914 compared to other vintage Porsche purchase thoughts Options

[wayne1234]

Looking for input from others who have owned or driven other vintage Porsche models. I am wanting to get back into a vintage car to drive somewhat regularly. Initially I was thinking I would get back into a 914 since I didn’t get to spend much seat time with my old one. I know they have shot up in value, As I’m cruising what’s for sale I’m trying to weigh what I want, this time around I can spend more on a good car if it makes sense. At first I was wanting a bit of a light project, and I still might, but I’m also thinking about just getting a nice one. Which at the price they are going for seems to open up other options, which has me thinking about straying away from the 914. Is it me or have the 356’s dropped in price? Especially the coupe. They were sky high 10 years ago. What do they drive like compared to a 914? I’m not going to track or push this car, I’m more looking for good overall vintage driving experience. I have also noticed there are a few 911’s that might fit the bill, but I almost think they are too common, I know a 911 will probably drive the best, but might have a little negativity in public, which is what I’m trying to get away from. What has been your criteria when you were thinking about your next car? I’m tending to hold on to them longer then I did in the past. And I’m wanting something more soul than than the garage queens I have. Thanks for any input

[flyer86d]

Better than a 914? Everything is different. I loved driving my 58 356A coupe but my uncle had a 64 356C coupe that he bought new that I thought was more refined. It was a great car to drive long distance in. Our 73 911 was the best of the 911’s that we had in terms of feel. It seemed so much lighter handling and neutral that the later cars. All of these cars have gotten expensive. Cheap thrills? Get a Boxster. Mine is not a show car and now is showing 132K on the clock so I drive it and don’t worry when I park it. The heat and AC work great, the engine noises are terrific, as is the handling.

Other cars would be a mid 1980’s Alfa Spider. I’ve had two and they are just so pleasant to drive. Not real fast but the engine is willing, handling is OK but it is no Porsche. Early 90’s Mercedes 300SL. I bought one for my daughter for her senior year in high school. It was a rich guys Sunday car, had 64K on it for $5300 and was flawless. Sold it with 140K for $5000 still flawless and only replaced the brake pads. It was great for the trip from our home in Vermont to our cottage on the Maine Coast which takes about 6.25 hours as most of it is on 2 lane roads. I would get out of the car without feeling fatigued. Ours had the 5 speed auto but if you look real hard, there were a few that had a 5 speed manuals. Not as sporting as a Porsche but real pleasant to drive. I have had a number of Benz’s from that era. No electronics and easy to work on. The R129 SL’s are galvanized also.

Charlie