VALUES

The values of 911s are all over the place and it really pays to research the model range carefully as certain years and models have a hefty premium added to them, further confused by the profusion of various replicas and ‘retro’ styling conversions of newer cars. Clean usable mid to late-’80s cars start at around £8000-£8500, with Targas often being cheaper than coupes. Moving up to the £10,000 mark you’ve got more of the same perhaps with lower miles, plus the less desirable versions of the earlier cars like the Sportomatic. For £12,000 you’re looking at a big selection of ‘80s 3.0 and 3.2-litre cars, with the nicer examples going up to £15,000. At the £20k mark you’ve effectively got more of the same but extensively restored or modified cars, with concours cars going for £25,000-£30,000. The really nice ‘70s cars are also hovering around this level which explains the number of ‘retro’ converted cars around. Personally, our choice would be a nice clean late ‘80s Carrera 3.2 for around the £10,000 mark in standard form.

ENGINE & GEARBOX

• Smoking on cold startup is bad news and means the valve guides are getting tired
• Budget on £2500-£3000 for a top end rebuild but be aware that one you get into it, there’s always something else which will need doing 
• At Tower Porsche they point out that if the heads are coming off for a top end overhaul, you’re only one step away from slipping the cylinder barrels off and fitting new rings at the same time
• Very high-mileage gearboxes can give problems, with a gearbox rebuild costing £1000-£2000
• The G50 gearbox used from 1987 is regarded as superior to the earlier boxes

 TRIM & ELECTRICS

• Quirky electrical problems like gauges playing up and similar are generally down to failing earths and are simple DIY to sort out with a multimeter and some patience
• Trim parts are all available even for early cars but are pretty expensive direct from Porsche. The UK firm Southbound specialises in 911 trim and comes recommended by several specialists
• For later cars, there are several Porsche dismantlers in the UK
• Heaters can be an issue, normally caused by the heater valve which is around £150 per side, plus more if new tubes are required.

·To read the complete Buyer's Checklist feature buy the October 2011 issue of Classic Car Mart.

Back issues available here