Sales debate: Can you modify a 911 and still add value?
The modifying scene has been around for nearly as long as the car itself and, it is generally accepted that tuning is a surefire way for knocking value off your base car.
However, even in the world of Porsche 911s – where the stock product is readily accepted as an example of engineering excellence – it is still possible to boost the residual value of your car, according to both RPM Technik’s head of sales, Greig Daly and Paul Stephens, head of bespoke 911 modifiers, PS AutoArt.
“The way we do it is to always do it on a base example,” Daly explains, “rather than a GT3 or GT2. Don’t try and perfect the halo car that Porsche already have out there.”
RPM also chooses to use Porsche parts where possible, concedes Daly, although choosing components with “race pedigree” can also bring financial benefits. “A set of Öhlins Road/Track dampers are a proven bit of kit that are superior to the standard items,” say RPM’s head of sales, especially if fitted to a non-PASM car.
Stephens agrees that the quality is fundamental to adding value, especially when modifying more classic 911 examples, explaining that, “it is down to how well executed the conversion is.”
He admits that many RS-style builds would be better off keeping the 911 SC or 3.2 Carrera in stock form, especially as “people are quite keen to retain the original features and benefits of the car but in a restored condition”.
However, PS AutoArt has found that their bespoke builds can readily add value thanks to the extreme level of detail. “At that point people do appreciate the level of detail,” Stephens explains.
As well as the quality of work though, Stephens believes that the key to protecting residuals of his PS AutoArt cars – some of which are now trading for more than their original build price thanks to the increased value of donor cars – is down to creating a strong brand that is backed up with “proper engineering”.
While Daly believes “it is easier to add value to water-cooled 911s” thanks to their low current values (especially 996s), Stephens insistence that modifying classic examples like 964s can increase residuals provides fans of personalisation with a breadth of cars to pick from.
One thing is key though, quality is king if you are looking for a financial return.
For market advice on any generation or style of Porsche 911, check out our full selection of sales debates, where we ask the 911 experts the pertinent market questions so you don’t have to.
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