QUOTE(angerosa @ Aug 29 2008, 08:07 PM)
Am I right about this? Come on as soon as changing things like displacement, you might as well be upgrading a 914. You've just ruined a 916.
Sorry, your not right about this. To a collector, the 914-6 VIN number alone will have great value, as will a number matching car, even if the engine has been upgraded.
Also, there is a big difference between a 914-6 and a 916, say $250,000 or more if you can find one for sale. 3,333 914-6s were built, but only 11 916s. Do some reading on the history of the 914s and you'll understand the value of a original six. Over 114,000 fours were built, that's why their so cheap.
Your right about bigger six conversions being fun to drive. There are probably more of them out there than original sixes. Scarcity is the reason original sixes are so valuable. That element appeals so some, but not others. That's life and that's just fine.
Is the seller out of line. No, not for a collector. With so many sixes going back to Europe, I expect their prices will climb pretty fast in the next few years.
I don't have an original six (would like one), but I do have an LE that I am restoring to original. Do you think I am hurting value by running replacement tires and non-factory oil in the motor? When it comes right down to it, there hasn't been an original car since the last one that sold in 1976 got its first tank of non factory gas.