SOLD - Have Decided to sell my Marathon Blue '73 1.7 $7,250 Options

[jrmdir]

Hi everyone: Please see http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=360275 for pricing.

Viewer Discretion Notice!
In case you find “what’s my car worth” posts to be annoying, be aware this is a fairly long and possibly boring note about my car’s status and my reasons for wanting to sell. But on the plus side, hopefully, at least I’m not a newbie and have been pretty active here in the past 14 months. Learned a ton of things and hopefully contributed a some good stuff as well. And perhaps knowing this car is headed for the market will be of interest to some of you or your friends.



The Background
Purchased locally a year ago. Had been stored for 3-years prior. Was not running
Other than being told it came from Cincinnati before the Seller owned it in Dayton, I have no history
Rust issue fully disclosed, inspected by me and taken into account in the purchase price.
I’m an OCD fix-it guy and wanted a post-Covid project. Also thought it could become my next (final) full on restoration project.
I really enjoyed putting tons of work into getting it running and fixing numerous small issues and some big ones e.g. Fresh Air Fan. (see full list below)
Have turned it into a very fun runabout that looks awesome (from 20 ft.)
Next in line would be rust, body and paint work – but I’ve now figured out this is as far as I'm capable of taking it at this point (and age) And besides, it now seems too nice to think about taking it off the road for such a long time. But it will need to be done at some point for sure.
I could have a lot of fun with it this summer but the time is right for me to let it go
I think it has enough appeal and rarity to do pretty well on auction sites. (even with the rust fully disclosed, of course)
But countering that is the fact that auctions are a hassle so I'm not sure which route to take.

The Ask
Selling it here on the World has a lot of appeal, but I need a price. So with all that I guess I’m blatantly trolling for thoughts & opinions on value/asking price – as well as the best way to market it. I’ll add as many photos as I’m allowed below and questions are welcomed.

The Bad
Hell hole is indeed hellish
Rear third of the passenger long needs repair, as does the rear 1/4 of the driver side.
Same goes for both rear jacking points and the tow hook bracket beneath the drivers foot well
Needs paint and minor body work

The Not Too Bad
It’s easy to beat the 1st gear Synchro (surprise!)
Front shocks are shot. I have a replacement set of used Boges that I’ve yet to install
Both side roll up windows are chipped at the top. PO sourced correct original windows that have not been installed. They are included
A couple of the heater tracks in the rear window need to be repaired with conductive paint (not that I think anyone really ever needs it)
One straight crack in the dash top roll – which seems to be a standard feature on many of these cars. Not much of a detraction - see photo
Vertical crack in the driver's door top roll pad - taped over.
Original shift knob looks good but is cracked at the bottom end.
Original Hella interior lamp with chrome surround and white switch is still there, but shows signs of prior melting (not unusual I understand)

The Good
Marathon Blue! L 96 M
Very Rare Rear Window Defroster
Gurney/Western Wheels with rare Porsche crest center cups
About as original as they come! Engine has never been out, nothing missing except front bumper extensions, rear heat control valves and trunk & frunk carpeting. Original radio replaced at some point with period-suitable push button cassette radio
Currently has larger diameter exhaust pipes from a 1.8 with the HE shields removed. Mated to Sebring/Monza muffler. I sourced a pair of correct 1.7 HE’s in great shape but have not yet installed
Tons of work and $ put in to reviving the D Jet system. (see list) Starts instantly cold or hot. No smoke
PO spent $3,400 on it in 2018, including rebuilding frozen rear calipers.
Only the tiniest amount of oil seepage from above the filter (from the cooler?) Doesn’t drip on the floor
Interior is 7 or maybe better? Only a couple of small separations in the basket weave of the driver’s seat and the above mentioned dash crack. Brand new door cards.
Like new Lloyd's floor mats
Everything works – all lights, switches, latches etc. (except the notorious and long gone seatbelt interlock relay and wiring.)
Floors and front & rear trunks have cosmetic rust only and are very solid (will post more photos when I list it.)
Rear suspension consoles are also very solid
Door gaps are perfect
While it does need to be repainted, it has a nice uniform patina that is almost in vogue? FWIW
Original top in excellent condition
New rear shocks & springs
New fresh air motor and fan
Shifts smoothly, pulls strongly in all gears
All locks + ignition are keyed the same as original
Bodywork is very straight (one small dent in front left fender), Chrome bumpers are awesome!
Clear Ohio title

The List
Flushed and cleaned fuel tank
New filter, tank strainer screen and Bosch fuel pump
New hi-pressure flexible fuel lines
New cap, rotor, coil, condenser, wires and plugs
New PCV valve
New Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Circuit Board
Rebuilt and calibrated Manifold Pressure Sensor (MPS)
Replaced and/or repaired all vacuum lines
Confirmed proper operation of Auxiliary Air Regulator (AAR)
Adjusted fuel pressure to proper setting
Tested and confirmed all ECU connections and input/output signals
Changed engine oil and filter
Changed gearbox lube
Replaced shifter rear ball socket insert
Installed all new pushrod tube o-rings and seals
Installed new copper exhaust gaskets
Repaired broken left hinge on rear trunk
Cleaned and lubricated all locks and window mechanisms
Restored battery tray/ECU mount and fabricated sturdy battery support
Replaced/repaired door jamb switches and interior light
Repaired Odometer
Repaired both license plate lights
Repaired front left marker/turn signal housing and bulb holder
Repaired horn wiring in steering column
Repaired turn signal cancellation and gauge indicator arrow operation
Cleaned out and restored Fresh Air blower unit with new motor/fan assembly. All 3 speeds work from dash control unit.
Sourced original 1.7L heat exchangers













































Thanks,

Ron