US (to UK) 1977 911 cabriolet-purchase decision help request

[rdr]

Hi, I'm new to forum and know very little about 911's so please treat me gently. I'd really appreciate some advice/guidance. My US friend is selling his 1977 (yellow!) 911 (was 2.7 now 3.0) Cabriolet (it was a Targa and he still has all the bit to convert it back). Its 150k miles but in very good rust free lots of new parts condition. It looks solid but needs some minor cosmetics. I'd like to use it in the UK personally. Its LHD. Price he is asking is approx. $17k (plus costs to get from US to UK - shipping, import, conversions, taxes et). Can anyone help me/guide me. I REALLY appreciate this. I have pics if required

[sam]

Hi, not sure I understand the question?

[rdr]

Hi, Yes I should have been clearer..sorry...I'm trying to understand whether this is a fair price and where I can get more information about the process of importing it from US to UK. I've done a little research and I know there may be a 10% duty tax + VAT on top of that unless I can prove it's a classic car? I'd like to understand also what conversion work (and possible costs) I have to do to get it UK road legal..If anyone can shed some light on what steps I need to follow I'd really appreciate it....Thank you. Also it was converted from a Targa to a Cabriolet. Are there any downsides to this? It has an original Porsche soft-top. I may be able to purchase the original Targa frame and real window. Thanks again

[sam]

Ok, so if you are convinced that you want a Targa more than a cab, I would get some quotations for the conversion back to a Targa from some of the US Porsche specialists, using the parts that can be available with the car, then you can make a judgment whether that is even a viable option, if it sounds reasonable you can factor it into the cars worth. You don't have to get the work done there (best option, I believe) as it will add to the duty and VAT charges this end, but you will know exactly what parts there are in the package and a steer on the labour costs, you will need to have comprehensive quotations! Take those specs to one of the very good UK specialists, who will work up a quotation for you to compare against the US option. You will need to factor in the conversion to UK road legal and underbody protection and preparation. Then you have an idea what the car will cost you compared to a US imported car to the spec you want compared to your project. Good luck!!

[rdr]

Thank you Sam for this advice

[rdr]

I just added some pics..any feedback re: value/initial condition would be appreciated

[Sean Smallman]

My 2p’s worth.

You are talking around £17k to buy it and get it to the UK with shipping and taxes.

To convert it back to original you could easily spend £10k, probably a lot more with other maintenance issues. The engine lid is a later one which doesn’t line up properly.

A LHD 150,000 mile targa in great condition is currently worth around £25k.

[rdr]

Many thanks for this feedback/advice