I have been lurking for a few months now trying to catch up on info's/spec's etc. as I look for my first Porsche. I have decided on a 912, ideally a glass screen targa but would settle for a sunroof coupe. Any tips on what I should look for or a buyers guide or book I should buy to get me up to speed on model/spec changes would be appreciated.
I am selling this car to fund the purchase (details in the for sale section, shameless plug I know!)
I am keen on an original condition car (ideally original paint car). I have done shiny and repainted with the VW and want a car I can enjoy and park without fear of scratches and dents appearing - on the right car they give it character! That has lead me to looking an an oversea's LHD car and California. I have just returned from a holiday to the West Coast of the US and checked out two cars and dealers out there.
Firstly West Coast Autosport (www.westcoastautosport.com) in San Francisco. Run by an English guy (John) who used to supply California cars to Fuchs (www.fuchs.co.uk) in the UK but now retails direct. He had two nice 911T's in stock one repainted and one OG paint and seemed honest with his prices, cars had good history, spec etc.. he had one 912 that he had just sent to the paintshop - and will be sold on for $9500 with fresh paint and rubbers. I didn't get to see it but I would have kept it in original paint - would have been $7k ish. He quoted $875 for shipping and handling US side leaving import duty and VAT to add to the cost, i thought this reasonable. Here is the irish green one owner Cali car in question (that was collected by the owner from the factory in Germany used for a holiday and then shipped to the states!)
The second 'shop' was altogether a larger setup - European Collectibles (www.europeancollectibles.com) in Cosat Mesa. They dealt mainly with 356's but also 912's and 911's. Their main business appeared to be resto's (full in house paint, body, mech facilities) and onward maintenance of 356's as well as sales - shiny cars sell for big $$'s in the states so tired motors commanded significantly lower asking prices. He had two 912's in stock, one interested me - pictured which I took out for a drive, 3 dial dash, 5 spd, koni's and fuchs needed an interior job, engine tune up and at some point in the future some paint.
This car is now sold - if it was a targa or sunroof I would have bought it there and then. He quoted $1100 for shipping US side and port clearance etc.. leaving just duty and VAT in the UK.
From my visit I would be happy to deal with both 'remotely' (i.e. over the phone/internet) but would appreciate any comments or previous experience from DDk-er's (PM me if you don't want to post on a public forum.
If anyone is in the OC area of California I would highly recommend a visit to European Collectibles in Costa Mesa - an amazing place stuffed full of early Porsche's (specialising in 356's) and the odd other bit of European exotica.
Thanks in advance for any input
Neil
