals at the top of the windscreen and roll-over hoop, replacing them is time consuming process
6. When the car is stationary, go outside and check the roof
7. Drive the car over a bumpy road with the roof on and off, scuttle shake may be an issue for some
All the above are fixable, but at high cost.
Also remember that the targa is the cheapest variant - the coupe and cabriolet always fetch more money. Targas can also take time to sell. This should be borne in mind when looking to buy one.
I've owned one and loved it - more (head) room in the rear than a coupe, light and airy inside and watertight if all the (expensive) seals are replaced and if you luck into a top that really does fit!
I've owned one and loved it - more (head) room in the rear than a coupe, light and airy inside and watertight if all the (expensive) seals are replaced and if you luck into a top that really does fit!
pikey said:
GreatGranny said:
This is nice http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/199118.htm or this
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/207946.htm
Blimey - VERY red and VERY blue http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/207946.htm
btw, was that blue an original colour? Not seen it before..
Edited by Kibosh on Monday 20th August 13:09
Contrary to popular belief Targa's don't leak but only if the seals are in good condition and fitted and adjusted correctly etc. '87' on G50 gearbox is the way to go. No problem as a daily driver and from my previous experience it was the cheapest car to run that I have ever owned.
Get a proper inspection done. I know this is not what you want to hear but I would go coupe first choice or cabriolet second. Targa's people are vary wary of because of water ingress and prices reflect that. Good luck with your search.
Get a proper inspection done. I know this is not what you want to hear but I would go coupe first choice or cabriolet second. Targa's people are vary wary of because of water ingress and prices reflect that. Good luck with your search.
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