Question on Valuations, Value difference: high end 914/6 conversion vs same on original 914/6 chassis? Options

[Rufus]

Hi Guys - I'm at a major crossroads with my project and need to brainstorm with others in the 914 community.

As a baseline, this very nice conversion sold recently for $72.5k. Here's a link:

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=343405

If *everything* else was the same, except the chassis was an original 1970 914/6 chassis (not originally a 914/4), and also that the original drivetrain is long gone, how would the market value differ? Please consider in both cases what fair market value is, and ignore the possibility this recent sale was a smokin' deal.

Looking forward to your opinions ...

Thanks,
Bob

[davehg]

I ask the value question frequently. I am doing a concours quality resto conversion with a Euro RS 2.7 twin plug, and I expect to be about $65-70k when complete. That’s high end of the spectrum for a conversion without a 3.6, but I don’t care as I am not intending to sell, certainly not after 4 years of restoration wait.

I have another 3.2 conversion that, thanks to an engine and trans rebuild, I know I will be upside down buy about $10k. When I think if I should do steel flares and paint, I need to remind myself that I’d be upside down another $20k. So the 3.2 will stay a drivers car, not a trailer queen.

Some days I wished I had just saved the $$ on the two cars and bought the Big Laguna. Then someone else would have taken the bath. But the experience has been awesome, and I’ve made some terrific friendships along the way, and I’ve gotten to know the cars intimately.

Do what you want and what you can afford and try not to think of these things as anything more than play toys. I’ve never made money on any car, but I sure enjoy them more than my bonds or stocks.