Paul Jolly: Approach these cars with care

Described by some as the only sportscar you will ever need. The Porsche 911 is the longest continuous production car still available brand new today after introduction in 1964. The original VW Beetle ceased production but then restarted as a retro design so doesn’t count.

The Porsche 911 was unusual for performance cars in the 1960’s by way of being rear engine and rear wheel drive.

Handling characteristics were superb with power over the driving wheels and the balance just right. Single seat racing cars followed this configuration a few years later. But it was unforgiving and a single over-cooking of power or brakes at the wrong point in a corner risked sudden breakaway with potentially disastrous results. Design and evolution ensured that the modern 911s are safe as houses and can be a thrilling but expensive joy.

Values now compare with Jaguar E Types of the same era so easily over £100,000 for the highly desired Turbo model. Prior to 1998, 911s are air cooled and these are the classics that the collectors favour.

A potential client sought my validation and authentication just recently for a car he had placed a deposit on unseen and un-examined. Described as fully restored and better than new, the photos looked quite superb. No registration number was displayed. Further investigation revealed it to be a car with nine previous owners, no service history and no DVLA Mot history bar one test a year ago which it had failed.

Any classic car, especially at this value must have impeccable history and ownership provenance, a clear HPI record to show no accidents, total loss or stolen/recovered history.

My strident advice to the would-be client was to walk away and even if he lost the deposit, it was cheaper than the alternative since this car would struggle to make £45,000 at auction.

It is essential to always get specialist advice PRIOR to paying a deposit.