Air cooled itch?
Discussion
Chaps, some advice / opinions from the knowledgable please.
I’ve after a long line of Loti I’ve decided I need to own an air cooled 911, initially I was drawn to a 3.2 Carrera coupe, but having done some research it looks like good cars are difficult to find and fixing rust could become very expensive, for similar money (circa £60k) I could have a 993, I think would probably be easier to buy a decent car, with fewer nasty surprises down the road.
Thoughts please?
I’ve after a long line of Loti I’ve decided I need to own an air cooled 911, initially I was drawn to a 3.2 Carrera coupe, but having done some research it looks like good cars are difficult to find and fixing rust could become very expensive, for similar money (circa £60k) I could have a 993, I think would probably be easier to buy a decent car, with fewer nasty surprises down the road.
Thoughts please?
3.2 felt like an antique 30 years ago. 993 much better but still far from modern. Depends what you want it for. A spin on a Sunday afternoon and you'd be fine in a 3.2 but anything more serious calls for a 964 - mildly less antique - or 993.
I always wanted a 3.2 but when I got my first one I was massively disappointed within weeks. 993C4S was dull as ditchwater. Turbo bodied 964 was a good compromise but noisy as Hell. So I bought a GT3.
If I was doing it again, I'd buy another 996 or a 997. Just so much more sophisticated and comfortable for long distances.
YMMV.
I always wanted a 3.2 but when I got my first one I was massively disappointed within weeks. 993C4S was dull as ditchwater. Turbo bodied 964 was a good compromise but noisy as Hell. So I bought a GT3.
If I was doing it again, I'd buy another 996 or a 997. Just so much more sophisticated and comfortable for long distances.
YMMV.
I went back to a 3.2 20 years after having one when they were new and regretted it. It felt heavier than I remember, although it was after a 1970 2.2s so it would 
And, despite having extensive body repairs and a respray it still hid rust (inner wings).
I would go 964/993.
Edited to add: despite having many 911s over the years, the longest term keeper has been a 997 (now a 4.1 courtesy of Hartech). We have had it 14 years - a record for me. Not air cooled of course, but a high spot in the 911 time line for thrills and day to day use. And generally rust free (fixings aside).
And, despite having extensive body repairs and a respray it still hid rust (inner wings).
I would go 964/993.
Edited to add: despite having many 911s over the years, the longest term keeper has been a 997 (now a 4.1 courtesy of Hartech). We have had it 14 years - a record for me. Not air cooled of course, but a high spot in the 911 time line for thrills and day to day use. And generally rust free (fixings aside).
Edited by Discombobulate on Saturday 5th August 19:09
Owned a silver 1987 (G50) 3.2 Carrera coupe and sold it to buy a mint 1996 993 C4 coupe at twice the price. Regretted it and ended up in another 1987 (G50) 3.2 Carrera coupe.
Rust is the main problem and they are heavy at low speeds but come alive on a good road.
Best to drive (or get some rides) in a few 3.2 Carrera, 964 and 993s and see what you like. Aircooled cars are fantastic, but not all about speed and lack modern comforts so aren't for everyone.
Rust is the main problem and they are heavy at low speeds but come alive on a good road.
Best to drive (or get some rides) in a few 3.2 Carrera, 964 and 993s and see what you like. Aircooled cars are fantastic, but not all about speed and lack modern comforts so aren't for everyone.
10 years ago I bought a 993 Carrera and it has been great as a weekend toy but I had it written off a couple of months ago so I always had a hankering for a 964 which I now have and I love it! I just love the original front wings and if their was one thing about the 993 I struggled with it was the front end needed to be more butch! I think the RS splitters or a turbo bumper help beef it up and it was on the cards for me but didn't get it done in time!
If I was you I would be onto the stone grey 964 C2 that has appeared on P'heads tonight! Go get it bought!
If I was you I would be onto the stone grey 964 C2 that has appeared on P'heads tonight! Go get it bought!
I also had this itch. Already got old and new watercooled, so I went for an 87 G50 3.2
The options were
1- buy the best condition all original from a reputable dealer
2- buy a well restored car which has had all the rust/ top end rebuild/ mechanicals/ interior sorted.
3- buy a car that needs bringing up to spec and get someone reputable, or yourself to do the job.
All 3 could end up being 60-80k in total, I went for option 1 and am delighted.
Yes it's heavy at slow speeds but everything else is as good as I could expect- for a late 80's car.
Drive a few and see which one you keep thinking of the most.
The options were
1- buy the best condition all original from a reputable dealer
2- buy a well restored car which has had all the rust/ top end rebuild/ mechanicals/ interior sorted.
3- buy a car that needs bringing up to spec and get someone reputable, or yourself to do the job.
All 3 could end up being 60-80k in total, I went for option 1 and am delighted.
Yes it's heavy at slow speeds but everything else is as good as I could expect- for a late 80's car.
Drive a few and see which one you keep thinking of the most.
chris-e said:
I also had this itch. Already got old and new watercooled, so I went for an 87 G50 3.2
The options were
1- buy the best condition all original from a reputable dealer
2- buy a well restored car which has had all the rust/ top end rebuild/ mechanicals/ interior sorted.
3- buy a car that needs bringing up to spec and get someone reputable, or yourself to do the job.
All 3 could end up being 60-80k in total, I went for option 1 and am delighted.
Yes it's heavy at slow speeds but everything else is as good as I could expect- for a late 80's car.
Drive a few and see which one you keep thinking of the most.
You chose the right option. The options were
1- buy the best condition all original from a reputable dealer
2- buy a well restored car which has had all the rust/ top end rebuild/ mechanicals/ interior sorted.
3- buy a car that needs bringing up to spec and get someone reputable, or yourself to do the job.
All 3 could end up being 60-80k in total, I went for option 1 and am delighted.
Yes it's heavy at slow speeds but everything else is as good as I could expect- for a late 80's car.
Drive a few and see which one you keep thinking of the most.
The market doesn’t price all original cars properly in my opinion whether this era or earlier. Cost of restoring or fettling these cars is expensive however you do it. If there’s a cheap 911 now it is cars like yours…yes they might need a suspension refresh or similar but you will have a very good idea going in of what that will be. As soon as you start getting in to bodywork it can get very out of hand very quickly.
gareth h said:
Thanks for all the advice chaps, I’ve decided to start searching for a 993, got a couple of viewings lined up.
Be aware that the way a current 993 drives and feels will vary hugely one to the next, and a bad or 'original' example could easily put you off wanting one.The good news is that they respond exceptionally well to a 'new' suspension setup, that can be tailored to your specific requirements.
So buy the best condition one you can find, and sort the suspension/handling afterwards.
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