What's my 72 1.7L worth?, Helping the in-laws Options

[EricL]

Hey all, newbie here.

My father-in-law passed away a decade ago. His 1972 1.7L 914 has pretty much sat in my mother-in-law's garage since that time. She's now moving into a managed care facility so it's probably time for it to get sold to someone who will love it.

I have absolutely no idea what to ask for it.

Single owner, never in any accidents, always garaged, original interior and paint in good shape. I believe the engine was rebuilt circa 2000. Also I think the door seals and such were done. There's probably paperwork I can find on these. ~140k miles. Ran fine a few years ago but has sat for a number of years.

What's the best way to zero in on a fair asking price? Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.

[brant]

maybe get one of the guys local to you... to come over for an hour
these cars vary in price greatly depending on rust
you would (hopefully) get a set of experienced eyes to look at the problem areas and give you a condition assessment....

[siverson]

Post a bunch of pictures here and we can help. Especially areas where there may be rust (under the battery, front and rear trunks, under the doors, etc).

And... when you are ready to sell I'm interested! Looks like a nice car!

-Steve

[EricL]

Thanks folks. Much appreciated.

The car lives (and has always lived) in the Seattle area (Bellevue specifically). I don't believe there is much rust but will look and post more photos and the VIN and such once I get back over to my in-law's.

Here's an interior shot.

[brant]

the rusty areas are good at hiding...
pull the rocker covers and take a picture
(a knowledgeable 914 owner, won't buy a car without seeing the rockers)

[EricL]

the rusty areas are good at hiding...
pull the rocker covers and take a picture
(a knowledgeable 914 owner, won't buy a car without seeing the rockers)

roger that. will do.

[Jett]

Also take a picture of the battery tray, and front and rear trunk.

[914werke]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)

[rjames]

Will be worth more if you can get it running. Looks like a great car. Lots of us here in the PNW / Seattle area that would likely be willing to help. If I wasn't working and going to school full time I'd offer myself up. Happy to help any way I can from afar, though.

[StarBear]

Another original owner car to be sold. Not many left……
Sure Glad/hope it’ll get back on the road again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[EricL]

Will be worth more if you can get it running. Looks like a great car. Lots of us here in the PNW / Seattle area that would likely be willing to help. If I wasn't working and going to school full time I'd offer myself up. Happy to help any way I can from afar, though.

Thanks. It's been at least 5 years since it was driven. At that time it was running well but has sat untouched since then. This past weekend I dropped in a new battery and got it to start for a few seconds using starter fluid so it has spark but it's not getting fuel. Likely the fuel left in the the car has gummed up the injectors or fuel filter or something.

Any advice on where to start there?

[rjames]

Will be worth more if you can get it running. Looks like a great car. Lots of us here in the PNW / Seattle area that would likely be willing to help. If I wasn't working and going to school full time I'd offer myself up. Happy to help any way I can from afar, though.

Thanks. It's been at least 5 years since it was driven. At that time it was running well but has sat untouched since then. This past weekend I dropped in a new battery and got it to start for a few seconds using starter fluid so it has spark but it's not getting fuel. Likely the fuel left in the the car has gummed up the injectors or fuel filter or something.

Any advice on where to start there?

Replace all of the fuel lines. Ideally you'd replace the plastic lines in the tunnel with new stainless lines, too. Clean the tank, and get the injectors sent out for cleaning/testing to make sure they are within spec.
Many folks have used 'Mr Injector' with good results There are others.
None of these jobs are difficult if you have basic tools, just time consuming. You'll find the necessary info here on how to do all of it, including pictures, plus the experience of a ton of people who have all done these things ourselves to guide you.

....or farm the work out to Rich @914werke (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Van B]

Another original owner car to be sold. Not many left……
Sure Glad/hope it’ll get back on the road again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

That thing is a jewel right?

[wonkipop]

Another original owner car to be sold. Not many left……
Sure Glad/hope it’ll get back on the road again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

That thing is a jewel right?

photos say so.

original carpet.

wouldn't rush into trying to start it after 5 years sitting.
there is a process involved bringing them back from a deep coma.

its incredible the way a few folks stayed attached to these cars all the way.
not hard for me to understand.

[Craigers17]

Based on the one picture so far, that is a very nice car. The gaps on the entire front end look great to me, and front hood/headlights are even all lined up. As previously stated, it really depends on the rust areas, like the front and rear trunks, battery tray and below battery tray, as well as under the rocker covers. Also, under the car at the jack points, floorboards, etc. Based on the one pic, I'm guessing this one is NOT rusted out....but who knows.

If you're familiar with BringATrailer.com, you can go to their results sections and type in Porsche 914. You will be able to see what similar cars have brought recently. Granted, most/all of the ones on BAT are running, but you'll have a reference point if you can get it going. Maybe throw a BBQ party and invite World members here to lend a hand or at least advice?

If it has minimal rust, I wouldn't let it go for less than $18K....possibly a lot more.....

Good luck....looks great!

[wonkipop]

i think mr. 914werke needs to go on site and look at that one?

[dlee6204]

Here's one that sold on BAT last year that's very similar.


https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-porsche-914-50/

[EricL]

Will be worth more if you can get it running. Looks like a great car. Lots of us here in the PNW / Seattle area that would likely be willing to help. If I wasn't working and going to school full time I'd offer myself up. Happy to help any way I can from afar, though.

Thanks. It's been at least 5 years since it was driven. At that time it was running well but has sat untouched since then. This past weekend I dropped in a new battery and got it to start for a few seconds using starter fluid so it has spark but it's not getting fuel. Likely the fuel left in the the car has gummed up the injectors or fuel filter or something.

Any advice on where to start there?

Replace all of the fuel lines. Ideally you'd replace the plastic lines in the tunnel with new stainless lines, too. Clean the tank, and get the injectors sent out for cleaning/testing to make sure they are within spec.
Many folks have used 'Mr Injector' with good results There are others.
None of these jobs are difficult if you have basic tools, just time consuming. You'll find the necessary info here on how to do all of it, including pictures, plus the experience of a ton of people who have all done these things ourselves to guide you.

....or farm the work out to Rich @914werke (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I was afraid you were going to say that... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Given it's not my car (nor do I really want it to become such as I have way too many of my own projects including a father-son 69' Camaro street rod, currently sitting alone and jealous in my own garage). I will soon need to decide how far to go to in order to remain in the good graces of my mother-in-law. Likely I will spend a few more hours trying easy things to get it running and then will need to make the call as to whether it's worth it to have someone else get it running prior to selling or simply sell as is.

I grew up with my mom's white '74 1.8L (sold some number of years ago, perhaps to someone here). I learned to drive in it. I dated my now wife in it. I love 914s. But I don't want to own one. Among other things I won't treat it as well as it deserves.

My apologies for what I know is sacrilege.

More photos this weekend.

[jkb081]

Will be worth more if you can get it running. Looks like a great car. Lots of us here in the PNW / Seattle area that would likely be willing to help. If I wasn't working and going to school full time I'd offer myself up. Happy to help any way I can from afar, though.

Thanks. It's been at least 5 years since it was driven. At that time it was running well but has sat untouched since then. This past weekend I dropped in a new battery and got it to start for a few seconds using starter fluid so it has spark but it's not getting fuel. Likely the fuel left in the the car has gummed up the injectors or fuel filter or something.

Any advice on where to start there?

Damn! I would love to buy that car. Mine is a rust bucket!! I would start with basic tune up kit stuff. Example: plugs, wires, rotor, cap, points, oil change. New battery as stated. Then try to start it up. Chances are it might fire right up. I’ve had very good luck starting old beetles that have sat outside for years using those tips I just gave you. You should have much better luck because your has been inside protected. Wish you the best! I’m sure you do just fine.

[bobboinski]

Will be worth more if you can get it running. Looks like a great car. Lots of us here in the PNW / Seattle area that would likely be willing to help. If I wasn't working and going to school full time I'd offer myself up. Happy to help any way I can from afar, though.

Thanks. It's been at least 5 years since it was driven. At that time it was running well but has sat untouched since then. This past weekend I dropped in a new battery and got it to start for a few seconds using starter fluid so it has spark but it's not getting fuel. Likely the fuel left in the the car has gummed up the injectors or fuel filter or something.

Any advice on where to start there?

Replace all of the fuel lines. Ideally you'd replace the plastic lines in the tunnel with new stainless lines, too. Clean the tank, and get the injectors sent out for cleaning/testing to make sure they are within spec.
Many folks have used 'Mr Injector' with good results There are others.
None of these jobs are difficult if you have basic tools, just time consuming. You'll find the necessary info here on how to do all of it, including pictures, plus the experience of a ton of people who have all done these things ourselves to guide you.

....or farm the work out to Rich @914werke (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I was afraid you were going to say that... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Given it's not my car (nor do I really want it to become such as I have way too many of my own projects including a father-son 69' Camaro street rod, currently sitting alone and jealous in my own garage). I will soon need to decide how far to go to in order to remain in the good graces of my mother-in-law. Likely I will spend a few more hours trying easy things to get it running and then will need to make the call as to whether it's worth it to have someone else get it running prior to selling or simply sell as is.

I grew up with my mom's white '74 1.8L (sold some number of years ago, perhaps to someone here). I learned to drive in it. I dated my now wife in it. I love 914s. But I don't want to own one. Among other things I won't treat it as well as it deserves.

My apologies for what I know is sacrilege.

More photos this weekend.

Not sacrilege. To each his own! If your pictures show little or no rust someone in the current market will snatch it up and you can get on with your other projects.