Porsche's Nine-Eleven model needs no lengthy introduction. A timeless design, beautiful to behold, even four decades after it was conceived, it's easily the most recognized sports car on the planet.

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While the earliest 911 iterations are highly prized among collectors, post-1973 cars are actually easier to live with. Electronic fuel injection, galvanized steel body panels, and air conditioning were but three major improvements. Just the power was down for a while in the mid-seventies, however, the fabulous Porsche presented here is among the fastest 911s we've ever had the pleasure to drive.
How come, you may ask? Well, all it took was money! Read on . . .

Manufactured in March, 1976 and sold brand new on May 28, 1976 by Fresno's Guy Gardner Central Valley Imports to a prominent Santa Barbara philanthropist, former council member and "Man of the Year," this 911S spent a charmed life on the American Riviera; in fact, it was a cherished family member for 33 years!

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Mainly reserved for touring Santa Barbara's breathtaking wine country highways and byways on sunny Sunday afternoons, the car was driven sparingly, clocking a mere 2,600 miles annually, on average.

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Thankfully, the original window sticker accompanies this Porsche and confirms that it was factory-equipped with the following options:

• Genuine leather interior
• Air Conditioner (M399)
• "FUCHS" forged alloy wheels (M400)
• Automatic Heating Control (M424, "Dial-a-heat")
• Additional rear speakers (M494)
• Leather covered steering wheel (M416)
• Fog lights (M430)

These desirable extras added a premium of 20% to the MSRP, bringing the total to $16,895.00, quite a hefty sum in its day.

Apart from the window sticker, the original, small California Certificate of Title ("Pink Slip"), the owner's manual with stamped maintenance section, service history, radio manual, and dealer inspection sheet are kept inside the original red vinyl pouch.

Almost from day one, this 911S has continuously been serviced by SCHNEIDER AUTOHAUS in Santa Barbara, the garage to visit if only the best is good enough and money is no object.

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Fast forward a quarter century: at 77,127 miles, the decision was made to freshen the car a little. After spending many months at SCHNEIDER's, the Porsche emerged resplendent. Not only was it cosmetically restored, inside and out, but an updated 3.0-liter Euro-spec engine had been carefully installed. Total cost for this labor of love: a staggering $24,302.00!
Now boasting of 204 wild horses at your right foot's command, it's easy to understand why this unique 911S is super fast!
Please, click on each page above to review the work performed and the new parts installed in great detail.

Even after 33 years, the Porsche is still registered to its original, six-digit, blue-and-gold California license plates. Just like the famous black plates, the early blue California plates continue to be irreplaceable hallmarks of a true California car.
Let's have a closer look at this wonderful vintage Porsche now.

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When inspecting a classic Porsche, it's always a good idea to start with the trunk, as signs of neglect seem to manifest themselves here first. What you ideally want to find is the original felt trunk liner, tire jack, tool kit, date-coded spare, and, first and foremost, a healthy nose section, free of rust and damage.

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In addition to the original tool roll, we discover the factory-supplied protective gloves and plastic sheets, as well as the HIRSCHMANN antenna key and booklet. Exciting!

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Removing the immaculate trunk carpet, we first note the original paint, date-coded spare, and factory tire jack, then marvel at the virginal lower trunk area.

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A quick peek underneath: everything is super clean, dry and unmolested, without any signs of prior damage. All the factory finishes are intact; what seems to be surface rust on gas tank and brake calipers are remnants of the original, waxy Cosmoline protective coating.

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An original Talbot Yellow (factory code 106) Porsche, the car received an expensive, complete, windows-out repaint which appears to be a touch brighter than the original paint still present inside the engine compartment and on the door jambs. There are no dings, dents, bubbles, or scrapes, just a few minor, carefully touched-up blems, like small chips at the door edge; nothing to lose sleep over. Sparkling in the warm California sunshine, the finish is exceptionally glossy and smooth. Weatherstripping, brightwork, and glass show equally well.

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Essential 911 equipment, however optional for 1976: the 6Jx15in. FUCHS light alloy wheels. Being free of "curb rash," they look immaculate and are wrapped in near new MICHELIN radial tires of the size 195/65-15H all around.

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Inside the cockpit, the classic Porsche dash has not changed much from its original design over the years. You simply can't improve upon perfection. The large, white-on-black gauges with orange pointers look like new. All lights, gauges, and switches work perfectly, even the clock and the door warning buzzer! Stereo was updated to a MAJESTIC unit with cassette and auto reverse, back in the day.

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Dark tan leather interior exudes class (and a fantastic aroma!), has been refurbished as needed, and looks brand new.

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Seat leather almost always shows flaws; here, it's perfect, even on the most stressed areas.

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Rear seats and side panels are leather-trimmed as well, look unused. Perforated white headliner is in flawless condition.
Note pop-out rear quarter windows.

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Now, let's inspect the heart of this Porsche, its amazing power plant.

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Sitting pretty inside the toothbrush-clean engine bay is motor No. *63D4353*, the very desirable 1983 Euro-spec 3.0 unit, generally considered bullet proof and even livelier than the 3.2 US Carrera unit of the mid-to-late 1980s. We all know how expensive a Porsche engine rebuild can be; this one has covered a mere 6,800 careful miles since it was installed and runs with turbine-like smoothness.

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Note updated A/C compressor; combined with the large condenser mounted underneath the car, it makes for an A/C system that's truly capable of keeping you cool during hot and humid weather.

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As seen from the frog perspective: stock muffler and exhaust system in excellent, corrosion-free condition. This non-catalyst 911S is smog legal in all 50 States.

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Dry as an AA member flashing the 30-day chip, there's not a drip or drop to be spotted emanating from this motor. Naturally, the car was continuously maintained by SCHNEIDER's after the restoration; apart from regular oil changes, recent items include installation of a PERMATUNE ignition, battery, fuel pump and filter, and all new brake hoses.

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The good news continue here: Porsche's undercarriage, galvanized from the factory, still shows original paint. No rips, tears, accident damage, or rust anywhere!

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Expandable photos above show details of undercarriage.
Ready for a test drive? Let's go!

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Wednesday, March 11, when we took these pictures, was another perfect early spring day here in San Buenaventura, and we headed for the Ventura Hills neighborhood, bright and early, the Porsche never missing a beat.

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This 911S starts easily and idles smoothly in any weather, thanks mainly to the fabulous BOSCH K-Jetronic fuel injection. Rev it up a little, and it sounds ferocious. The Type 915 five-speed manual transmission is easy to shift, and the car accelerates effortlessly through the gears. As mentioned above, it's definitely the fastest '76 we've ever had the pleasure to drive; teasing the loud pedal instantly brings on rocket-like acceleration, while firmly planting a big grin on the pilot's face.

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Spend some time behind the wheel of this 911 and you, too, will be giddy with excitement!

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We sincerely hope you understand just how special this particular Porsche really is. Imagine looking for a "keeper quality" 911S. With a lot of luck, you find a documented, low-mileage, blue-plate California car, unmolested, sporting a beautiful color and many options, including the desirable A/C.
That's going to cost a pretty penny, of course.

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But now imagine spending another $25,000.00 to make things as perfect as humanly possible, and you might end up with a car like this 911S.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this Porsche is in a class of its own; in all of our Porsche-crazy years we've never encountered one like it.

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Here's a unique opportunity to acquire a classic Porsche 911S that drives every bit as good as it looks. A loving owner has taken care of virtually all the big and little items that could plague a 30-plus year-old sports car. Now, you just have to get in and drive.
Isn't this Classic a far better investment than all the paper Wall Street wants to shove down our collective throats? We'll let you decide!

We sold this amazing Porsche in April 2009 to a customer in Germany.

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