Matching Numbers: 1970 Porsche 911
You can’t blame someone for trying to get a higher sale price. I used to feel compelled to let someone know that I felt they were asking criminal amounts of money for a basketcase, but thankfully realized there were better uses of my time. Still, when you see some cars that priced higher than what the market will likely bear, it does feel like the right time for a public service announcement. This 1970 Porsche 911 listed here on eBay is a desirable model and year with a claimed numbers matching drivetrain, but the bodywork needs are extensive.
Then, there’s the asking price: $12,000. Now, the air-cooled 911 market is hot, no doubt. The recent auction of Rudi Klein’s “junkyard” showed that enthusiasts will pay eye-watering amounts for heavily damaged and used-up 911s and 356s. Still, there was some helpful hysteria in the room at that auction after it was hyped up for months beforehand. Selling a car of any kind in similar condition outside of that fever-pitch environment can yield much different results, along with the fact that most of those lots started with no reserve. Looking at a project like this and dropping $12K before you even begin can definitely be sobering.
As you can see above, the floors are completely gone, and rust is extensive throughout the car. Still, there’s very real value in finding an aircooled 911 with a complete matching-numbers engine and transmission. The seller also has a clean and clear title. So, that’s one advantage over the cars from the recent California junkyard auction, as many of those did not have drivetrains and / or were lacking paperwork. There’s no doubt the seller is planning to entice an aircooled fanatic into taking this project on solely on the basis of the matching numbers and clean paper trail.
While worst cars have been restored, the decision to pursue restoration likely stemmed from a different era not to long ago where buyers were obsessed with finding a 911 for a project in order to avoid the six-figure point of entry for a finished car. So, upon seeing the obvious bodywork needs this 911 has, which includes visible holes in the body below the rear window, one has to wonder if the current environment would discourage someone from taking a chance on putting a car like this back on the road at the current asking price. The seller has dropped the price once already from $14,000, and I suspect more massaging is going to be necessary.
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Comments
With that much rust everywhere the cost to rebuild this car is going to exceed any value applied to it when finished.
Previously registered as Bo Tanker. Just add the chain.
I was sure this heap was listed by Beverly Hills Car Club, as an “intriguing project.”
Florida? Saltwater flooded, probably from Hurricane Ian. Nope.
Hokey Smokey! Parts only?
Porsche patina perfected.
More like “Bay Find”
All original. The only modification is that Louisiana license plate attached to the lid. If Amos Moses (Jerry Reed -1970, RCA Records) hunted alligators with a 911, this was it.
Parts being as expensive as they are, would a numbers matching drivetrain dropped in a more plausible project be a valid consideration?
It’s not crazy. Either someone sees value or they don’t. Paying $7K or $12K will make no difference to the final outcome here.
I disagree, it is crazy. Personally, I don’t think it is worth much at all. If someone sees 7 to 12K when they look at this car then, as BB King says, all I can do is wish them well. Any attempt to save this thing will be a long, bumpy journey indeed.
I believe that was Bill Withers song. Never the less you’re right. I guess it’s money better spent than gambling.
Whoever let this car get this bad deserves a special seat in hell, 13 th level, Nixon Wing!
We therefore commit his body to the deep, to be turned into corruption
It’ll buff out.
Wow! That “Faux Patina” technique, is seeing some impressive advancements.
“Yeah, it just washed up on the beach, I bet I could get 10 grand for it!”
Frog: While Bill Withers had two great songs, (Lean on Me and Ain’t no Sunshine), the verse that I referenced is from “The thrill is Gone” by BB King. Both great artists. Certainly, much better than this car.
Oldrodder,
I guess I wasn’t paying that close attention to the verse in BB Kings song. Bill Withers had a song titled I wish you well which is worth a listen to.
It has become apparent that not a single roached out Porsche has ever been crushed.
WOW matching numbers Maybe need a matching parts car!!!