This 1969 Porsche 911 Targa is a stalled restoration project that has heartbreak written all over it. The seller has done a valiant job of tackling some very tedious rust repair in the years he has owned it, but is waving the white flag after a massive oil leak developed following the engine’s first start after re-assembly. We’ve all been there when a project simply takes too long and stops being fun, and that’s where this seller is at. Find the 911T here on eBay with bidding at $5K.
The reserve remains unmet, which isn’t unrealistic given the value of air-cooled 911s that haven’t been left to the elements. The listing showcases years’ worth of hard work performing rust repair in the floors and outer rocker panel skins, but as the seller notes, the work still isn’t done. The body also has several areas with old Bondo repairs noted, and the driver’s side floor pan is still awaiting repair. Note the driver’s door is also un-attached at the moment.
As the seller describes it, the 911T last saw active road use in 1996, and it has been his on-again, off-again project since 2004. In that time, he’s done an admirable job of tacking the bodywork himself, never an easy chore, and also freshening up other areas, such as the engine, which benefits from rebuilt carburetors and a new top end. The brakes and front suspension haven’t seen much love, but the rear suspension benefits from many new and updated components.
You can almost hear the seller’s frustration in the listing, in particular when he notes that the first startup in five years resulted in lots of smoke and a massive oil leak covering his garage floor. While I hate to get on soapboxes, a big reason for outsourcing a lot of the heavy lifting on my projects is knowing it will be done far sooner and likely far more correct than I could ever hope to achieve. This 911T still needs a lot of love, but it’d be a shame to see it remain in limbo.
Better hope his welding in the new rocker didn’t warp the whole car with no door opening braces. Real good way to make a mechanical banana out the car.
I agree and wonder how those door shut. I have replaced inner supports in other brands and braced it to the hilts with jack stands and bracing support to ensure a proper fit. How good of a welder 👩🏿🏭??
I have been welding for decades and took classes as well as umpteen projects prior to my cars rehab at this level. I am not saying it can’t be picked up but cautiously on support welds for a high speed car. This isn’t a tractor 🚜 or metal hay wagon that hits six to ten mpg on a farm if lucky 😮
Just remember that Non prep with sanding to metal along with a good ground and the correct settings and half moon looking beads can separate and not good for safety.
Its a beautiful car when done ✅
At the very bottom of his ebay ad, he mentions that the engine now DOES RUN correctly… a hose was not connected. Unfortunate for bidding, as most of the ad carries a negative tone. I hope he recoups some of his investment! Also, I agree fully with “Classic Steel”‘s comments above about good welding. It will be interesting to see where this one ends up.
I have a 1973 Porsche 911 targa that I purchased in 1979. Sported myself around Marina Del Rey during my bachelor years. Move it to my new home in Southern California’s San Diego County and stored correctly since 1986. Hasn’t seen the sunlight since. Going on 80 shortly and many projects to go I’m afraid to fire her up based on the nightmares I’ve been reading. It has around 67K miles and looks original. Sad thing is my wife will probably have a recking yard company haul it off with me tied to the back end.