Advice on a 65 911 project

[lamakdaddy]

I have been offered a complete running but rusty 1965 911. Its a USA model and in need of a full restoration as its very rusty underneath. I have a few questions..

1. Are there any parts on a 1965 that are simply unobtainable. This car comes with the Solex carbs and correct intake but they are not fitted (it has replacements fitted).

2. I love slate grey on these cars. Would it be considered total sacrilege to paint this car a different colour to its original given that its a relatively rare car. Unfortunately I am not rich enough not to care (I will one day need to sell it).

3. What would be considered a fair price for a car in this condition.

4. Are the 1965 considered to be the most collectible (clearly they cannot be the best driving!)

[Nick Moss]

This cannot be a 911S, that model wasn't released until the 1967 model year. This is just a Plain Jane 911, and looks like an early car but you need the VIN to identify it exactly. With the enormous values of true 65s, I would not start on any restoration unless you have sufficient funds to complete it correctly, and I mean 100% correct in terms of colour, parts, engine number, carbs etc. etc. This car appears to be virtually complete, but restoration costs could easily exceed £75K - £100K

[MarkIII]

I bet your inbox is starting to pile up after your post....

Behind a 64 911, a 1965 car is probably the next most desirable from an early swb perspective. The first thing I would check is if it was registered befor the end of August in 1965, as after this date it would be classed as a MY66 car so less desirable.

Also the car cannot be a 1965 911S, the S model didn't come out until 66.

The car looks a little worse for wear but most of these very early cars if they have not had any serious restoration work done are typically in this sort of condition. If you can get it at the right price then probably a good investment, however don't underestimate the restoration costs and if the car is missing some of its correct parts such as Solexes etc then you will be shelling out large sums of cash to put the car back to its correct specification

Regards
Mark

[lamakdaddy]

apologies to all! Its a 911!! not an S.. School boy coffee haze error.

The car was delivered on 30.6.1965 and the Solexs are present but need full restoration (is that possible with these?)

[210bhp]

Interesting contrast between the shell and the engine appearance. I would make triple sure it is matching numbers, chassis, engine and gearbox and determine the original colour. These are the things that will affect the final value the most.

Having said that, there is a aluminum based wooded steering wheel which seem to fetch £2-£4K on there own these days. Make sure that stays with the car.

Regards
Mike

[lamakdaddy]

All checked and confirmed to be matching and original stamping styles..

Original colour is signal red

[210bhp]

What about the two secret numbers. Have they been checked. On a car of this value you can't be too careful.

Speak to or pm DEEMAN on here. He will tell you where all the date stamps are on the component parts for that era. He will be able to tell you the impossible to find parts. Have a look at his excellent resto thread on here too. You'll get an idea of the care,time and finances involved on restoration. Nick mentions 75-100k and he should know!

Regards
Mike

[Nick Moss]

I, too would question the condition of the motor in relation to the rest of the car. There was a 1965 911 on eBay in California recently, Signal Red, no motor. VIN 301857

[lamakdaddy]

Thanks. This is not that car..this is earlier. The stampings on the engine certainly appear genuine and match the CoA and the service book which is present with the car.

I would expect the restoration to be in the range you have provided. It's very rusty below. And one wing and the engine lid is rotten (a used one is with the car). The doors are in great shape. So are there any major pitfalls to restoring a 65 car?

[Jesse]

Lovely car!

I would not restore a car that nice.. There are too many restored 65's out there...

My advice would be to find someone who knows how to preserve a car.

Regards

[Darren65]

Turn it into a race car and go have some fun!

[lamakdaddy]

I understand that the intention of the owner was to preserve it and use as is..hence the mechanical refurb but the underside is far too rusty to be safe. It would probably cost more to retain the body patina and fix the underside then to do a rest..but it would be damn cool.

[redrobin911]

This cannot be a 911S, that model wasn't released until the 1967 model year. This is just a Plain Jane 911, and looks like an early car but you need the VIN to identify it exactly. With the enormous values of true 65s, I would not start on any restoration unless you have sufficient funds to complete it correctly, and I mean 100% correct in terms of colour, parts, engine number, carbs etc. etc. This car appears to be virtually complete, but restoration costs could easily exceed £75K - £100K

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