whalebird

Rust can certainly be a factor. At the entry level that 67S ($$$) is at, you should easily be able to find a rust free car. keep an open mind, and Jim H...well said.

///msw3

that particular 67s was said to have had a rocker panel replaced during mid 80s restoration due to rust. I will be very open, as I am looking for the right example, not just the first example that crosses my path. I like what Jim H said, the idea of it, to have something like a 67s to drive, and restore over time. I would like a sound example, that isn't in need of anything major at time of purchase, but over time could certainly benefit from a full driver type restoration, done all at once or bit by bit over several years.
I too am a fan of the e28, finally found my e28 m5 a few months ago after a few years of searching for the right one. She is a fun drive for a four door, heck, she is a fun drive, period. I love all of the comments, thanks! There is nothing like talking with the people who own or have owned these cars. I love this place!

ked

if you haven't already read it, Frere's 911 book is a great point-of-entry to understand the development of the 911.

http://www.amazon.com/Porsche-911-St...1069675&sr=1-3

all 911 PPIs should include a comprehensive examination of the chassis for rust, accidents, past restorations, repaints, any physical damage & wear.

race911

My comments were within the context of each manufacturer's model range through the generations. SWB to square-tired to SC/Carrera to 964/993 to 996/997, and New Model (2002 and predecessors) to E21 to E30 to E36 to E46 to E90/2.

budge96

Spencer, I think you would learn quite a bit by just checking out the banter over
on the early registry site as the other posters have mentioned.
While the cars at Sloans may certainly be appealing I most assuredly would
determine the usage planned before making that leap,he's known for outpricing even some of the steepest levels of product markup!
There's alot to be said about the early seat of the pants feel derived from the
earlier LWB cars and the SWB models seem to take that learning curve up even a notch or two further.
I have a couple early models S's including a '68S and at the moment have
refused to part with it even for the most absurd offer,it's just too nostalgic!
Have fun! Bert
Oh and I most definetly have a soft spot for my bimmers,got an'02 Ti in college and haven't looked back,I've owned almost
every M model since '86 and currently have my third M5 '00 DD and an E9 3.0 CS '73

Driver8

They are not the same car, but very similar. I know the owner of the car that was discussed on the Early 911S Registry. If anyone is interested in that particular car please let me know and I can get them more information.

Aaron

whalebird

I meant to say I had a e21(320i). Sorry. E28 is another good BMW.
On topic however, the hunt for any 911 can be a cat/mouse game, and an early car is more so. Look at ALL of them.

///msw3

Yes, e21 sounds more like it, I should have looked at the year. Definitely different than the e28.
Originally I was thinking the 993, as an entrance to the aircooled side of things. Than I began wondering if that was perhaps too refined, after I drove a few of them. I love the thought of 2000lbs. and under 200hp. I love the thought of driving a car that takes some actual skill to drive. I love the thought of its ability to bite you in the *** if not properly driven. I absolutely find joy in the hunt, so this part will be a pleasure. I will go spend time on the early 911 registry, and then hopefully I will have some more specific questions on the various models. Thanks for all the info guys!

rgrimm

Between my '68 and my '84, it's the '68 that I'll never part with. And I say this after driving it 600 miles to a "long hood" show this summer in 95 degree heat! Then again, I don't own a GT3 :-)

SWB cars can be a little "twitchy" and certainly less refined, but they are a hoot. While both can be made to handle well, the '69-'73s may be preferable with their lengthened wheel base.

And note while the "S" versions really come alive when you open them up, they might not be the best best from driving around town...they are a bit high strung. A "normal" can be a lot of fun once you get used to it as a "momentum" car.

just my 2 cents...

ps...so I just brought the mail in. On a recommendation I purchased "Buying, Driving and Enjoying the Porsche 911 and 912 1965-1973" by James E. Schrager and edited by Gordon Maltby. It includes a history, specifications, analysis of the various models and a buying guide.

On a quick page-through, it appears to be a great book (and I'm not just saying that because my car is on page 53...surprised the heck out of me!). It would be a good read for anyone wanting to venture into the long-hood world.

///msw3

thanks for the headsup on the early911sregistry, spent all day there. I will be back with lots of questions in a day or so. I could spend all day doing this sort of thing.

///msw3

Again, thanks for all of the info guys. Just an update, I purchased a 1969 911s, pick her up in a little over a week, can't wait!! Thanks for directing me to the early911 board, I must say the early911registry is a great resource for the early cars, anyone who has interest needs to go there So between rennlist, early911, and s14, I no longer have time to sleep, thanks I will add some pics and thoughts on this particular example once I have her in my garage.

mclaudio

msw, the analogy of 2002tii to E30M3 to newer M3 is a good one when comparing various 911 eras. You are taking a sound approach when considering 911s. I would recommend that you drive early 911s especially pre-69 and compare it to 69-73 models. As a couple have mentioned, there is a difference.

While I appreciate cars of various eras especially the beautiful 50s barchettas and spyders, I would tend more to own cars that were built from the late 60s onwards due to its driving feel (I have driven 356s, SWB 911s, Alfa Giuliettas/Veloces, 2002, M3s, etc. and owned various 911s and other cars). To me, although there was a dark period with emission regulations, the late 60s to 80s cars are a great combination of more raw yet modern-era driving feel. For instance, the 69-73 911, 914 6/2.0, Ferrari 308/328, Dino 246, E30 M3 are on top of the heap in terms of such driving experience combined with good looks (at least the ones I have driven/owned and that are within the 67 S price range).

Bottom line, drive the various models. In fact, drive different cars of the same year model. One will speak to you more than the other. The 911 I miss the most is a 69S; the two most fun Porsches I have owned are a 2L 914 and my Rothmans 944.

Enjoy the ride and the hunt!

PS I assume you are only looking at street cars. Race cars are a different story...

mclaudio

Ooops, I saw your purchase post just now. Congratulations on the 1969 911S! As I mentioned, this is the 911 I miss the most. It is the lightest of all production 911s (outside the 911R) IIRC. I prefer lighter weight over more hp...

pu911rsr

Congrats on the purchase, I have owned 2 69 S's, great cars.
Phil

Softarga

Go for the 67S. I have 3 67S coupes and 2 67S SWTs. They're great. Smart investments. Raw Porsche feel, air-cooled sound and smells (don't forget a few extra quarts of oil), at least what I grew up with and craving. Classic styling. Relatively simple mechanic and electrical systems. Chicks dig em (albeit Cougars). Truth be known I have more fun driving my SWT than my GT2RS even if it's at half the speed.