Air-Cooled Porsches to Buy in 2021

Despite the Pandemic, the market for Air-Cooled Porsches to buy in 2021 has not cooled off. A search of market prices from 2020 show strong prices with most models staying even or growing. The greatest price appreciation has occurred with the G-Series Porsche 911 (1974-1989) and later model 914’s. Porsche 356 continue delivering high prices but seem to have leveled off with the main price appreciation occurring with 356C models. The Porsche 912 represents a good buying opportunity to enter the Air-Cooled Porsche ownership experience.

Air-Cooled Porsches to Buy in 2021 | Photos Gooding & Co

Let’s look at the four models’ buying opportunities if you are a typical Air Brigade member who wants to drive their Air-Cooled Porsche and are generally not in the market for the high-end collector grade Porsches.

Porsche 356 to Buy in 2021

Porsche 356C Coupe

After reviewing the market and conferring with the Air Brigade 356 resident expert, Allen Peerson, it was agreed that the Coupe versions of the 356 B and C models represent the Porsche 356 to buy in 2021. The prices are the most affordable of all the 356 models with median prices of $70,500 for the 356B coupe and $83,500 for the 356C Coupe. 
The 356B Coupe is a little more affordable because it represents the new T-5 Body style but doesn’t have the more modern drivetrain of the 356C. The premium and desirability for a 356C is based on the fact that one is acquiring the “most modern” 356 in the line-up.

If you can stretch to the $100,000 level then the model to get is the 356SC Coupe offered from 1963-1965. You get the most modern 356 package with the most powerful engine. A comparable cabriolet version of the 356SC has a median price of $145,500, the lowest price of all cabriolets within the 356 offering.

Air-Cooled Porsche 911 to Buy in 2021

1986 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2

Similar to the 356 line-up, the early 911’s have become very expensive, as have the end-of-the-model range 964 and 993 911’s that offer more modern safety and comfort features. The sweet spot then for Air-Cooled Porsche 911 buyers is the G-Series 911’s that were offered from 1974-1989.

The 911S 2.7 (1974-1977) and the 911SC’s (1978-1983)are going to offer the greatest value with median prices in the range of $40,500 and $45,500 respectfully.

The recommendation of Air Brigade though is to step up the Carrera 3.2 model offered from 1984 - 1989 that will be in the $50 - $70,000 range. In 1987, Porsche upgraded the transmission from the 915 to a smoother shifting G-50 version. Accepted wisdom was always to target the G-50 transmission model but there has generally been a premium for the 1987 and newer G-Series Carrera. I personally own a 1986 Carrera 3.2 that was my first Porsche and find the car to be a solid bulletproof air-cooled Porsche offering that I would recommend to any one wanting a 911 Air-Cooled Porsche experience.

Air-Cooled Porsche 912 to Buy in 2021

Porsche 912

Do you want to experience an early Porsche driving experience without the $70,000 plus price tag, then you need to consider the Porsche 912 offered from 1965-1969 and then a one-off 1976 version. The Porsche 912 used the same chassis as the Porsche 911 but with a flat-four cylinder engine. The lower power and weight provides for a more manageable driving Porsche than the 911 and at a much lower price.

You can purchase an early series Porsche 912 in the range of $50,000 while the 1976 912E model can be had for in the $35 - $40,000 range. One of these Porsche 912’s will deliver a early Porsche visceral driving experience for the best value per mile.

The Porsche 914 to Buy in 2021

1974 Porsche 914 in Alaska Blue

The focus has always been to buy the 1973 and 1974 Porsche 914 2.0 that offered sleeker bumpers and more powerful engines but as their prices continue to rise and 914’s come into favor, now may be the time to buy to acquire the 1.8 liter 1973 and 1974 model 914 with the more attractive bumpers prior to the federalized large rubber bumpers of 1975 and 1976. The 1.8 liter model has approximately 15 less horsepower but you’ll still find the 914 a really fun to drive mid-engine sports car. When I owned a ’73 2.0 liter 914 I was always amazed at the notice it received. The Phoenix Red (orange) color was a large attraction for the looks or the car. I would suggest you pursue a ’70’s color such as orange, yellow, green or blue.

Buy a 914 now while they are still affordable.

Overall Thoughts

Air-Cooled Porsches offer a unique driving experience and put you in a unique club of classic car owners. Some opportunities still exist but they are becoming fewer and fewer if you are looking for a fun “toy” to drive on the weekends. Air-Cooled Porsches will continue to be coveted collector cars so the sooner you buy the better while you can still enter the market. We don’t buy these vehicles for investment purposes but it doesn’t hurt that what you buy today will probably return your money, plus some, in the future when you sell

Disclaimer: I am not offering investment advice nor can I guarantee a full return or plus on your purchase price.

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