Buying advice 2.7 RS / 2.4S / hotrod

[Schnellmann]

I'm thinking of getting an early 911. I have had 8 911s from various periods including a 2.7 RS rep based on a 73 car. I currently have a 993 (which I would keep) and a Challenge Stradale, which I would sell. The CS is an awesome car but is too quick and too loud for Switzerland.

Whatever car I buy it will be used exclusively on the road (no track days in Switzerland). I drive fairly enthusiastically (although within my limits) and for me the handling, feedback and noise count the most. And the looks of course. I'm less focused on originality and I'm not great at keeping cars clean: if I have any free time to spend with my cars I prefer to drive them. Car should preferably have 4 seats so wife and daughter can join me.

I am not sure which way to go. I would love a 2.7 RS. Through a specialist here in Switzerland there may be two or three coming onto the market. Prices are pretty steep though: CHF 350'000+. My wife has sort of agreed (actually she agreed to an F40 - which I have now discounted based on the experience with the CS - but I'm assuming she will also be okay with the RS). Basically she has called my bluff on my "blokeconomics": I can buy what I want as long as the car holds its value (or increases of course). If I lose a lot....well, let's not go down there.....

Given that current prices are so high, what is the general opinion on future growth potential? Does anyone foresee a crash in value like in the eighties? What is the value of LHD cars in the UK? We don't foresee having to return to the UK but the future is never certain.

If I buy a car in Switzerland can anyone recommend a good specialist I could use to inspect the car for me?

The alternative would be to buy or buy and restore a 2.4S (or maybe a 2.2S). However, I know that originality is such a big thing and it would be pretty difficult to find a car with a spec I liked (in particular a colour as I really want green, orange or yellow). I'm also not sure that I'd be satisfied with the standard suspension and power but I understand that deviating from standard could add to the ost without adding any value.

What is the general view on the values of original 2.2S/2.4S? They seem to have gone up quite a bit in recent years.

Last alternative would be to build a hotrod, for want of a better word, which would take an early shell but then build it up as I wanted it. I'd probably stick with narrow bodied look of the 2.4S but have a fettled engine and suspension. I could also then choose the colour I wanted (probably viper green).

But would I pour much more into the car than it would be worth afterwards? That would definitely not win me brownie points at home....

Any thoughts or advice?

[210bhp]

This is a bit like asking us to find you a new girlfriend and asking if we think she will stay beautiful or become wrinkled and haggard or keep you amused for all time. Only you can decide. I like dark hair on a girl, some like blondes some like redheads, some like fast movers, some like the homely type. We can't decide for you. As to a world crash, will it matter which car you have?
I think DDK can give you lots of advice on a specific car but you have to decide which particular area of early 911 turns you on. So, pick your girlfriend and we will do our best to dig up her sordid past for you and tell you if her bodywork is all original or has been modified and give you an idea if everything at the back end has been rebuilt or belches out smokes and has dodgy rings.
If you want a cast iron pedigree car with having to do any work delving into history files and be certain your 'investment' is a secure as any other then I will act as your dating agency and suggest that the following cars 'fit your profile' exactly. You should be happy together because these little beauties appear to be a 'match'.
If you want an RS buy mine.
If you want 2.4S but the sepia brown one currently being discussed on this forum
If you want a hot rod buy the gulf blue car currently being discussed on the early S registry.



Our fee as your agent fort traking down these perfect beauties and presenting them here in a concise manner for your appraisal is nothing, zilch, zero, nada. Choose one and fall in love. If you would like to meet them all before deciding which one I can arrange that, try before you buy so to speak, but that is our 'premiere' service and does cost extra.

Regards
Mike

[mycar]

Berty Birtwistle pimps you a ride.

I like it.

Mike.

[23e Heure]

If you want a hot rod buy the gulf blue car currently being discussed on the early S registry.

Hubba hubba http://www.excellence-mag.com/classifieds/9234

[Schnellmann]

Thanks for the dating agency suggestion but would only work for cars in Switzerland already as importing and registering cars here is difficult and expensive (I tried it with an RS Rep last year and had to give up when I was told I couldn't get it registered for use).

I know my request was quite broad. Trouble is, using the analogy, I like black-haired, redheads and blondes. Oh and brunettes. So difficult to choose.

From my ambling post I'd really like an answer to two questions: can anyone recommend a specialist in Switzerland to do a PPI on anything I might want to buy? And what are current values of LHD 2.7 RSs in the UK?

[left4dead]

And what are current values of LHD 2.7 RSs in the UK?

This one appears quite reasonably priced

http://www.bsmotorsport.co.uk/porsche-s ... T/4699.htm

This one has two engines (!) but lacks much of the Touring trim:

http://www.paul-stephens.com/Porsche-91 ... HD/car3709

[210bhp]

Or if you want a very very very special full on project with Swiss connections we have one of those too (cosmetic surgery required but wow what potential she has).

Regards
Mike

Ps how big are your kids? I don't think you could describe any 911 as a four seater although I remember two young girls having tremendous fun on the Scottish Highland Tour some years ago in the back of their parents E. happy days.

[Schnellmann]

My daughter is 8 and petite like my wife so both still fit quite nicely in a 911. Hopefully we can all fit in for a while longer (at least to the point where the daughter no longer wants to be with us!)

[Lightweight_911]

The car at Paul Stephens' is a RHD Touring model Steve.

'Schnellmann' (you haven't said what your real name is) - have you tried Marco Marinello (Eleven Parts) - don't know if he offers an inspection service ?

[Bertroex]

I remember George Kompecher telling me, "off the 20 Porsche specialists in Swits, only 18 didn't end up in jail or were done for fraud." So very apt.

Which canton are you staying? Also, IIRC swits is stringent with emissions and modifications for road use, so I'd be very mindfull of the hot-rod option.

Considering the speed limitations and the boooooring autobahns, the fun is the mountain routes. So, any longhood S, -or an MFI equipped car - fitted with a trick short airport gears gearbox, LSD, brilliantly set up suspension and brakes, good oil coolers and I would be doing nothing but going up and down the hillclimb routes /mountain passes between 5500 and 7199 rpm.

Bert

[Bootsy]

If you want a hot rod buy the gulf blue car currently being discussed on the early S registry.

Hubba hubba http://www.excellence-mag.com/classifieds/9234

Yes, Hubba hubba. An inspired choice of wheel combination

[Schnellmann]

Swiss are very stringent on modifications and emissions but easier to make changes to a car that is already registered here.

I'm based in canton Schwyz.

I did go to Eleven Parts some years back and spoke (I assume to Marco Marinello) last year when I was trying to import the RS rep. Can't say I found him very friendly on either occasion, although I understand he is an expert.

[Schnellmann]

Have seen two 2.4s for sale at Elevenparts. Have decided to go and see them on Friday.

http://www.elevenparts.com/index2.php?f=cars

Thoughts?

[left4dead]

As nice as the all singing & dancing Silver car is I'd be quite excited about the Signal/Tan (brown?) car. Lower spec but such a rare colour combo (and with first paint!). Wow.

I think you'll enjoy Friday despite Marco's indifferent attitude.

Have fun.

[left4dead]

Don't know what other people think but the front ride height looks a little er... generous?!