What would you pay for this 914? Options

[Cuda911]

New poster here, but far from new in terms of reading the forums on this site. I am an avid participant on Rennlist, and the Rennie guys highly recommend the 914world folks. Isn't this great? Our love of Porsches overshadows any competition between web sites. I have an '03 911 (ok a 996), and an "07 Cayman. But, I have a big time 914 itch that needs scratching. I need to add a 914 to the stable.

OK, guys, some armchair quarterbacking requested.

This weekend, I read EVERY thread on the 914 forum here. I have my 914 requirements narrowed down to the following: 1973 2.0, or 1974 2.0 with appearance group. Any color except black.

With that said, it narrows down even more the slim field of cars on the market.

So, I have a car I am considering... 1973 2.0 .... it meets the criteria, but is in worse shape than I had hoped for. I didn't really want a "project" car, but maybe that's the best way to go to end up with what I want.

A friend (fellow Rennie CP.... THANKS CP!!!!!!!) looked at the car for me today (it's about a six hour drive from me). The seller arranged to leave the keys for CP. Alas, seller also neglected to tell CP that he took the battery out recently and forgot to re-install it.

So, I am working with limited information so far. Seller says car is in good running condition. I'll get that verified. So, ASSUMING the car runs, what do you think of it based on these photos?

You will note items like that goofy antenna, crappy side-view mirror, wing, etc. Those are minor fixes. Also, that doesn't look like a 1973 front bumper to me.

What would you think is a fair price for this car, based on the pix?

Per seller:

"Battery tray is not great but suspension member is solid as is body under the battery tray. Surface rust on edge of trunk lid and driver a pillar."

"I bought the car from an older couple who spent a ton of money on new clutch, tires and other stuff then just let it sit. I got it, got it running and here we are. Odometer says 23,xxx but it's a 5 digit odometer. Engine runs strong, no idea on mileage. Has stock fuel injection."

"New clutch, ignition coil, tires, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator"

http://postimg.org/image/8v6f2v8mx/66cc4a11/
http://postimg.org/image/vsbmuwvuv/8037d872/
http://postimg.org/image/fctzt6s89/a3bde0b2/
http://postimg.org/image/vh1kxdf4h/

[Cuda911]

OK, ok.... seems like the general consensus here is a big thumbs down on that car.

I'm stubborn and sometimes foolish, but I am trying to soak in the wisdom of you all.

Crap. Frankly, I'm surprised.... I've seen plenty of cars that were way worse get restored, or at least sell for more than this red one. From what I've read here, as long as the longitudinals and suspension under the hell hole aren't rotted, the rest of the car isn't too bad to deal with.

Dang, back to my 914 hunt, then....

Any of you want to join in and help me spend my money?

Requirement: 73 2.0 or 74 2.0 with appearance group. Any but black, gray, silver. Ideally blue, red, orange, or other bright color.

Within a reasonable drive of San Diego, unless there's one of you guys I could trust to look it over for me.
--------------------------------
Mike

[jhadler]

Crap. Frankly, I'm surprised.... I've seen plenty of cars that were way worse get restored, or at least sell for more than this red one.

That's true, but unless you can work magic with sheet metal and a welder, and have unlimited time on your hands, this "project" car will consume way more money than you think it will to get it right.

From what I've read here, as long as the longitudinals and suspension under the hell hole aren't rotted, the rest of the car isn't too bad to deal with.

Not so. Read again what folks are saying here. That the rust is -visible- from the outside tells us all that there is WAAAY more rust hiding underneath. Just like an iceberg...

Dang, back to my 914 hunt, then....

Keep looking. You will find a better one, and you will be far happier that you did.

-Josh