Mike Murphy

We all know the discussion that the 996 will never, ever, ever be rare or a collectible, etc. Of course. Who would ever try to argue against the 99% of the consensus out there is a fool, obviously.

But why does rareity not include the headlights? There are only a few characteristics of a 911 that are essential, including the placement of the engine, the 2+2 layout, and the shape. And what about the headlights? If not the headlights, then it’s not a 911. But I think everyone has moved past that last one, so it’s a true 911 with a rare-ish essential design characteristic. And it’s likely to get more and more rare over time.

Consider that 1,044,930 911s were ever made from 1963-October of 2018. I don’t have the numbers through Feb of 2020. There were 175,262 996s made from 1997-2005. The 997 sold more than the 996, the 991 by itself achieved 233,540, and the 992 will also probably be a hit.

So the 996 is about 14-15% of all 911s made and will probably be single digits in 10 years (perhaps over 2M 911s made by 2035?)

I recon, the reason the headlight design isn’t rare today is because

1.) Nobody is really paying attention; it’s not rare enough
2.) Nobody really cares

So my prediction is this: if the 996 ever becomes a collectible car for any reason, I think it will be because of the headlights.

Astro

Interesting. In my opinion the 996 is simply a model of the 911. Just like with other vehicles. There's always going to be some features which are more or less attractive, but I wouldn't consider something to be a collectible unless it's rare, which of course the 996 won't be for a long time due to the number available.

motoo344

I think partly because it isn't a 'rare' car, they made, 175k examples of these. That is still a lot of cars, its mass produced, we arent talking about 5k or 500. Hell, my old VW R32 was 1 of 5000 and a good example of one of those will cost you the same as a 996. They are also always going to have the stigma of engine problems and with all the bore scoring popping up it its warranted. One thing that I have gotten a kick out of is how a lot of people swoon over the slant nose when my IMO that changes the shape of the 911 way more than the headlights but I guess the slant nose is actually relatively rare.

pw40

Hey Mike!

I've thought about this too. If not "collectible" then maybe "unique" or "desirable"? With other collectibles it seems like the more "unique" versions do have more value, but maybe it's the rarity that makes them unique? I don't know.

I do agree the car has the double whammy of the perceived reliability issues and of being "different" in a world that values the traditional.

Paul

motoo344

Knock on wood but I also feel like we hit the bottom at this point. I don't think the 996 will jump up in price but I think the worst of the price drops are done...for now...I hope.

wildbilly32

I have never bought a car hoping I would make money on it. However, I can't tell you how many times I wished I still owned my 1965 Sunbeam Tiger that I bought in 1970 for $950...oh well! I buy cars like the 996 because I like them and want to drive them. To me cars are not a good investment. They are transportation or a toy that is fun to drive.

911Syncro

In the early 911s, they offered the Sportomatic transmission. Quite rare, not very many were built with it, but that doesn't make it more valuable.

There were about 12,000 968s built, about 1/2 came to the US. With only 6,000 they are getting rare, but that doesn't make them worth more than the closest cousin, the 944 Turbo which with time will probably go for more.

The 931 (924 Turbo) was quite rare, that that doesn't make them worth very much. Some people may fine them nostalgic, but that doesn't help.

Prelude Guy

The base 996 reminds me a lot of the E36 3 Series. It was the first model that broke away from the older models in terms of design and performance.

They sold a lot of them, so they will never be collector cars but there will be a growing number of people looking for a well-taken-care-of lower mileage E36 and willing to pay more for it.

I think the prices for base 996s will stay fairly low but the ones that have been taken care of will sell for $10k+ more than the rest. Especially ones that aren't silver or gray. Lol

chsu74

It is not about headlights. It is more about quality of the motor which is the heart of any car and supply(qty produced.) You don't see the low value in GT3s but see lower value from 996 turbo from supply compared to 997s. 996 GT2s had their day in the sun on value but have since dropped in price.

Flyfishnick

I appreciate your viewpoint on this Mike. I like to think I own a bit of a rarity because of the design too. I didn't buy this to become an investment that will appreciate over 20 years and make me rich either. It it does, so be it, but I won't hold my breath and I'll drive this lovely piece of German engineering until I can no longer smile.

motoo344

I feel like the people that actually buy cars as an investment are most of the time buying cars that are in price ranges 99.99% of people cant afford.

Porschetech3

I really loved the look of the headlights of the 996 when it came out. Much more aero looking than the 993 and older "bug eyed" look. It look more like the real racing cars of the time, like the GT1 and any other modern car. I felt the people who complained of the headlights were just being nostalgic and stuck in the sixties. I was glad the engines had problems that afforded me the opportunity to buy one (or three) knowing the problems could be fixed, hell anything can be fixed. I also hoped it would increase in value, but with the increase in parts prices and engine prices going up much faster than the value of the car, it doesn't make them popular right now at all, but I don't care, I love mine !!!

Brian_C

Bottom line if you hold onto a 911 long enough theres a good chance it will appreciate.

How many total worldwide cars produced are/were rear engine?

How many of those engines are aluminum?

How many of those have a boxer 6 cylinder engine?

There are very few spots on a 911 susceptible to rust. The body shell is hot dipped galvanized and most components are aluminum.

What cars offer the handing experience of a 911, regardless if water or air cooled? Only way to replicate is rear engine.

I have a 99 and while I would prefer the bugeye lamps it’s the last thing I think about when I’m driving it.

az968gpw

I love my 996 headlights, makes my car look fast. It's probably because i added the roof scoop.

Woodman71

From behind the wheel it looks a lot like a 993 or 997. And 97% of the population has no idea there's a stigma around the lights. They just see a 911.