Sales debate: Is history more important than condition when considering 911 Carrera 2.7 RS values?
Condition has often been an important factor in deciding the price of any classic 911 however, Total 911 asked two world-renowned specialists if they thought history was becoming more important when considering the value of the iconic 2.7 RS, a car that is showing no signs of slowing down price-wise.
“History and provenance have always been more important than condition,” confirms Lee Maxted-Page, Director of Maxted-Page. “[Condition] can always be improved through careful restoration, whereas history cannot be changed and remains with the car as a constant, be that history good or bad.”
Mikey Wastie, Projects Division Manager at Autofarm, agrees but feels the situation may not be that simple. “For me, the value is in a car that resembles what the factory built and not what a whole host of people are churning out (full restorations) with absolutely new parts fitted everywhere. That’s is easy to create,” he explains.
“What would I choose? The RS that also has all original numbered and dated components, but has lost all its early and mid-life documented history,” Wastie continues.
“On careful inspection, it has obviously been carefully looked after and properly maintained and garaged throughout its life, and still drives beautifully and exudes that indefinable atmosphere of period quality and performance.”
Maxted-Page points out that pedigree cannot be overlooked though when it comes to 2.7 RSs that have seen track or stage action. “[The value of] a successful competition M471, especially when formerly driven by a famous driver/s in significant races, can be increased greatly over that of a similar car in better condition with no history whatsoever,” he explains.
Condition does still plays its part as Lee points out that full restorations often aren’t as tempting as they seem: “A totally unrestored, original car could be worth even more today than a fully restored example.
There is a growing interest in preservation over restoration, providing that is, that the car is worn-in and not simply worn-out! You cannot un-restore a car and make it original again.”
This is backed up by Wastie who insists, “We would always prefer the tired but untouched original to the poorly restored car, whatever its pedigree”.
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