As mentioned a while back, I made an offer on the black 87 Carrera. Seller came back at 17.5k. Maintenance is as follows (from when current owner took possession)

45307 oil change, maintenance service
53280 Brake fluid remewal, oil change
64393 Tune-up, oil change, R/R air filter and fuel filter, R/R belts, new O2 sensor, adjust valves
64682 R/R A/C blower motor
69895 R/R alternator
69895 Install new battery
72149 R/R valve cover gaskets, Oil return lines, Left CV boot
72197 Compression check
72325 Charge AC
72743 4 new tires, wheel alignment
73768 Oil change
76425 R/R oil return lines, oil change
76806 Clean and test injectors, R/R plugs, R/R dist. cap and rotor, R/R head temp. sensor, adjust wheel bearings, Adjust valves and check compression, R/R intake gaskets and insulators
78115 Add freon, R/R drivers window switch
81026 Oil change
82776 R/R rear brake pars and machine rotors
86747 Oil change
90160 Install new battery
90421 Oil change, R/R air filter and fuel filter, R/R spark plugs
91200 Install 2 rear tires, front alignment and wheel balance\
92213 R/R Front brakes and rotors, Oil change, R/R belts, R/R oil resevoir hose
92613 R/R DME relay
92788 R/R ignition cables, R/R steering wheel bushings
95470 Oil change, R/R oil pressure switch
96420 Install 2 front tires
96433 Oil change
97666 Oil change

Based in this, how do you feel this car compares to this 85 Euro Carrera with 1/2 the mileage?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=355323

Obviously the seller is a bit defensive about the "Euro" status, but needs the cash. I'm not much on the wing, and don't know is the 915 is really the big deal some make it out to be, but this car is 3k more and in CA.

I haven't been able to drive one of these cars. I want light and responsive; doesn't necessarily need to be a muscle car. I love the look of this

and this



and would prefer to go this route, but can anybody who has owned one of the 84-89 Carreras and a 66-73 car offer their input on the drivability issues and feel of the car? If I for the 87 I would go for the 7" and 9" combo, more for looks that anything. Does this significantly deaden the feel? I am flying to Philly later this week to look at a 73 RS clone with a 3.2. The owner also has an 87 Cab, so hopefully I will be able to answer a lot of my own questions as I drive both. Money isn't the issue, as I could buy a new one if I wanted, but I like classics a little rough around the edges; sort of like me

Thank you all for your help, patience and time. Finally, anybody want to trade my 1999 Cat 302.5 mini excavator towards their car?


Matt

 

Well, a 77 3.0 Carrera might fit your needs best, bullet proof 3.0, SC/Carrera 9" rear flares, lighter than an SC, but the 87 has a G50 tranny (much smoother shifting) & improved AC. The early cars are light, responsive and very fun to drive. My daily driver is an 88 Carrera, but I also have a couple of SCs. If I was going to build something fun, I would back date a later car to 73 RS or RSR.

 

I may have some bias, but really just want to reflect both sides of the coin...

If money truly is no object, and what you want is a classic with some modern conveniences... then I would pay special attention to the RS clone with 3.2 in it. Back dating a later model with early panels is okay to get the look, but you still have a considerable weight issue to deal with. Granted, a well sorted 3.2 will push anything along quite well, but if you really want that super-nimble, break-neck acceleration and handeling, start with a longhood. The 3.2 is a perfect platform to mod, mild to wild, and can still retain the bullet-proof Motronic, making it VERY streetable. I've driven late '80s Carreras with 3.2s with similar output as mine (@275) but the added weight is noticeable. Really depends on what you want. If you would like AC, stereo, and leather seats, go later model...great overall package. If you want something that give's you that exhilerating yet terrified feel of what the early racers had (power to wt basis mainly) at the expense of the above aminities, go the early route (with same 3.2). Realize though that to get the experience of early racers, you get the full experience namely in heat, sound, smell, and ride quality. Some love that, others hate it. I bet the guy in the grey longhood (non-speedster) pic you inclosed dreads hot, humid summer days, but the overall feeling he gets from his car makes up for it. Also, early models are getting harder and harder to find. Thus, if you get a nice one and simply keep it rolling... you will MAKE money. Not that this is your intention, but is a reflection of the sentiments of the market.... people are realizing that there aren't too many left and a longhood in any configuration will always be desireable.