Question on Values Options

[BPic]

I have been stalking in here for months and I'm amazed by the information exchange here. I just purchased a 72 1.7 that I will be rebuilding. The discussion I would open is this: In looking at a full rebuild of the car above will the car be more valuable brought back to factory spec 100% original or set up with a bigger engine, say a 2.0 and slightly modified.
Not that I'm rebuilding this to sell right away. But, I always have an exit strategy with an investment like this and would like to get an idea of which route to go.
I'm sure I'll be posting a lot of questions here and I've already cataloged several posts with tips and pics of some of my questions thus far.

Any input will be greatly appreciated!

[Mike Fitton]

Only 2 ways to go in my opinion:
-Rebuild back to 100% original.
-Do a 6/GT conversion, these are really hot right now.

These cars are investments now whether we like it or not. If you bought 10 years ago you have 3 or 4 x's your initial outlay.

[bbrock]

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I'm just over 10 months into my restoration project and have thought about this a lot, and asked a related question early on. I was told it couldn't be done, but I believe I'm still on track to finish this project in the black. In reality, if my car is worth 90% of what I put into it, I'll be very happy. My car required extensive rust repair but this was offset by the fact it is a 73 2.0L that I bought back in the 1980s for practically nothing ($500). It had some significant rust issues even then but was complete and drove well after a quicky hell hole patch. The low initial investment combined with it being one of the most desirable four cylinder models helps with the return on investment of my project. I haven't tallied receipts yet, but I am 95% finished with the rust/chassis repair and am well below $10K invested, including the numerous tools I've purchased that would have been bought eventually anyway. Lessons so far:

1. Stick with original. Not only is this, by far, the cheapest way to restore a car, they also net top value. Modifying the engine within reason doesn't seem to affect value but might add to the expense and affect net. Keep the EFI though.

2. Do the work yourself. I've penciled this out and don't see how you can break even on a major four cylinder restoration by hiring out the work. A major rustoration like mine requires a broad set of skills to be mastered to be successful: welding, metal fabrication, metal bumping, stripping, painting, upholstery, etc. The jury is still out on mine. But any job hired out really bites into the budget. And no, you don't count your own time. That's ridiculous. It's a hobby, so you shouldn't count the value of your time anymore than you charge yourself for fishing or watching football.

3. IMHO, this is the golden age of 914 restoration. This forum alone, is a goldmine of information provides a resource base that wasn't available decades ago. Plus, enough people have done major restorations that much of what works has been figured out. Had I completed my restoration in the 80s when I started it, the result would have been crap compared to where it is now. Also, there are a lot of enthusiasts making excellent reproduction parts at a very reasonable price and there are still a lot of salvage parts available. Finally, I do believe the value of these cars taking off and I doubt the entry point for a restoration will be nearly as affordable in 5-10 years as it is now. I've had a few interesting conversations with people who follow collectible car trends but are not 914 or Porsche people recently. They are aware that 914s have gained a following and are going up in value. Ten years ago, those same people would have snickered at the mention of a 914 and said something about it being a Volkswagen or NARP. I'm guessing that even projects that go slightly upside down on investment may turn right side up during the years we enjoy owning and driving the cars.

Good luck!