Introduced to the public in 1963 as the successor to the legendary Typ 356, Ferry Porsche's Typ 911 has become the paragon of the purist's sports car. Manufactured in the original, lightweight version for almost a decade while being steadily refined, especially the 2.2/2.4 liter models of the early 1970s are highly desirable collector's items today.
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Unfortunately, due to normal attrition during the past four decades, precious few of these collectible sports cars have survived. Built during the years before Porsche finally adopted stringent rust-proofing methods, including galvanized steel body panels, most were ravaged by corrosion; others have been modified beyond the boundaries of good taste. Due to worldwide demand, values of the few surviving, rust free early 911s are increasing exponentially.
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Rightfully so, we must add. The last "pure" 911s are over thirty years old, three to four times the average automobile life span. Finding a spectacular original example like the one for auction here is a rare and fortunate event, indeed!
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We do not hesitate to call this 1971 Porsche 911T Coupe the proverbial "needle in the haystack." Sold new on December 8, 1971 at Rietzl Porsche/Audi and residing in scenic Ojai, California since 1989, it:
- has only known two owners
- travelled a mere 81,000 miles in 34 years
- sparkles in the rare Albert Blue finish
- displays its factory window sticker
- comes equipped with desirable Porsche options
- remains completely rust and accident free
- is a rare "radio/antenna delete" car
- includes all books and records, even a fuel log!
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You may take the term "all books and records" literally. Shown above are items such as the original owner's manual, warranty booklet, old registrations, the log book noting every single fill-up--meticulously kept by the car's original owner--and even an old speeding ticket.
The 41 maintenance and repair receipts total $20,875.23 and include items such as new clutch and pressure plate @ 58,800 miles, extensive carb rebuild @ 60,800 miles, installation of Carrera chain tensioners @ 67,000 miles, and upper engine overhaul incl. exhaust valves @ 73,296 miles.
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One of just 2,517 Porsche 911T Coupes built for the model year, VIN *9111102400* proudly displays its factory window sticker. Invoice reveals that the car sold for almost $7,500.00, a healthy sum, 34 years ago!
Now, let's take a closer look at this amazing 911.
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Albert Blue (factory code 1818) certainly is one of the most desirable Porsche colors of all time. The car elicits excited comments whenever it is shown and most admirers expressly refer to the beautiful finish. Having been repainted once, many years ago, in its wonderful, original color, the Porsche's exterior still sparkles like a blue sapphire in the sunlight. Apart from a few touched-up rock chips and a hairline scratch on the left front fender, there are no blemishes worth noting. This jewel was always garaged and covered!
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The body looks excellent from every angle. Perfect shut lines of doors and hoods; no dents or bubbles to mar the picture.
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Fully satisfied with our first walkaround, we're ready to dig a little deeper.
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Most importantly, the vulnerable "nose" section should be free of corrosion and show no traces of accident damage. Here, everything looks fantastic, from the original, gray felt carpeting (note presence of the wooden board) to the correct fuel tank finish and windshield washer bottle.
This 911 still features its dual 12V battery setup. Both batteries have just been replaced.
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The date-coded FUCHS spare has never been mounted and proudly displays its 34-year-old 185/70VR15 PIRELLI Cinturato CN72 tire.
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Absolutely the best 34-year-old Porsche undercarriage we've seen in a long time, this 911's belly is all original, down to the rubberized undercoating. There is no rust, nor has there ever been any rust or need for rust repair. Period!
So far, so good. Let's take a look inside now.
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Original black interior looks bone stock, just like it did when the car left the Zuffenhausen factory, back in '71. It helps, of course, that this incredible Porsche has been driven just 2,400 miles annually, on average.
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Porsche's cockpit is all business. From the original, leather-wrapped steering wheel to the 5 large, round, white-on-black gauges--yes, they all work perfectly, even the clock--to the switches and levers, everything looks familiar to the 911 aficionado.
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Equally due to the car's low mileage and careful storage by adult owners, the black leatherette seats present themselves in amazingly well preserved condition. There are no rips or tears, front or back, top or bottom. Dash is excellent; original, gray Haargarn carpeting looks great, too. Just the headliner has a few flaws, including a couple of brownish stains. No need to replace it, though: a car is original only once!
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Occasional rear seats can turn the 911 into a true 2+2 Grand Touring car or can be folded down individually to create additional luggage space. Note the optional--and rarely seen--factory "red lever" seat belts.
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Before embarking on a test run, let's check out the engine compartment. Everything is sparkling clean below the hood; there are no oil leaks. The original, KARDEX matching numbers 2.2 liter flat six P*6117872* remains in a perfectly healthy state, from its twin banks of WEBER carburetors to the stainless steel muffler. Over $2,000.00 has been spent on a recent, major service and tune up. Items such as shift bushings, oil cooler line, sealed beams, wiper blades, ignition points, BOGE shocks, belts, filters, and spark plugs were replaced. A set of expensive CONTINENTAL radial tires of the dimension 195/65-15 was installed.
Underneath the engine, everything is very clean, too: there are no leaks!
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Health is important. Looks are important. But how does this incredible Porsche drive, you may wonder?
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Just turn the key and the big boxer comes to life within seconds, idling smoothly right away. You allow the oil to get warmed up, push in the clutch, and grab the--original--shift knob. Move your hand to the left and down into first, race-car-like, and lift the clutch for a smooth take-off.
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From here on everything comes naturally, the reason early Porsche's 911s are so highly praised as drivers' cars. The car handles like a go-cart, directly, without hesitation, without mushiness. You command, the car responds--instantly! You put the pedal to the metal and the engine sings with joy like a chainsaw in overdrive. This is mechanical music in its purest incarnation, an orchestra of violins and brass trumpets. Driving this 911 is a feast for the senses, a workout for the mind. We've enjoyed every minute behind the wheel during our drive down Pacific Coast Highway on September 14, the day we took these pictures. Welcome to Porsche paradise!
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Precious few rust free 2.2 liter 911s have survived for almost 34 years.
This mind-bogglingly clean, fully documented specimen, featuring the fantastic Albert Blue color as well as exciting options such as HELLA 128 fog lights, radio delete, Appearance Group, sway bars, FUCHS Wheels, and 5-speed transmission, represents a golden opportunity to acquire one of the very best remaining examples, one that can instantly be enjoyed with pride.
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Be it as a driver's toy reserved for exhilarating weekend getaways, proudly displayed in the "most original" category at car shows, or as an attention grabbing--but reliable and economical--car for everyday use, this uniquely pedigreed '71 will fulfill every Porsche enthusiast's dream. Faster than expected, much more solid, agile, and maintenance-friendly than any automobile built today, this low-mileage, classic 911 is ready for another 34 years of spirited fun at the hands of a sporting pilot.