Porsche Repair: Older Porsche 911, porsche 911 sc, incremental enhancements

Question
I will be buying an older Porsche this year. I really want the
Porsche 911 SC between the years 1976-1980. But I'm told to
look for a Porsche Carrera 1984-1986 because the parts are
more accessible. Is this true? Should I go for the Carrera? I really
need some advice. Thanks so much!  

Answer
Hi Lori,

You are one lucky lady to have such worries.  I envy you.

Here's the easy explanation to your quandry:

Re: Parts availability.  This is the very first time I've heard of any parts issues for SC's.  Even cars I love, like the 356's, can be restored and made like new with plenty of parts from many different and eager suppliers.  I'm not talking about price, just availability.  Again, I believe availability is a  non-issue, but price is always a big issue.  After all, somebody has to pay for those ships coming across the Atlantic with "Genuine Porsche Parts".  To satisfy yourself, I'd suggest a call or two.  Here's a great place to start:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/index.htm
These guys will be happy to answer your question.  Tell them exactly what you told me, tell them they were highly recommended as a quality Porsche parts source, and see what they say.  I would be amazed if there's a parts availability issue...but if so, I'd love your feedback.

As to the "right" car to buy, let's break it down this way:

1.  I will assume you are not going to buy a "930", which is the turbo version of the SC and highly prized as a collectible.  The words "highly prized" is a synonym for "highly expen$$$ive".

2.  The best advice to prospective Porsche buyers in your situation is this:  every car made after "1976" (finally, the Germans develop some rust prevention technology) is basically the same car as the last year's with important yet incremental enhancements, improvements, upgrades and refinements.  The prior's year's version is a wonderful car in its own right.  So, the best advice:  "Buy the newest car your pocketbook can afford".  This approach takes advantage of the fact that every succeeding year in your target year range resulted in a "better" car.  Better in terms of "more refined".  

3.  For our discussion we will be talking about the 78+ model years.  That's when the 3.0 liter engine was introduced and it is a winner.  Previous engines were OK but smogged to death.  

4.  There is this impression, I suppose, that in '84 the "Carrera" was a big deal.  The difference between the '83 SC and the '84 Carrera: Engine upgraded to 3.2 liters, (good, but the same engine), fog lamps in the front spoiler, light alloy wheels with styling holes and "Carrera" script on the engine compartment lid.  New heating system with 3-speed blower, 2-stage tinted rear window.  5 speed standard. Optional tonneau on Cabriolet and A/C optional.  See...small, incremental steps.  Better than the last car but the last wasn't bad at all.

5.  I would rather your time be spent on finding the right car regardless of age.  In my mind, the right car will be expensive but worth it.  Worth it because the owner will be a meticulous record-keeper, and he/she will spend countless hours keeping the car in tip-top shape.  Every routine service will have been done on-time or early and preventive maintenance is not a foreign concept.  I don't know your car experience, but it should be noted that Porsches are quite expensive to maintain.  It's a combinatiuon of those expensive parts from Germany and the expensive German-speaking mechanics who get $100+ shop rates when they have your pride and joy all in pieces.  I'm not talking about dealer rates, they are probably higher...I'm talking about good independent Porsche repair shops.  If you buy the well-maintained car and have it certified ($150-$200) by that independent shop before you buy, there shouldn't be any nasty surprises.  These cars are in the 20+ year old range and there are two ways to look at them.  If any car can be pristine after 20 years, the Porsche certainly ranks with the best.  After 20 years, however, parts will just get tired and old and they will need to be replaced.  So, this is not going to be a buy it and drive it for 100,000 miles before you get your first check-up.

6.  Now, disregard all the above for a moment and imagine yourself in the car of your dreams and reflect on exactly why it was you were drawn to these very cool cars in the first place.  Great!  You're going to love your new car!

Dave

If you'd like, I would be delighted to comment on any prospective purchase you consider.