A CLASSIC Porsche that once featured on Wheeler Dealers is now worth nearly £70,000.
In an episode of the hit motoring show, host Mike Brewer picked up the iconic sports car at a pinch before it was restored and sold on for a small profit.
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In the 2006 episode, Mike bought a gorgeous Porsche 911 2.7S Targa from 1976 for just £5,000 – after knocking the owner down from their £6,000 asking price.
The motor appeared to be a bargain and Mike exclaimed it was “the cheapest 911 in Britain!”
The much-loved motor had been recently re-sprayed in solid British Racing Green – an odd choice for a Porsche – but it was completely rot free after spending most of its days in the warmth and dry of California.
However, it did need a new gearbox, and Mike opted for a newly re-conditioned exchange box that set him and co-host Ed China back an additional £1,500.
The car was then advertised and sold for £8,450 – handing the duo a small profit.
What to consider before buying a classic Porsche 911?
- Can you afford it?
The cost of a high-performance car like a Porsche extends far beyond the initial purchase price. Consider things like tyres and brake pads, not to mention fuel, which even more modern 911s has a surprising thirst for - Maintenance
Porsche parts and servicing can be very expensive, as any high performance sports car will get through tyres every 6,000 miles or so. Independent specialists will help keep the costs down, but even they are beholden to the lofty prices of OEM parts. - Insurance & additional costs
A classic Porsche might be considerably cheaper to insure, but hard-to-find parts and the specialist level of care required may prove costly in the long run. When considering a classic Porsche, factor in the likelihood of an engine or gearbox rebuild and remedial bodywork on more rust-prone pre-1997 cars. - What to look for?
Mileage discrepancies and signs of accident damage are red flags, meaning a simple online HPI check is a sensible first step.
But some 18 years after the episode aired, a 911 Targa from the 1970s would now be worth a staggering thirteen times more than what Mike paid for it.
Indeed, judging by recent car listings, a 911 Targa from the mid-1970s can be priced at around £68,000.
Boasting a 2.7-litre engine that was capable of 231 bhp, this variation of the 911 Targa could roughly hit up to 152 mph.
Mike is known for his love of Porsches and has owned several models over the years.
A handful of those were spotted when his private collection was revealed to fans.
Indeed, he recently put his beloved 912E up for sale – a rare model that’s just one of 2,099 made.
He also showed off a 1980s 911 he owns that’s finished in red after it had been perfectly restored.
Meanwhile, some fans have noticed how Porsche recently ended a 60-year tradition by removing two iconic design features from their new 911 model.
And a car expert recently showed how petrolheads on a budget can pick up four Porsche models for under £12,000 – including a classic model that’s “looking better with age.”
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