A long time ago, I bought a black 1978 911 SC Targa (second owner). I have had it in a garage for 21 years. It sadly has not moved in about 18 years or so. It has, I think about 30,000 miles on it. (I must check) I left it and did not drain oil (stupid). I was having some problem with the starter at the time, as I recall.

Condition of the engine is unknown. The body is excellent. The interior is excellent. The Targa top shows some corrosion on the cast Aluminum members. Seals look good. It lives in Northern California in moderate temperature. Two front tires hold air, rear two are flat. One good thing, I took out the battery, so there is no acid spill. It has an ungo alarm system. Also has dark gray sheepskin seat covers.

What are the chances the engine can be saved? What is it worth? Where is the best place to sell it? It has been under a cover all these years and looks good. Any particular message boards for 1978 911 Targas around?

I must sell as is, I cannot fix it given my time constraints.

That is quite a treasure you found there!:) 21 years!! Norther California is pretty humid, I hope the inside cylinders of the engine did not seize, then you'd have to open the engine. Try to spin the crank with your hands or a wrench, if it does you are A ok! Clean it up, start it up, and you could get over $25,000.

I did a bit more homework on the Targa. It has 30,688 miles. I think I put on only about 3K in the primary years I had a chance to drive it. I drove around Dallas on Sundays. I moved back to Ca but drove it much less here because of my work constraints. It was moved in a moving van.

You can see it at:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/pmpre/images/maxa/Targa4.jpg


I have edited out my terrible garage so as not to offend the sensitive.

The large round spots on the hood are glint from the flash pix.

What is it worth, engine unknown? It also has a pager attached to the alarm so as to call you if anyone bumps the car. Also has sheepskin seat covers, medium gray.

I like the look of that Targa. Needs some seals in the front though.

If you don't want to make any attempts to get it to run, you'll not maximize your profits. Sounds like that's of no concern though. However, it might be worth a few hundred dollars to have it towed to a reputable porsche mechanic for a full pre-purchase inspection, then towed back.

If I were you, I'd do that, then put it on eBay. Disclose what you know about it, and give them the findings of the inspection. Sell it as-is, and someone will probably end up very happy.

If I were you, I'd start it at $1, no reserve. Ebay has a way of getting market value, so don't worry too much about it. IF for some reason, you're not getting near your target after 6 of 7 days, you can close the auction early and cancel all bids.

I'd expect you'll get more than you think you will....however, keep in mind that Porsche's are not good "sitter" cars and it will very likely need quite a few expensive parts (aside from engine) to get running. My guess is the fuel system will need $1500-2000 worth of work.

still want to sell?

if i lived in the us i'd come and have alook. looks good.

Here in Ohio you'd only get about $5k out of it.

isnt that from the "dark years" of porsche? when they upped the displacement and not the cooling and the engines wree only expected to last around 50k miles?