Retro 911's

[Blue62]

I recently put a deposit down on a GT3 but am having second thoughts, I'm a 911 fan and have owned seven of them over the years, all from new with my first (and favourite) being a 993 C2 in 1996, my last was a 991S with PDK which was stupid fast but a bit too detached for my tastes.

I am beginning to wonder whether I will find the GT3 a little too quick and uninvolving and have started thinking about going the Paul Stephens or Autofarm route. I don't really want a classic, though I love them and could be persuaded, but I'm not a great mechanic and had a very expensive episode with an Elan Sprint some years ago which puts me off somewhat. I am seriously thinking of backing out of the GT3 and going back to the drawing board, so I'd be interested to know if anyone has direct experience of how these revised classics drive and what they're like to own. My thanks in advance.

[Blue62]

Thanks for the responses, interesting comment about the 987 as it's on my radar along with the 981 but my love for the 911 will probably mean that I will always be looking over my shoulder. I may take a trip up to the Cotswolds and take in Autofarm and Rennsport (they have a very nice 911s on their website) to start the ball rolling. I may be better off looking for a sorted 993 or 964 and finding someone to keep it running at its best. Keep you posted and thanks again for your interest.

[Blue62]

Thanks MrVert, useful advice and your comments about the speed of modern cars and fun resonate with me, my last 911 was only a thrill when you were pushing way beyond what is sensible on a public highway.

I like the idea of a older car with a few modern touches, better brakes, suspension tweaks and a little more power but in essence I want the car to be 'original'. With a budget of @120k (maximum) I'd be interested to know what folk would go for (and with who).

[Blue62]

MrVert said:

For that sort of budget, you should be able to do something similar to this:

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

I'd definitely be on the phone to Tutthill, they do the best backdate / restomods I've seen.

If you decide to do it.....you'll have to do a build thread!

Thanks again, that's exactly the sort of car I have in mind, a sort of Singer on a budget! I plan to visit two or three of the aforementioned and note your recommendation for Tuthill, they seem to be the least 'flash' which is always a good start for me.

I will keep this updated if I get a project going.

[Blue62]

As a newcomer to classic Porsche I don't quite get the reverence for the 964, which seems out of step with their values when compared to the 993. I drove one briefly many years ago and all I can really remember is how much more satisfying the gearbox was in my 993 along with the extra grunt, but I'd be interested to know owner's views.

[Blue62]

Steve Rance said:

OP, if you can make it doewn to suffolk, I'm happy to take you out for a ride in a modified 964. That will give you an idea of the visual and driving experiences

That's very kind, if this thing starts to get proper traction I will pm you, thanks again.

[Blue62]

Wozy68 said:

I’m with you Blue. It’s known well that I’m not the biggest fan of the 964, but I do understand that the 964 can be improved greatly from standard.
What I can’t understand is that you stated in your OP that the 993 C2 was your favourite Porsche of them all.

So the question must be asked, why arnt you considering one. The great thing about the 993 is you can make it as raw as you wish, plus a 993 seems (higher mileage at least) better value for money IMO.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. If hustling down an unknown twisty country road, I’d have a 993 over any earlier 911. The C2 manual, is a magic bit of old school Porsche with a modern twist.

Best of look with whichever choice you make. Every drive in an old Porsche always ends up as an adventure

I have considered a 993 and it's still an option but I've fallen for the long bonnet, classic look I'm afraid. It started with drooling over Singer's and has spiralled into doing something wicked to an old, unloved 964. I am a little concerned about the purist side of me getting in the way and I'm also halfway through a house build project, so I won't be making a final decision anytime soon, though I have had a couple of long chats with Ninemeister after reading the thread on here.

It seems the guy who commissioned that dolomite grey build only kept it for a couple of months, my intention would be a 'car for life' so it's a concern that he got out so quickly, apparently taking a small loss.