Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car, interesting observations on a 914 sale Options

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

In the latest issue of Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car (Nov 2011), they comment on the auction results of a 1974 914 that was sold at the Bonhams' sale.

1974 914, condition:Modified-#3- (#3 is considered average), selling price:$10500.

Comments: " Few people can leave a 914 alone-like a '32 Ford, it's the rare car that's been returned to stock form and, as with any hot rod, your vision and that of a buyer seldom match up well enough to recoup your investment. This car's work included a 2.0-liter Euro engine with a number of mods: exhaust, transmission, suspension, brakes, wheels and interior, including a harness bar visible here. A hole in the side of the engine bay right behind the driver looked like it was made with a shotgun-no idea what that was about. The home paintwork was adequate. The buyer purchased a large amount of work for cheap"

The photo shown depicts a red (or orange) narrow body with body painted rollbar and bumpers. The bumpers do not have the black "tits", the car has fog lights and a crest on the hood. I can't discern the type of wheels that are on the car.

I also do not know if the 2.0 engine they refer to is a /6 or a /4 w/carbs, as they call it a "Euro" engine. (That could also be the seller's description).

Anyway, as has been the subject on this forum before, I believe that modified cars, besides often being expensive to build, rarely, if ever, return the cost that was spent on its modification. That belief also applies to "clones", "knock-offs", "resto-mods", and "fakey-dos". That is true whether you are building a Hemi-Cuda, a Mustang GT-350, a 911 Carrera RS or a big-block C2 Corvette.
Authenticity counts for much in the upper price realms of desireable cars, which I think is proven by 914/6 values.

Paul

[MDG]

Anyway, as has been the subject on this forum before, I believe that modified cars, besides often being expensive to build, rarely, if ever, return the cost that was spent on its modification. That belief also applies to "clones", "knock-offs", "resto-mods", and "fakey-dos". That is true whether you are building a Hemi-Cuda, a Mustang GT-350, a 911 Carrera RS or a big-block C2 Corvette.
Authenticity counts for much in the upper price realms of desireable cars, which I think is proven by 914/6 values.

Paul

I agree to a point but I think too broad of a brush used here. If you are talking about an "original" survivor car yes, in most cases at auction they will command the greatest interest and dollars.

But if you are comparing a car that has been restored to original vs. one done as a resto-mod then the grey area presents a no-win situation as far as what will be worth more vs. dollars spent to get it there. Doing either with the intent of making a profit is a fools errand. Again, depending on how deep you want to go, you WILL spend more than the car will be worth when it is done whichever way you choose to go.

In fact if you look at auction results over the past 5 or 6 years, some of the American cars you list above it is the resto-mods commanding the big bucks; way, way more than the restored to original car. Like not even in the same town as the ballpark more. The ubiquitous Bullit and Eleanor Mustangs routinely outsell a restored to orignal '67 or '68 fastback. By like double.

Food for thought, and this depends on the level you want to take your cars; I am finally nearing the end of a year and a half of 914 work - doing two cars simultaneously. My '76 3.2 GT style resto-mod and my '73 2.0 restored to original. To do it to the level I want - and I am doing these for my enjoyment, not to sell - the truth is the expense is virtually the same for both. Sourcing out and buying NOS parts for the '73 where originality is the key for me, has been mind boggling expensive. I won't make money on either car but I'll be glad to have both of them in my garage.

[SirAndy]

But if you are comparing a car that has been restored to original vs. one done as a resto-mod then the grey area presents a no-win situation as far as what will be worth more vs. dollars spent to get it there. Doing either with the intent of making a profit is a fools errand. Again, depending on how deep you want to go, you WILL spend more than the car will be worth when it is done whichever way you choose to go.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

There is a point in a 914s life when it is not economical anymore to restore it back to original.

I own two of them ... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)