Enthusiasts well-versed in classic air-cooled Porsches understand that components for these vehicles hold extraordinary value. Recently, a vast warehouse brimming with numerous air-cooled Porsche elements was up for auction and successfully sold for $105,000. Now, it has resurfaced mysteriously on Bring a Trailer, offering a second opportunity to acquire this unique collection.
The initial vendor, Henry Schmidt from Supertec Performance in Fallbrook, California, relisted the assortment following the collapsed original deal due to unforeseen circumstances. Schmidt elaborated on the reasons for the transaction failure in the remarks, stating that the initial purchaser “struggled to find adequate storage space for the parts.” He further mentioned, “After discussing, we mutually agreed that he wasn’t the most suitable candidate for handling this endeavor.”
Although the assortment holds significant value, several critical conditions which led to the previous deal’s failure have been highlighted. Schmidt stipulates that payment must be made within 10 days of the sale, and storage for the extensive inventory of components will only be provided for 30 days. Beyond that period, storage fees will be incurred until the items are relocated. The sale does not include shelves or benches accompanying the parts, and the business itself is not part of the deal—only the parts are on offer. The vendor estimated the volume of parts in stock, indicating that moving them within a month without additional warehousing would pose a challenge. As indicated on BaT, the collection comprises:
- ~36 MFI injection pumps at various assembly levels
- ~98 MFI throttle bodies (69, 70-71, 72-72)
- ~125 MFI intake stacks (magnesium and plastic)
- ~150 camshaft housings (early models only)
- ~18 air filter housings (early MFI and carburetor)
- ~4 turbo air filter housings
- ~120 valve covers (magnesium, aluminum, Turbo)
- ~160 chain boxes
- ~240 chain box cover (magnesium, aluminum)
- ~420 cylinder heads; 70 complete cylinder heads of varying usability and miscellaneous single heads (2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.7, 3.0, 3.2, 3.6)
- ~200 cylinders (some with piston, some separate pistons)
- ~800 connecting rods (2.0, 2.2, 2.4/2.7, 3.0, 3.2/3.3/964)
- ~150 gear sets (901, 914, 915, 930)
- ~30 main shafts (mostly 901, 914, 904)
- ~180 throttle valves (2.4, 3.6)
- ~16 intermediate shafts
- ~51 crank shafts
- ~54 flywheels
- ~27 CIS air boxes with runners (2.4, 2.7, 3.0)
- ~30 differential housings
It’s worth noting that this collection comprises a significant number of components, and this list is by no means exhaustive. These parts would primarily appeal to businesses, rather than just enthusiasts looking to amass them. The value of the inventory easily exceeds several hundred thousand dollars, but the associated costs of storage, cataloging, listing, and managing sales for each individual item can’t be overlooked. At $105,000, it could potentially represent a viable business opportunity; however, it would undoubtedly demand substantial backend efforts. Perhaps this explains why the initial purchaser couldn’t close the deal, even at such a relatively modest price.
Venturing into this endeavor poses inherent risks, but any business specializing in Porsche parts with existing storage facilities could likely navigate this challenge. Despite the uncertainties, the auction for this trove will conclude in three days. This presents a rare opportunity to acquire a collection of unique air-cooled components for any interested parties, and chances are it won’t arise again.
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