Never thought I'd be saying this..., I own a factory /6! Options

[Lavanaut]

A couple years ago, shortly after I bought my 4-cylinder car, I remember reading a post written by someone (don't recall who) who was selling his 4 because he'd been "bitten by the /6 bug". At that time I remember thinking, that will never be me. Why would anyone want a 6 enough to pay what they cost when you can have a 4 for such a comparatively small entrance fee?

Well, at some point along the line I got bit as well. After watching cars coming up for sale for about a year, I finally decided that I wanted to try to find one. Several months and several almost-buys later, I finally found a car.

I've been putting off posting this because I wanted to put some time into writing this thread. I wanted to try to capture or put into words the experience, the frustration of the hunt, the endless hours of scouring the 'Net, and most importantly the continued feeling of amazement when I walk into my garage and see her sitting there.

Nah. I think I'll just post some pics. The one thing I do want to say is that there are a lot of people in this community who helped me both directly and indirectly in acquiring this car. I greatly appreciated and appreciate their input along the way...I hope I showed it. Specifically I'd like to thank (aliases used to protect the guilty (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)) Sir Andy, McMark, Eric Shea, Dr. 914, Carr914, URY914, Gustl, DaveP, smg914, boxstr, TedK....and without a doubt others that I am forgetting, sorry. Oh and if you see your name on that list but don't even know who the hell I am, well, you DID help me out in one way or another...so again: thank you!

On to the car. This is a US delivery 1971 car, #283. It's a matching numbers example, stock specs. Color is Bahia red, original color with one respray. The car isn't perfect, but I plan to get it there. Short term plans include sail panel vinyl and (new) trim, black top, seals, new emblems, deep 6 Fuchs, new tires, correct stance, etc. I've been able to trace the history back to about 1980, confirming 65k original miles.

Enjoy the pics... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cheer.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Lavanaut]

Thanks all for the kind words! Let's see here...

Is that the car that needs H,E

Yep. Looking at the passenger side unit it appears that it did something to piss somebody off...more than once. It's already been repaired, I'm not going to try again.

I still wish we could have met up. Kinda of a bummer to think about such nice cars in my backyard and I missed them. But alas, such is life. See ya at WCR09! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Yeah Mark, bad timing...would have been cool to come by your shop. I seem to always get my cars in CA so maybe for the next one... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

WCR09? Would love to but if it's gonna be in SD it's going to be hard for me to make it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

I think that if I had a 916 I would cover the hardtop in vinyl and install the factory side vinyl while I was at it.

Ha! Wait...you don't own a 916? C'mon George, get on it. I agree though, sail panels and top will be going to back to stock look. I thought it was going to be easy but after reading Eric's writeup on doing it I'm a bit more nervous...especially because I'm going to have to redrill the holes for the lower trim piece. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon8.gif)

I have North Coast Old Rasputin on tap in my garage (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif)

You should be able to find Old Rasputin and Red Seal in Bend, and maybe Old Stock and Brother Thelonious. Try the Newport Ave Market.

Like you, I have a draft system and was referring to getting it in barrels. Can't get jack out here, it sucks. In Colorado I could get ANYTHING.

Did you buy it from someone here in Napa?

Nope, just took delivery there. Delivered the BMW to the guy I bought the six from, from Portland, and he trailered the six up from Phoenix.

Hmmmm, are deep sixes oem? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Congrats..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

And so it starts Mike, damnit. The urge to keep this car 100% original is one I'm struggling with. I want it to be totally original, with a few little touches that are easily reversible per my own tastes ~ wheels, steering wheel, suspension...things like that. It's ok right guys? Right? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Still though, I do struggle wiht it. I have a lot of respect for these cars and for me keeping it 100% bone stock is a component to that. The wheels are in my garage though, so damnit I'm doing it!

ps: they're not anodized and you can't stop me...

Let us know when you swing back the other way and realize how much the 4 feels lighter and nimbler than the 6.

Already noticed that for sure. But the power felt as I accelerate through higher RPM ranges in the six is definitely exhilerating, and FUN. Wait...Mike, are you saying I should keep both cars? Really? Should I? Someone just say so ~ after all, you all are the experts and who am I to argue? I'm sure my wife would agree.

I dare ya to drive that garage queen over the pass to Dredford this week. Hell, I'll even buy ya dinner! LOL.

Thanks for the offer E...one of these times I'll make it, no really! Alas, I'm headed the opposite direction this weekend for a little camping action. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drunk.gif)

Yeller! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/w00t.gif)

Ok I digress....yes, Medford scares the shit of me! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tooth.gif)

Congrats on the six! That is just plain beauuuutiful. I'll have to shoot you a line when I get over that way. Love to see ti in person (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Absolutely. BTW, the annual Sunriver exotics show is coming up, thinking about entering one or both of the teeners in that one. Saw one there two years ago, a nice signal orange 1.7.


One of the "fringe joys" of this car is that I now own two Teeners! Another one of those, "that'll never be me" kind of things. They look nice parked next to each other, currently the attached crappy cell phone pic is all I have to show for it, but you get the idea.

Thanks again all for the compliments and congrats! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Reid