I love a car with a good story, the more colorful, the better. Some of you likely don’t feel the same way, preferring that the car in question led a simple life in the care of one owner while incurring no scrapes along the way. Not me, which is why I dig this 1977 Porsche 911 that at one time left California to live in Hawaii before being stolen and ending up back in the states with a non-matching engine. Check out this 911 here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $39,999.
My first “risky” car purchase involved a 1995 BMW M3 out of California that no one wanted because it had a salvage title. The car was issued such a title due to being stolen and subsequently totaled out by the insurance company, likely because replacing the pricey bucket seats that were snagged from the cockpit threatened to total a car out that was at the bottom of its depreciation curve. This 911 does have a rebuilt title as a result of the theft.
But it’s clearly been loved, even with the checkered past. The cabin is in very good condition, and sports an aftermarket steering wheel. The seats and door panels are in great shape. The seller notes the body is laser-straight with no rust, but that it has been repainted somewhat poorly. In one of the more noteworthy details, the seller mentions that it left the factory wearing a special-order Mercedes color called Anthrazitgraumetallic, which is a dark gray shade that likely looked quite fetching back in the day.
Underneath, this 911 looks better than most unrestored examples, with what appear to be solid floors and no obvious rust issues. The 911 market is obviously a challenging one to break into at a certain price point, and finding a car with a troubled past may be the best point of entry to those of us on a budget. Personally, I believe old 911s are going to be worth a fair amount no matter what, so I wouldn’t let this car’s past deter you from making an offer.
Looking at a 77 911 with a replacement 2.7 with no service history is like staring down the barrel of Dirty Harry’s 44 Magnum. “ With all the excitement I’ve seen to lost count on the number of shots. My question to you is do you feel lucky punk? Well do you?”
Only way to find out the engine health is take it out and take it apart. Is the case good, have the head studs been replaced, what shape are the cam chains and oilers, etc. If you can’t do it yourself then you don’t want this car.
Drive a Volare and date the ugliest girl you can find so you never have to give a second thought about how you treat them or worry they might be stolen from you.
You two are on the wrong site.
Never had a 911. Looked, could never pull the trigger. But I stop well short of stereotyping people by the car they drive, and just respect them for having a passion for their ride.
Then again, I also use my name online instead of a pseudonym. Crazy, eh?
bt
Classy!
Wow purple defender, you are really insecure about small phalluses. Methinks you doth protest too much. There are some of us who drive sports cars because we love the driving experience, and don’t give a toss about what people think, and aren’t trying to attract women. Some of us didn’t have much when we were younger but we’re gearheads who loved cars and driving. Now that we’re older with disposable income we are scratching that itch of ownership. Wish you everyhappiness in your Volare’
thank you, kevin, well said. Its really about how it makes you feel , when driving those cars, and how it compliments our efforts and focus in live to accomplish where we are now at.
Mr. Purple, bites the big one! We are car enthusiasts, not a—holes!
I have so little need to overcompensate that I drive a 1992 geo metro
Because an air cooled 911 is an absolute joy to drive. Let it fully warm up, then thrash it. It’ll run better and dare you to give it more! Miss the days when a regular Joe like me could find a needy one for an accessible admission. Not a car to be seen in, a car to be in!
The way I see it, if the body and trim check out and it at least runs half way good, it ain’t the worst deal in today’s ridiculous market. What I loved about my 911SC was the lack ancillary BS that you didn’t have to worry about like a separate cooling system, power steering and so on. If it was hemorrhaging engine or transmission oil, it was usually good to go.
The oil leaks tell you that you haven’t run out of oil.
If it WASN’T hemorrhaging oil!!!
If you’re looking just to impress people, a new car is a far better choice. Most who buy old cars like this? For them that’s secondary.
Is 40k the admission fee to join the Porsche owners club. A 5 and a half decade old 911 with a salvage title? This ad didn’t even show the milage. Maybe l’m not educated enough on used Porsche to become be a owner of one because l’m missing something here.Maybe someone can explain why I’m wrong for thinking something wrong here.Maybe it’s just me
I’ve had 5 of these old phallic symbols in my 66 years, and they are a blast to drive. I will always love them… even though I have plenty of unit in my undies, and I prefer men.
Good luck with the Volare. The wagon version is pretty cool.
Wow. Purple Defender, who hurt you when you were younger? Some dude in high school no doubt
Been there too.
I used to live in Boston and had a convertible 96 BMW, and used to drive to the Cape for relaxation, cocktails, walk the beach, cocktails, golf and cocktails. Driving with the top down on a beautiful day, did more for my physical and mental well being than psychotherapy ever did. Just airing the brain out. Semper Fidelis
Hi Purple, so you’re a Mopar gal?