WTB: 1975 914 in Palma Green Options

[paule]

Interested in a 914 daily driver or better in Palma Green. 2L or 1.8L, prefer black interior. My 914 and first Porsche was 4752907106 purchased new 10/75. I don't think it still exists and therefore I'm looking for any nice one. I'd also consider a '76 in Viper Green as a good second choice

[paule]

Careful what you wish for.....

I sent a cashier's check for a 1975 PG 2L project in March based on previous emails, pictures, and descriptions in phone conversations over the last couple of years. Up to that point I was told it would be available but there were other customers with cars that needed to get on the road and the '75 was a low priority.

The car was shipped in July. An earlier email stated the car included Mahle wheels, center console, fog lights and CA emissions. The seller sent a picture of the car on the transport and it had stock VW steel wheels. I emailed immediately and asked if the Mahles were in the car and if not, to ship them along with any other missing parts.

When the car arrived it was missing the Mahles, center console and fog lights. I didn't check on the CA emissions. It had more rust than described. It turns out the few photos provided were years old when the seller first acquired the car. The interior needs to be replaced although described as decent with no dash cracks. Cracks in the dash and door panel. I tried calling the seller with no response so an email was sent. The seller emailed back that the Mahles were scrapped and the car never had the other items. However, he emailed I could return the car but it would be at my expense. I immediately replied I would ship it back. All this time the car was stored 100 miles away at a shop where I intended to have it restored, bachracecraft.com

The seller afterwards demanded I sign a contract before I ship it back. I responded I had started the arrangements for shipping. I didn't hear anything for days until I emailed the seller the car was picked up and was on the way back. The letter containing the title was also returned unopened at the same time. Hours later I received an email with the contract which said I agreed to purchase the car as-is and would be responsible for any costs due to shipping, any alterations or damage, and any missing parts if returned. My lawyer advised me to not sign as it was not specific and open ended to allow any amount of money to be kept along with the car.

The seller refused delivery when it arrived at his business so the car was held at a secure storage facility in the area. The seller completely stopped communicating and ignored registered letters and calls from my lawyer. After five days I had the car shipped back to avoid more daily storage charges. It is back at the restoration shop where I haven't seen the car since it was first delivered. The unopened letter with the title was returned back to me.

I've hesitated posting anything about this since there would be no point of any discussion taking one side or the other. I have not been able to verify if the CA emissions was included yet. The restoration shop was involved with events at Road America and my car has been sitting to the side.

I looked it over when it first arrived briefly discussing the condition with the shop owner and taking a tour of the facility, all taking about two hours. The off the cuff estimate to restore was $40K, in rough condition but restorable. They will do a deeper assessment of body and mechanics so I can make a decision to go forward or sell the car. Odds are it will be sold to cut losses.