April - Porsche Club of America

1980 Porsche prices show
how costs have grown
By Richard Curtis
for der Vorgänger
Many thanks to fellow Porsche owner Dave O’Bryan
of Brookeville, Md., who shares this price list for a 1980
Porsche 911 related material that a friend of his passed
along.
The price list at right demonstrates how prices have
risen in the past 32 years. For example, a “digital radio”
was an almost $800 option (though speakers were included
in the base price!!); radios seem to be included in
new Porsches although an HD radio receiver will set you
back $370 while a satellite radio costs $750. Even more
expensive radios are available. Dealer delivery charge in
1980 was only $150.
The 1980 buyer also paid extra for a black headliner
($70), metallic paint ($645) and cruise control ($320).
Warranties have changed a bit also since then. Today’s
four-year, 50,000-mile warranty on a new 911 compares
favorably to 1980’s 12-month, unlimited miles. Today, a
2012 911 will set you back anywhere from about
$78,000 MSRP to well over $100,000 depending on options.
In 1980, the base price was $30,000.
Today’s most expensive 911—a GT2 RS— rings the
cash register at $245,950 MSRP plus options, of course.
30• der Vorgänger • April 2012 www.pcapotomac.org