Tips Posted 1April, 2019 Report Share Posted 1April, 2019 So checked out an SC sporto that I heard about on the grapevine, that’s not advertised. AU delivered 3 litre car with 3 speed sporto. Has Done the normal clicks for a 40yo car, however with recent (less than 500kms) engine/gearbox out refresh by reputable Porsche specialist. Lots supporting info and documents of work done over it’s life including turbo tie rods etc. It’s a targa which is my preferred 911, but I know not everyone’s. Price is where I need it to be (and cheap compared to imports and 2.7’s being advertised) to stick in the back of garage and drive a couple of days a week. I’m just not sure of sporto from both an engagement factor (always thought I would have a 5 speed) and cost of maintenance. When I read through the paperwork with the car, the common thread is transmission refresh, rebuild, that said its had a recent new (OEM porsche supplied torque converter and switch as part of the refresh). Drives beautifuly and pulls like a train but worries me that a sporto presents much higher maintenance cost over a manual gearbox. I would like to hear from sporto owners if this is their experience. I know it impacts resale but my entry price is low in my opinion compared to non sporto and import Targas, which is my comparison. So is it the red headed stepchild concerns of being both a targa and a sporto that’s making me hesitant or do I need to get over myself for my first AC car? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James P Posted 1April, 2019 Report Share Posted 1April, 2019 My first SC was a Jap sporto i liked it but had to spend a ton of money to get the sporto box right, it was good when working correctly but something in me always wanted a manual box.. they are slower also, eventually when i got a 5 speed manual SC (different car) it was so much better. They are harder to sell also but saying that if you pass on it let me know the details as i wouldn't mind one again (not sure why) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tips Posted 1April, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 1April, 2019 26 minutes ago, James P said: My first SC was a Jap sporto i liked it but had to spend a ton of money to get the sporto box right, it was good when working correctly but something in me always wanted a manual box.. they are slower also, eventually when i got a 5 speed manual SC (different car) it was so much better. They are harder to sell also but saying that if you pass on it let me know the details as i wouldn't mind one again (not sure why) Will do James as I was going to suggest to the seller if I do, that I post it here for him. The obvious question is still there though, why another but they are your Demons to manage 🤣. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James P Posted 1April, 2019 Report Share Posted 1April, 2019 1 hour ago, Tips said: Will do James as I was going to suggest to the seller if I do, that I post it here for him. The obvious question is still there though, why another but they are your Demons to manage 🤣. Nostalgia isn't that the reason everyone over pays for AC cars.. saying that i just found my old 993 on gumtree we have history Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dreamr Posted 1April, 2019 Report Share Posted 1April, 2019 @SteveF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ELSPORTO Posted 1April, 2019 Report Share Posted 1April, 2019 I would buy it and drive it - if / when the sporto fails, change it to a 915 manual box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveF Posted 1April, 2019 Report Share Posted 1April, 2019 Hi Tips, have to stay I loved my '76 sporto (silver with tartan seats) but not the sporto part as much. I liked the quirky nature of it however given the choice would rather a manual. It did cost a bit to maintain (refurbished torgue converter) and parts are getting harder to come by. I bought it because it was a VERY good price at the time and got me into my first AC 911 so was a no brainer. Driving wise i always found the change down a bit hit and miss because I really had to judge the corner and hope that the clutch would come out in time so it felt like I didn't have the same level of control. This may have the sporto setup or even me!! Mind you it did pull like a train and was great in traffic because it was just like an auto. I think that if the price is right, buy it and like Elsporto said change it out (Close your ears @Dreamr) down the track. In hindsight I should have kept it and done just that. I hope that helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dreamr Posted 1April, 2019 Report Share Posted 1April, 2019 36 minutes ago, SteveF said: I think that if the price is right, buy it and like Elsporto said change it out (Close your ears @Dreamr) down the track. In hindsight I should have kept it and done just that. I hope that helps. I knew i shouldn't have tagged you in this post with comments like that ... Wash your mouth out!! ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter M Posted 1April, 2019 Report Share Posted 1April, 2019 1 hour ago, SteveF said: ….. Driving wise i always found the change down a bit hit and miss because I really had to judge the corner and hope that the clutch would come out in time so it felt like I didn't have the same level of control. This may have the sporto setup or even me!! Mind you it did pull like a train and was great in traffic because it was just like an auto.... It always impressed me how well it when I followed you on drives and was sad to see it go. Tips, If it is in good condition and the price is right, just buy it and enjoy. So what if it's not the "tick a box" hipster car - pale grey coupe with phatts and stance, Prototipo, Outlaw stickers etc etc. It is not as though you'd lose money on it and don't underestimate how good they are. Peter Falk tells a story where he, Helmuth Bott and Paul Hensler loved their Sportos so much that Fuhrmann was worried the test team would neglect the development of manual gearboxes and clutchs. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tips Posted 1April, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 1April, 2019 Thanks guys appreciate the insights from the sporto brigade. It’s a good solid well kept car just a few little things to sort with the seller to see if we can agree on who is doing what from the PPI. @SteveF and @ELSPORTO agree with you both if the sporto gets boring I can always drop in a 5 speed and Crate the sporto for the next owner. @Dreamr don’t play purist with me, guards red over bamboo 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveF Posted 1April, 2019 Report Share Posted 1April, 2019 Now he is going to start thinking about it again!! What have you done!! Good luck with the purchase. I hope to get to see some pictures soon then! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dreamr Posted 1April, 2019 Report Share Posted 1April, 2019 40 minutes ago, Tips said: @Dreamr don’t play purist with me, guards red over bamboo 😉 So ... how long have you been holding on to that one?? ... You'd better hope this "3 speed auto" that you speak of is the original colour or I'll never let you hear the end of it ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James P Posted 1April, 2019 Report Share Posted 1April, 2019 I've heard it was about $12k upwards to do a conversion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tips Posted 1April, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 1April, 2019 I have heard similar ranges and up to $18k depending on the manual box condition and who is doing the work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelrik911 Posted 2April, 2019 Report Share Posted 2April, 2019 23 hours ago, Tips said: I have heard similar ranges and up to $18k depending on the manual box condition and who is doing the work What costs so much? (Apart from the price of a 5 speed 915 g/box - ~ $5K maybe ) Just curious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeM Posted 2April, 2019 Report Share Posted 2April, 2019 1 hour ago, Zelrik911 said: What costs so much? (Apart from the price of a 5 speed 915 g/box - ~ $5K maybe ) Just curious. $5-8k for a box, pedal assembly, cables, labour etc...it adds up pretty quickly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OZ930 Posted 3April, 2019 Report Share Posted 3April, 2019 So why not take the opportunity to go G50 and hydraulic actuated clutch with a racy pedal set? Probably cost a bit more but you would have a great set up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANF Posted 3April, 2019 Report Share Posted 3April, 2019 On 02/04/2019 at 09:45, Tips said: I have heard similar ranges and up to $18k depending on the manual box condition and who is doing the work ^ This will affect the overall price more than anything!! I say go for it, they are now a rather unique vehicle, which to me makes it a bit special! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tips Posted 3April, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 3April, 2019 2 hours ago, ANF said: ^ This will affect the overall price more than anything!! I say go for it, they are now a rather unique vehicle, which to me makes it a bit special! Agree Adam. The price estimate was based on a conversation with a reputable Porsche specialist who gave a high side guidance so there are no surprises. the uniqueness is what’s keeping my interest. I’m waiting on the seller now to come back to me on a couple of niggling things from the inspection. I factored the cost of maintenance, future manual conversion , blue slip, unknown gremlins and think he got a little offended by my offer being below his price. Some people just don’t have a sense of humour. But that’s negotiation for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANF Posted 3April, 2019 Report Share Posted 3April, 2019 11 minutes ago, Tips said: Agree Adam. The price estimate was based on a conversation with a reputable Porsche specialist who gave a high side guidance so there are no surprises. the uniqueness is what’s keeping my interest. I’m waiting on the seller now to come back to me on a couple of niggling things from the inspection. I factored the cost of maintenance, future manual conversion , blue slip, unknown gremlins and think he got a little offended by my offer being below his price. Some people just don’t have a sense of humour. But that’s negotiation for you. I would keep it as sporto! Good luck, hopefully you can come to a mutual agreeable solution! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3legs Posted 3April, 2019 Report Share Posted 3April, 2019 I can't remember the last time I've seen a sporto 911 (I reckon the last time I saw one was a Targa up in Qld back in the early 80's). Must be a rare beast these days. I'd keep it a sporto as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tips Posted 3April, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 3April, 2019 11 minutes ago, 3legs said: I can't remember the last time I've seen a sporto 911 (I reckon the last time I saw one was a Targa up in Qld back in the early 80's). Must be a rare beast these days. I'd keep it a sporto as well. I have noticed 3 originally delivered sportos for sale at the moment, however they have all been converted to manual. Future classic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3legs Posted 3April, 2019 Report Share Posted 3April, 2019 You could be right Tips but I dare say it would be to a small market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANF Posted 3April, 2019 Report Share Posted 3April, 2019 13 minutes ago, Tips said: I have noticed 3 originally delivered sportos for sale at the moment, however they have all been converted to manual. Future classic? Already a classic, just needs to appreciate like the rest.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tips Posted 4April, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 4April, 2019 On 03/04/2019 at 09:18, Zelrik911 said: What costs so much? (Apart from the price of a 5 speed 915 g/box - ~ $5K maybe ) Just curious. I was down at the specialist doing the adjustments on the sporto today and was floating some thoughts past him. Certainly said it would be every bit of $15k due to locating and refreshing a good 915 box and pedal assembly,welding in all the brackets etc for the clutch cable up the tunnel and then R&R the existing box with the new manual one box and then mothballing the sporto so it was in good shape for the future. All this is at their std Porsche specialist hourly rates. I’m sure you could get it done cheaper if you wanted to shop around I’m still working through if the sporto is to be my first 911. Plenty of good advice here and in PM’s, which is much appreciated. Whilst it has a new torque converter and relatively new micro switch it has some worn parts and the selection of gears needs finessing not spirited throws. Could it be a money pit? Yet to see where the final price is post inspection. Stay tuned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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