os993

Wow, $200k range is pretty generous. I would think you have a lot of great choices.

You said you don't want another 993. Got it, but what about an 993 RS tribute model? Could be a fun addition.

Matsuzaka

I’ve had half dozen air cooled 911s over last 15 years. I currently have an 86 930 and a 96 993.

No question, my 993 is the best all around air cooled I’ve ever had. I’ve not owned a 964 so I can’t really comment on them but all the earlier NA cars I’ve had were less sophisticated in many aspects as is my 930.

However, I don’t think I will ever sell my 930. The power delivery is certainly different than most cars in that the power and torque keeps on increasing all the way to redline. It is a thrilling car to drive, sophisticated is probably not a great description of it but every time I get on it I’m reminded of why I love it so.

Mac

Peter65

Now that's a great situation to be in: the luxury to ask yourself (and us here as well) which other air cooled 911 would make a nice, complimentary combination with the 993?

I'm not in a similar position, but I've often asked myself the same question. Personally I'm really fascinated by the F-model 911 (1972-1973) and restomods based on it, for instance like this one (currently for sale in The Netherlands and I have absolutely no connection to the seller):

https://dtmcollectibles.com/cars/por...1-rsr-restomod

Manhattan_trout

Great perspectives here! How do you value a restomod? There's some great examples that I've seen - ranging from Outlaw conversions to 911SCs that were converted, all the way to '72 RS tributes starting with the original chassis. But can't figure out how to price these cars though. Any thoughts?

c2_peter

SWB 911 R Gruppe build

NC TRACKRAT

After purchasing the '95, I was faced with the same dilemma. My solution was to find a '98 C2S. They have two entirely different personalities. The '95 is Dr. Jekyll and the C2S is Mr. Hyde.

71-3.0-911

Why are you nervous about the engines? Really the only problematic ones were the 2.7 with magnesium cases. Of which can be machined and repaired by experienced mechanics. My original 71T had a 2.2 in it with webers. That engine was great and fun but I wanted more power and fuel injection with how much I run around the mountains.

The lightweight shell with the larger engine and fuel injection has proven to be a fantastic driver and fun to wrench on. The 901 trans is now the weak spot. I'll upgrade to a 915 one of these days.

Point of all this is that these cars are so customizable and easy to work on that they make great projects and daily drivers. I don't think the engines should scare you off. Given your price range, it's highly likely that you can get a freshly rebuilt one that has been properly sorted.

Exciting hunt. Good luck!

os993

Now that is a gorgeous car!

pp000830

Hi Strimdog,
My perspective is for a regularly driven car where maintenance (cost) and reliability is the primary concern.

964 - On public roads very much like a 993
'80s 930 - Turbo much more raw ride, a bit quirky, also be prepared to spend some time on servicing. An issue with these cars is that they are relatively low compression before the Turbo kicks in resulting in lower torque from a start in traffic making them incrementally more difficult to drive in stop-and-go traffic using the clutch. The 1984-on non-turbo Carrera, the first of the Bosch Motronic system, was a lot more reliable and less expensive to service than the SC. 1986-on had improved AC, to some extent, but still just so-so even with aftermarket updates, 97-on Carrera had a smoother shifting transmission.
SC - beautiful but with fuel injection that has more electro-mechanical parts to service. Maybe a good value these days. The look was carried forward to the 1984 forward-on Carrera.
Early 911, were very tiny light cars to drive, a bit more maintenance of the fuel injection will be encountered if so equipped.
Late 356C, is a great car, with numerous model updates from previous that make it a better street-driven car if thoughtful updates to the ignition and possibly the fuel system are done for reliability. I guess if one is leaping back to these cars the call of their charm is the primary influence and any extra work owning one is worth the love.

I'm not an expert just my impressions having driven the 911 iterations above and reading about the 356.,
Andy

rsabeebe

i love these types of scenarios - money burning a hole in your pocket and it's down to which flavor to buy. i've been in that situation a handful of times and it's an enviable place to be. i had my 993 WB and a 951 (having recently sold my '87 Carrera) and I was going to add either a 6.2 GT3 or a 964. i had already owned a RSA, so i opted for the bigger hp and went SY GT3.

the opportunity came back around, it was clear my choice was going to be a 964 C2. i was an immediate fan of the 964 back in the day and had to have another. if i had what i have now and i wanted to add something else, which i have recently considered, it would likely be a longhood hotrod. the raw (even more analog nature) of the LWB longhoods really appeals to me right now. if not that, i would probably consider a 930, as that was the poster car for so many of us and i think a clean example has a good outlook financially.

i'm a very nostalgic type person and want to live the memory or just put myself into a 'time'. the other option would be to replace my original, first car - a red over black 914 1.7. i drove one that was for sale on BaT (selling in dallas area) a few years back, but was disappointed by the example and the overall power. i'd need a fat-fendered 914 hotrod, if i were to do that.

rsabeebe

picking up a 355 6 spd about 4 years ago was the ticket. even a gated 360. they have taken off since the days when you could get a very clean 355 berlinetta for $50-60k. i remember when my friends and i would discuss the purchase of a testarossa, thinking they would take off. plenty of opportunities, not enough cash at every moment...

the engine out service always made me opt for a porsche over the 355.

forgot to mention, love the title of the thread. i'm carjunkie993 on IG.

Strimdog

Guys, Keep the advice coming! This is like Crack! (re: the title of this thread). You all are giving me some great direction and feedback. I'm certainly open to anything. I'm an experience guy and as a result am so interested in all of your experiences. As you can see from my sig, I may as well shoot to own one of every generation at one point or another! Love these cars! Thanks so much!!

911F1

Carrera G50 3.2 87 - 89.

You could go Safari. That would check the different box!

https://rennlist.com/forums/market/1315282

jrmdir

Why not think inside the box? No flames please (unless you've owned and driven both - Just an example, this car would sell for much more these days.

mlenox

I had the same issue and decided to go with a 1983 911sc. Driving experience is very different from the 993, yet comfortable enough and pretty easy to work on. I also like the 1980’s throwback look with the tea tray spoiler.