Old Porsche prices- I just don't get it

[Mark E.]

We all have our preferences and biases regarding cars. And most reading this Forum presumably have a weakness for Corvette. So maybe you understand my befuddlement.

The cover of this month's Hemmings features a 1972 Porsche 911T. It's not stock, so more interesting than some but it moved me to look up the value of these...

According to Hagerty, a 1972 911T in #2 condition is valued at over $70,000.

Not a Turbo, not an S or even the E model. Just a regular 911T coupe with a lawnmower inspired 130hp air-cooled "engine". I'm sure it's cute, but really?

By comparison, Hagerty values a 1972 Corvette CONVERTIBLE BIG BLOCK in #2 condition at $52,000.

What market insight am I missing?

The only things that pops to mind are supply and Seinfeld. Maybe virtually all Porsches this old have decomposed, so any left in decent shape command a price. And Seinfeld is funny + he likes Porsches ==> Porsches are funny too.

[Michael J.]

Re: Old Porsche prices- I just don't get it

As a long time member of the Porsche Club of America, and active in my local chapter, I can tell you older Porsches are just as valued and loved by members as our Corvettes are. And yes, the older Porsches are much more rare than older Corvettes. And the attention to details for the purists of the Porsche world and their judging is just as strict. Here is a typical example of some of our chapter tech sessions:

“Want to place better in the next Concours d”Elegance you enter? It’s not just a matter of cleaning your car all over. Knowing WHAT and HOW MUCH to clean can help you spend your precious prep time more efficiently. Join Roadrunner Region and Parade Concours competitor Tommy Thompson for an informative session on “Concours Strategies for Better Scores”. We’ll use the actual 2017 Parade Concours judging forms to help you identify high-point and high-priority areas to spend your cleaning efforts on. We’ll also cover what can and can’t be done before you leave, when you arrive, and when you find yourself out on the actual Concours field. Join us on Saturday, May 5th from 10:00 AM to Noon.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Old Porsche prices- I just don't get it

The market for air cooled Porsches - even the 80s variety - has really gone up in the last 3 years. While it has plateaued somewhat in the last several months, they're still worth a lot more than they were. Same for 80s Ferraris.

Corvettes? Not so much.

[Gene M.]

Re: Old Porsche prices- I just don't get it

It's just the flavor of the month. Look at the hemi cars now seem you can't give them away..........

The true classics are always up there Vettes 53-67, baby birds, tri five chevies, Cobras.

It's just market rearrangement to keep cars in the circle for $$$$$$$.

[Russ S.]

Re: Old Porsche prices- I just don't get it

It's because scrap metal prices are so high.

We all have our preferences and biases regarding cars. And most reading this Forum presumably have a weakness for Corvette. So maybe you understand my befuddlement.

The cover of this month's Hemmings features a 1972 Porsche 911T. It's not stock, so more interesting than some but it moved me to look up the value of these...

According to Hagerty, a 1972 911T in #2 condition is valued at over $70,000.

Not a Turbo, not an S or even the E model. Just a regular 911T coupe with a lawnmower inspired 130hp air-cooled "engine". I'm sure it's cute, but really?

By comparison, Hagerty values a 1972 Corvette CONVERTIBLE BIG BLOCK in #2 condition at $52,000.

What market insight am I missing?

The only things that pops to mind are supply and Seinfeld. Maybe virtually all Porsches this old have decomposed, so any left in decent shape command a price. And Seinfeld is funny + he likes Porsches ==> Porsches are funny too.

[William F.]

Re: Old Porsche prices- I just don't get it

Way to many C3's produced. Body style not considered classic. After 70 models and the '71 LT1's, engines lost compression and horsepower, choked with smog controls.

[Mark E.]

Re: Old Porsche prices- I just don't get it

Way to many C3's produced. Body style not considered classic. After 70 models and the '71 LT1's, engines lost compression and horsepower, choked with smog controls.

Supply of C3s vs. 911s I get.
Who's to say what's "classic"?
The HP argument doesn't track: the 140HP Porsche is $20k more than the 270HP Corvette.

[Mark E.]

Re: Old Porsche prices- I just don't get it

Michael,

I understand that less supply ==> higher prices, all else being the same.

But saying "Porsches are just as valued and loved" doesn't explain the price difference.

[William F.]

Re: Old Porsche prices- I just don't get it

What's a "classic?"- Test of time, unique styling, and the market. Also kind of like a judge said about how to define porn" Don't know how to define it but I know it when I see it." Think Jag XKE vs some later models, MB 300SL vs box shaped 90's models, Ferrari 1964 GTO vs later 308 with black "crash worthy" rubber bumper. You really think a '75 Corvette with rubber ducky front and rear will ever bring a price close to a good mid year or be considered a "classic?"

[Mark E.]

Re: Old Porsche prices- I just don't get it

What's a "classic?"- Test of time, unique styling, and the market. Also kind of like a judge said about how to define porn" Don't know how to define it but I know it when I see it." Think Jag XKE vs some later models, MB 300SL vs box shaped 90's models, Ferrari 1964 GTO vs later 308 with black "crash worthy" rubber bumper. You really think a '75 Corvette with rubber ducky front and rear will ever bring a price close to a good mid year or be considered a "classic?"

Got it. But we're comparing Porsche to Corvette of the same vintage, not 1975 to a mid-year. ...And 1972 featured chrome bumpers.

[Gene M.]

Re: Old Porsche prices- I just don't get it

I just don't understand why someone would consider a porch when they could get a Corvette. Just makes no sense but not everybody has common sense. Let the less rational buy the porch that leaves more Corvettes to choose from for the more discriminating buyer.

[Edward B.]

Re: Old Porsche prices- I just don't get it

My '69 Porsche is more fun to drive than my '61 Corvette, but I'm not selling either one.

[Jim D.]

Re: Old Porsche prices- I just don't get it

My '69 Porsche is more fun to drive than my '61 Corvette, but I'm not selling either one.

Good for you. I've owned many Corvettes as well as lots of other cars. A 66 L-79 Nova, 70 LS6 Chevelle & 57 T-Bird are just a few. I don't understand the narrow mindedness of some people.

[Joe R.]

Re: Old Porsche prices- I just don't get it

Supply and demand dictates prices!

Whatever a person likes and can afford they will buy!

JR

[Richard M.]

Re: Old Porsche prices- I just don't get it

This one had me shaking my head in disbelief last fall at the Hilton Head Concours.

A '57 barn find that sold for over six hundred and sixty five thousand dollars.

Personally, if I had that kind of money, I'd offer much of it to a friend who owns a '67 L89 coupe.

I like all cars, even my wife's '72 Jaguar E-Type(albeit finicky some times just like her), no prejudice here, but I've never driven a Porche. Besides, I've never figured out how to pronounce it.

Rich
Holy crap did I say she was finicky? Hope she doesn't read this.