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Pland on buying a 911 Targa 2.7 vs 3.0

rdg496

Member
Joined
21 Mar 2012
Messages
14
Hi all looking to glean any advice from you chaps on the potential purchase of a 1970s early 80s Targa.

As much as I'd like an early 70s model my budget limits me to the 2 models above. Not really drawn to the later models even if budget allowed I just like the aesthetics of the 70s/early 80s models. I also want some fresh air already owning a 997 C2s and a 1967 Alfa GT Jnr coupe.

So what price range should I be looking at for the above in reasonably good shape ?
(No or very minor rust, strong mechanicals).
Any major pitfualls, things to avoid etc ?
I know there are many detractors of the 2.7 model (Stud issues, US exhaust system) but as most have mentioned the cars still running are very likely to have had them addressed already and those that like them praise their free revving fun drive and handling.

Also as much as I'd like to be hands on with maintenance I do not have the facilities to do so meaning the car will be maintained by a specialist (Recommendations in Essex ??...I use PRS for my 997) and will be stored in a rented garage (Again recommendations welcomed).....also any pointers for someone to conduct a PPI would be useful.

Alternatively I may consider working with a recommended garage to source a structurally sound car to restore over time but I assume for these models the expense may not be logical. I do not have to have the car on the road at purchase as I will happily use the Alfa for fun time driving and have the Targa built up over time.

To be clear, I intend to look after and enjoy the car, it is not an investment rather an enjoyable way to use cash that would otherwise be sitting in the bank earning Bgr All with the idea being I'll get back what I put in (Or most of it ex running costs) should I sell it in 5-10yrs time !

That's the background, any thoughts/advice positive or cautionary very much welcomed.

Cheers
 
I must of said something wrong I guess, only 1 private reply.... :dont know:
 
I have had a few air cooled IB Porsche models and my view is that the 2.7's are hateful,gutless lumps of crap that don't have enough power to pull you off a nasty woman...Honestly at one time you could barely give those away.....Sadly anything aircooled is considered good and that's just not the case.As the old saying goes "you can't polish a turd but you can roll it in glitter"

A 3.0 SC is by far my favourite aircooled 911 with enough grunt at the bottom end and a nice step in the power at the top.

My choice ,3.0 SC 204bhp Sport Coupe.Red with Black. :thumb:
 
Thanks for coming back, I guess those that disagree would highlight the free revving nature of the engine. I'll have to drive one and maKe up my own mind I guess.
 
Sorry I did not mean that in a flippant way moreover just highlighting the positive comments from what I've read on the 2.7 engine and the need for me to drive both compare, contrast then choose.

Thanks again
:thumbs:
 
The 2.7 is indeed gutless as Kas750 said unless you get a 1974 model in which case it's a little rocket. I've had a few and you can't believe the difference between the early and later 2.7 engines. Sadly Porsche lost the plot in 1975 due to emission regulations and power suffered considerably.
Also the 2.7 has a magnesium block and apart from the stud issues which I also had unpleasant experiences with, by now many of them have hairline cracks in the engine block resulting in mysterious oil leaks that can't be traced or fixed. It is really a leak-prone engine, not because of weak design but because of the inherent issues with decades old magnesium.

The SC is very reliable and you don't have those issues. I found the 1978 SC (180hp) a bit less lively than a 1974 (175hp) 2.7 but still not a slouch at all and tons of fun. I prefer the early SC models because they still look classic (chrome trim, no whaletail etc) which means you get the best of both worlds. The classic look (albeit not a narrow body any more) but the reliable mechanicals of the later cars.
 
For those in the know, how does this look at first glance ?

http://home.mobile.de/MATCHINGNUMBERS#des_204437512

Asking on the dutch forum if anyone is familiar with the dealer ?

Given the current exchange rate buying from Europe is certainly an attractive option but only if I can make an informed decision and have someone to assess it for me !
 
I think that will be a U.S car judging by the sugar scoop lamp bezels..not that there is anything wrong with a Yank car (if it is?) apart from all the emissions guff that it will carry.

That said looking at the pics reminds why I don't want another IB car..everywhere you look there are jobs that need doing and that's just from the pictures...sorry to sound so negative but these really can bite you! :nooo:
 
rdg496 said:
I must of said something wrong I guess, only 1 private reply.... :dont know:

Hi there,
You really need to use the search button mate.
:thumbs:

There are loads of threads and good advice about these older models. I was going to search and then link to some threads for you, I was even going to search for one of my own posts on 3.2 rust and copy and paste it onto this thread.

But then I thought, hang on...

HE could just search for himself!
:grin:

People have written a lot of useful stuff mate, but they are not going to jump out the box and type it down, copy/paste and say it over and over again whenever someone new asks the same question. I'm bored of my own story and not reposting it a tenth time when it's there for the finding faster than I could type this sentence.
:thumb:
 
I guess I need to extract a digit and search :thumb:

In fact I'll extract 2 :thumbs:

:D
 
I can't comment on the earlier models but I have a 1982 SC with the 204 BHP engine and I have to say it's been a revelation in terms of handling and performance. Over 4000 rpm it really shifts and on deserted country roads it's an absolute joy to drive. I bought it because I love the shape of the IB models and this particular car was the classic guards red with all black interior.
It's coming up for a new MOT the end of this month and then I was either going to sell it or SORN it because I'm keeping quite a few cars on the road at the moment and it's getting a bit silly financially.
It's done 106,000 miles. It left the Porsche factory with a tea tray spoiler-I purchased a new flat engine lid (I still have the original spoiler+lid to swap back if I want).....it has a new Momo retro steering wheel (I also have original Porsche SC wheel to swap back). Here's some pics for reference purposes. It's been said before- but there is no doubt these old air cooled 911's get far more positive vibes than new cars-everyone seems to love seeing them on the road.






 
Very nice too

I shall scan the Internet, eventually gain access to the impact bumper forum somehow, take my time and hopefully find what I want acknowledging advice and avoiding the pitfalls....HOPEFULLY

Cheers all.
 

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