The first sketches by "Butzi" Porsche in 1959 were merely just that, n idea on paper. No one could have ever known that project 901 at Porsche would become the very root of their existence by which the rest of the company would be built on. Looking back, here were a lot of project numbers assigned to various works within the engineering firm that is Porsche. Most can only recite a few however, 56, 50, 11, 28, 64, 93 on and on. These are the ones that made it to the big time, he cars that made a difference and really worked. The 911 however is the one that changed the company forever, nd with it the sports car world as we know it today. By 1968 changes were made, he SWB design of the 911 was about to gain a few inches and now T, nd S models were introduced to the company's offering. Something for every price point and a car for the masses. Within these three sub-models were of course, arga variants, nd even soft window targa variants. The one thing however that was emerging was the "options list". The options list today is what gives a vintage Porsche it's flavor and unique position in the line-up of options for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The more options the better, he odder the options, he better. Colors, ccessories, nteresting additions and exclusions all combine to make certain 911's special, ery special.
The example on offer here, 1971 Porsche 911T Coupe, hassis Number 9111101963 is defined by its Certificate of Authenticity to be exactly what you see today: a Light Yellow (62) over Black Leatherette (16) Sport-seats Sunroof Coupe with US Equipment, ound Fog Lamps in the grills, nd complete with tinted glass, eep six Fuchs, omfort equipment and of course Michelin tires. Quite the combination of available options and today, ost definitely a valuable combination sought out by those who have been bitten by the 911 bug. It should also be noted that the COA also matches the engine and transmission numbers, hat this is indeed a numbers matching example. While exact early history is not known, e do know that it was a long time California car, porting it's blue-plates as late as 2012 before selling to a collector in Washington State. In early 2014 that owner had an unfortunate lift-off over steer incident that left the car damaged in the drivers-side rear corner. While it looked bad, t was superficial and simply cosmetic with nothing structural compromised. It should be noted however that prior to this incident the car received a total drive train rebuild by JC Motorsports in Midway City, A. At this time the car was also painted, eceived all new leather and many improvements were made in a sympathetic restoration that made it excellent cosmetically, nd perfect mechanically with no expense spared on the latter.
LBI acquired the car in 2014 and completed a total exterior cosmetic restoration including all new rubber seals and other related items where necessary. At a cost of $22,000 the capable hands of Knut Holzers British Motor Corp, ho is no stranger to concours quality, ork. Today this 911 shows as nearly impeccable cosmetically. The paint carries a glass like finish and is as close as one can get to the correct Porsche Light Yellow. All of the rubber is new throughout, aps excellent and panels straight down the sides with excellent concours and nothing short of show quality. Some of the chrome items and lenses are perhaps slightly used in their appearance as is one or two chrome items, ut nothing that warrants refinishing of any kind. It is, n total, ery well completed and without any faults to be noted in the finish.
Upon opening the door the contrasting black sport seats immediately gain attention. The dash is nicely refinished and everything is correct in appearance, icely trimmed and tended to. The headliner, ash face, arpets, ront and rear seats, oor panels etc... are all very nice and without any major issues. There are perhaps signs of use and minor blemishes upon close scrutiny but they are nothing that will be of major concern. The one item that should see tending to is that of the passenger side seat which only recently has seen a fault in its mechanism that allows it to adjust forward and backward. Additionally the side cover for the gears where one tilts the back has recently cracked and will require replacement or fixing. Both do no effect the cars ability to be immediately enjoyed, ut both should likely be fixed at some point. Almost everything on the interior is in correct working order, ncluding the sunroof, indows, ighting, ll knobs, ulls and switches, eat, adio etc... the one item that we have noted as not working are the fog lights. Otherwise, he sports seats hug you in just the right way and being behind the wheel of this car and within the interior space is excellent, xemplary of a proper vintage 911 experiences.
The front trunk shows as rust free and accident free, hile refinished is may lack one or two items here or there regarding correctness such as the black tar finish on the shock towers, he VIN number in black, nd a few other little odds and ends that would put this car on the next level of correctness. It is however tidy, lean and without issues otherwise. The engine bay is of the same quality; clean, idy, ppearing correct for the most part but again could use the final touches that separate a great example from a perfect example. It should be noted however that the engine is very clean with lots of items cadmium plated as original and a great deal of time and care went into not only the rebuild but making sure it looked proper as well. All things considered opening the rear hatch reveals a very well presented engine bay. The underside is another place where the car proves it's west coat lineage. The original pans and metal present well throughout with no evidence of previous rust issues. There are signs of use here and there, nd it could stand a detailing should one deem it necessary. In all, t is indeed a good underside that most seek in a 911. There are also no excessive or obvious leaks on the underside, s this is a well-sealed example and dryer than most.
The biggest point to be made about this car beyond it's unique color and options is the performance and attention to it's abilities as a machine. This 911 has undergone an extensive mechanical restoration with receipts to match. Just over $23,500 was spent on a total overhaul that also included other little odds and ends. Everything motor wise was completed to a very high standards with the use of all "S" internals and upgrades where available. Upgrades to 3.0L Valves were made along with 84MM High Compression Pistons by AA Performance products, nd the classic switch to Weber Carburation was also made. The addition of aftermarket exhaust in the 911R Style not only looks great but it sounds superb. The culmination of these efforts to make this car exceptional mechanically are all abundantly clear if you get a chance to drive the car, r even watch it be driven. It is very fast, uch faster than any stock S, nd overall has a sound and acceleration that is beyond any other "T" we have driven to date. The performance of this car cannot be stressed enough. While not concours, his is indeed a 911 for the discerning driver who really wants to enjoy a long hood 911 at speed, ften, nd without desire for more as this really is well sorted, ialed in, nd ready for action.
The Porsche market has seen tremendous leaps in the past few years. This is an opportunity to acquire a 911 that stands out from the rest in many ways. It will outperform most, hile costing ½ as much as some and will remain the centerpiece of uniqueness in any collection, how, r cars & coffee event. Included in the sale are the original books, ools, ack, nd a solid wheel spare along with service records. An opportunity worth much consideration, ut surely something that needs to be driven to be understood.