Air-cooled Porsche 911 Values

[GreginNH1]

I’m getting the itch to get back into Porsche. I’ve owned many models from the 70’s through late 80’s.

It seems as if these cars have seen a really good spike about 8 to 10 years ago with a steady appreciation on a yearly basis for low mile, original coupes. Convertibles seem to bring about 50% of what the coupes are bringing.

For those air cooled Porsche fans in the group, where do you see the market going? Classic, 964 or 993 configurations- which would you consider to have the best upside?

[PHC1]

Greg, the collectible car market is difficult to predict as we all know. I think the general trend is on the "up and up" but it has been a roller coaster ride over some decades and certain collectible cars as well. The Ferrari roller coaster ride has been well documented and witnessed with the more recent times bringing even more $$$ but now including a larger segment encompassing Porsche and some others.

If you are looking at it as an "investment", typically the rarer models of the well known brands be it Porsche or others will bring more $$$ in the future if the trend continues. Your budget will dictate the model of desire in this case and the availability of such models. With many of the earlier 911's being shipped back overseas to customers willing to pay in the last decade, they are getting rarer and pricier in the US. We babied our 911s and they were often garage queens, which was not the case in Europe for the most part. They were driven hard and put back in the stable wet.. Their market was pretty dry for good examples, ours was plentiful. This trend may or may not continue depending on the dollar vs euro in the future. It was favorable to Europeans in the past decade to buy our cheaper 911s and enjoy the favorable exchange rates at the same time. Not sure about today.

If you are looking at it from a nostalgic point of view, to own another air-cooled 911 like you have in the past and not concerned about the upside, I would focus on a model that appeals to you the most and find the best example you can. This does not happen overnight obviously and your patience here could very well be rewarded.

If you are looking at it as just a "fun" car to drive around... Ahem, do yourself a favor and look at the 997 and 991 market. The cars are way superior in every way other than the old adage "the beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Classic 911 lines are hard to argue over but from the driving experience point of view, well, technology certainly has not stood still. A 997 will certainly not depreciate any faster, (if they depreciate at all going forward) like a new Porsche would but on the flip side, a new Porsche comes with a warranty and hassle free ownership where as a classic or pre-owned may require quite a bit of resources to keep maintaining and cover potential break downs and repairs. Which situation appeals to you is your preference. Good luck with your quest!

[nicoff]

The rarer the better. But that requires knowledge and research. Now, as far as technology advances, the 997 and 991 can give you way more than any air cooled model... unless you are willing to go the Singer way and spend a ton of money.

[PHC1]

Yep, money no object, the ultimate Porsche is a Singer.

[GreginNH1]

That would work!

[Mr. Big]

My search for an air-cooled 356 Porsche is why I bought the 991.2. Anything I looked at that was in good condition put me in at 60k-80k, so I said what the heck and went for a new one.

[GreginNH1]

Originally Posted by Mr. Big

My search for an air-cooled 356 Porsche is why I bought the 991.2. Anything I looked at that was in good condition put me in at 60k-80k, so I said what the heck and went for a new one.

No kidding. The air cooled 911 cars that I have actually liked and priced out are more than a new 911.

[Mikado463]

Originally Posted by GreginNH1

No kidding. The air cooled 911 cars that I have actually liked and priced out are more than a new 911.

really ? even those with the 915 tranny ? I would think the early to mid eighties cars to be more affordable.

[GreginNH1]

Originally Posted by Mikado463

really ? even those with the 915 tranny ? I would think the early to mid eighties cars to be more affordable.

Oh - I should have qualified my statement. My search starts with the G-50 transmission. I am looking at 1987 through 1998.

Any car with original paint and less than 20,000 miles is commanding a very high price - ranging for $80k to $120k.

Cabs are selling for less about half that price and there is a fire sale on red cars - apparently red is less desirable than in past years.

I considered a new one but I don't like the way they drive - way too refined IMO. I guess am "old school".

[Mikado463]

G50 for sure, IMO the 915 is a turd.......