911SC Price

BSonCars · #1

I have the opportunity to purchase a 911SC. See below for a brief description.

I am looking for some thoughts on ballpark price.

1978 911 SC Targa. Petrol blue with cork interior. 108k miles. Last ran 2 years ago. Stored in the garage. Motor turns over freely. Does not run. The “short” list of needs are a full fuel system refresh, replace all filters, full ignition refresh (has a PermaTune unit), valves adjusted, engine and trans fluid changes, brake system refresh, suspension refresh, new tires, paint correction, targa top rebuild, and I am sure a lot of “while you are there” repairs. Paint is in overall good condition. No rust. Interior also in good shape.

Second owner car. He has owned it for the last 30 years. Comes with service documents.

I suspect I will drop the engine and perform most of the work with the engine out. Perform paint correction. Restore targa top. Replace door seals. Replace other needed rubber parts. I will be performing the majority of the work myself.

So what do you think?

$28k - $32K??

Tom · #2

I'd want to do a compression or leak down on the motor. If that checks out, and you plan to do your own work, your price range would give you at least $10k to spend on work without spending more than it's worth, probably more if you get it sparkling. If you search previously sold 911SC's on Bring a Trailer, prices are all over the map based on condition, miles, color and body style, but presentable roadworthy cars start mostly in the $40's and go up into the $80k's and beyond. But I bet very few of those $40k cars come without their own list of maintenance items. So overall, based on your description, and assuming the motor has good compression, no pulled studs, etc., I'd think your range sounds like the right ballpark. If the motor is a gamble and might need a full rebuild, I guess you'd need to handicap the odds of that base on what you do and don't know, and factor it into your offer price. Just my two cents.

And welcome to Carpokes!

BSonCars · #3

Tom wrote: Tue Nov 08, 2022 7:23 pm I'd want to do a compression or leak down on the motor. If that checks out, and you plan to do your own work, your price range would give you at least $10k to spend on work without spending more than it's worth, probably more if you get it sparkling. If you search previously sold 911SC's on Bring a Trailer, prices are all over the map based on condition, miles, color and body style, but presentable roadworthy cars start mostly in the $40's and go up into the $80k's and beyond. But I bet very few of those $40k cars come without their own list of maintenance items. So overall, based on your description, and assuming the motor has good compression, no pulled studs, etc., I'd think your range sounds like the right ballpark. If the motor is a gamble and might need a full rebuild, I guess you'd need to handicap the odds of that base on what you do and don't know, and factor it into your offer price. Just my two cents.

And welcome to Carpokes!

Thanks Tom.

Yes a compression and leak down will be performed. Per the maintenance receipts and full tune up, adjusting valves, and new filters were performed. This was 3k miles ago, but 7 years ago...so really not relevant. Thanks again. Cheers.

Goodwood · #4

In my experience, these cars are extremely well built. Outside of basic service due to the time it has sat dormant, I think you maybe pleasantly surprised at how well it will run. Do all the items you mentioned and don’t sweat. Congrats, hope you got it!

Canal2321 · #5

My car-‘78 911SC, sat for over 3 years, started right up, and ran pretty good except smoked a bit for a while, smoke continues to this day, back sitting for 2 yrs, now gas tank leak, any ideas? Am also curious about price of these cars now, 160k on mine, all original, very good condition.

Tom · #6

Canal2321 wrote: Sat Apr 29, 2023 6:48 am My car-‘78 911SC, sat for over 3 years, started right up, and ran pretty good except smoked a bit for a while, smoke continues to this day, back sitting for 2 yrs, now gas tank leak, any ideas? Am also curious about price of these cars now, 160k on mine, all original, very good condition.

@Papa Speedster just bought one so might have a pretty good sense of the current 911SC market....

Papa Speedster · #7

In my opinion get leak fixed or replace with a new one and drive it. These cars don’t like to sit. As for the price they have Skyrocketed!!!! Especially all original in great condition! The Best thing about these air cooled cars they like to be driven. The guy I purchased our 83 SC drove it regularly and I drive my 72 as much as I can weather permitting I do live in Ohio of course it changes every 15 minutes!

Mark87 · #8

I have an 82SC with 117,00 miles, as noted by others these engines can be quite bullet proof. That said they can drive you crazy with oil leaks, air leaks, and possible electrical faults. Certainly do leak down if you can arrange it. If you buy the car and want to enjoy it, i.e. not a be dealing with a series of annoyances, pull the engine and throughly clean it so you can actually see what is going on and make it easier to work on. Replace all of the external seals and gaskets including the rear main bearing seal, all of the injector seals, etc. Check all of the air hoses for cracks, tighten all of the hose fittings, the emission control plumbing has many hoses and fittings. Throughly inspect the engine wiring harness, this stuff is 40 years old an likely has never been looked at before. Replace the plug wires, distributor cap, coil, etc., this dials down the mystery issue that are likely to turn up when you just want to get out and drive the car. While the engine is out replace the fuel filter (it's much more accessible with engine out) and consider replacing sound/insulation panel, its likely pretty ratty at this age. With engine out it is really worth resurfacing the flywheel, and much improved pressure plate and clutch are available today so replace both, replace clutch fork, bearing, and spring. Sounds like a lot but if you want to get enjoyment out of the car just commit two doing this stuff and get it out of the way.

blueline · #9

Mark87 wrote: Fri Jun 16, 2023 10:17 pm I have an 82SC with 117,00 miles, as noted by others these engines can be quite bullet proof. That said they can drive you crazy with oil leaks, air leaks, and possible electrical faults. Certainly do leak down if you can arrange it. If you buy the car and want to enjoy it, i.e. not a be dealing with a series of annoyances, pull the engine and throughly clean it so you can actually see what is going on and make it easier to work on. Replace all of the external seals and gaskets including the rear main bearing seal, all of the injector seals, etc. Check all of the air hoses for cracks, tighten all of the hose fittings, the emission control plumbing has many hoses and fittings. Throughly inspect the engine wiring harness, this stuff is 40 years old an likely has never been looked at before. Replace the plug wires, distributor cap, coil, etc., this dials down the mystery issue that are likely to turn up when you just want to get out and drive the car. While the engine is out replace the fuel filter (it's much more accessible with engine out) and consider replacing sound/insulation panel, its likely pretty ratty at this age. With engine out it is really worth resurfacing the flywheel, and much improved pressure plate and clutch are available today so replace both, replace clutch fork, bearing, and spring. Sounds like a lot but if you want to get enjoyment out of the car just commit two doing this stuff and get it out of the way.

Thanks for the input and ideas that others can certainly use as they make their way through these kinds of adventures.

By the way, welcome to Carpokes Mark!