HISTORYWe’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: sports cars would not be the same had it not been for the birth of the Porsche 911. This rear-engined, air-cooled legend saw success with both private owners and competitions, especially when the 911-derived 935 won 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The first iteration of the 911 was produced from 1964 to 1969 as the O, A, and B series. These early models used a 2.0 L flat-six boxer engine with varying horsepower outputs depending on the trim level. The most powerful of the group was the 911S, introduced in 1967 with a total output of 158 hp. The S also stood apart from the other trim levels by being the first to be offered with the distinctive 5-leaf Fuchs wheels. The 912 was also introduced during this period as a slightly downscaled version of the 911 powered by the 356’s 90 hp engine.
The C and D Series arrived in 1969 and were built until 1971. These new cars were powered by a new 2.2 L engine that further increased the output of the 911S to 180 hp. The S also received Bosch Motronic fuel injection, further cementing its reputation as the more desirable trim level of the three. There were an estimated 1,744 examples of the 911S produced in 1970.
COLLECTABILITYOver the past 10 years, the Porsche 911 has thoroughly cemented itself as a top-tier player in the world of collector cars. Interest and enthusiasm for these cars have exploded, and for good reason. The 911 offers timeless looks with some of the best useability and reliability available in the world of classic cars. Their unique engine configuration and light steering make for an extremely enjoyable driving experience, even on a daily basis. The long hood variant of the 911 offers an excellent combination of upgraded power, utilizing the 2.2-liter engine while still maintaining the classic styling of its predecessor. Of these early cars, the S models reign supreme in collectability, thanks in part to its uprated power output.
As with most classic vehicles, thorough maintenance history is very important, especially on the S models with their Bosch fuel injection. Setting up the fuel injection can be very tricky, and getting this right is paramount to having a properly running and driving car. In addition, special care must be paid to the quality of the restoration. During the early days of their upswing in collectability, many of these cars were rushed through sub-par restorations to cash in on the spike in demand, and poor workmanship can lead to major problems down the road. Although the spike in collectability may have leveled out a bit, finding an early 911 that has been properly maintained and restored will always be a safe bet for the future. General interest in the brand as a whole is only growing, with new Porsche-specific events popping up all the time and new potential Porsche collectors entering the market every day.
THIS CARThis particular numbers-matching 911S, Chassis # 9110301644, was built on August 1, 1970, in Silver Metallic over a contrasting black leatherette interior. Optional equipment included US Equipment, the Comfort Package, a Blaupunkt Frankfurt radio, and tinted glass.
While the early history of this 911 has unfortunately been lost to time, the details we do have tell us that around 2004, the car received a comprehensive nut and bolt restoration by a marque expert. Despite the lack of paperwork from the restoration, the quality of the job is still evident in the excellent condition that this 911 retains, as well as the little details such as the correct undercoating color and cadmium-plated hardware.
By 2006, the car was traded to Motor Classic and Competition Corp in NY where it was eventually sold to a long-time collector in California who enjoyed the car until late 2014. While in his possession, the 911 was commonly stored and meticulously maintained by the experts at Fast Cars Ltd along with TLG Porsche of North Hollywood, CA. One of the notable services that took place during this 10-year ownership is a $4,100 one for a reseal and fuel injection rebuild that took place in April 2014. Most recently in November 2019, German Tech, Inc. in Largo, FL replaced the flywheel bolts and seals, pressure plate bolts, swaybar bushings, barriers, oil line, and the console panel.
Early 911s will never not be valuable cars in the collector market. Being that this one is the more powerful 911S and shows just over 76,000 miles on the odometer and a good maintenance record, it stands above the rest as a particularly desirable example. There are some things in life that cannot be properly explained in words and must be experienced firsthand to be understood. Driving a classic 911 is one of those things. Between the analog controls, the various sounds, and the overall aesthetics, they have truly stood the test of time as some of the best driver’s cars to be produced. Upon purchase, the new owner will receive all of the original owner’s manuals, the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, and all of the service records on file.
THE DETAILS
EXTERIOR
Body And Paint
The body of this 911S is straight down the side with good shut gaps and the classic Porsche “ping” when closing the doors. There is no evidence of rusting or previous significant rust repair on the car. We would like to note that there is evidence of previous accident damage and repair in the driver’s side quarter panel if viewed from inside the engine compartment. It must have been a minor fender bender as the rest of the body looks damage-free and it is limited to that one corner by the engine mount.
The paint is older but still presents very well with a consistent, smooth finish with no abnormalities to note aside from a few minor blemishes. Overall, the body and paint are perfectly serviceable for an excellent driver quality example.
Glass And Trim
The glass is all original besides the windshield which is a newer replacement and has some minor signs of stone peppering. Otherwise, all the windows have proper “Sekurit” insignias and are free from major chips or cracks, though the side windows have very minor vertical streaking. The headlights are excellent and clear. The turn signals and taillights are a bit faded. The rubber trim is serviceable, though a little dry in certain areas such as the side mirror gasket and small portions of the bumperettes. The stainless trim around the windows is scratched in high-traffic areas. Please reference the photos above for a better idea of the condition.
Wheels
The wheels are all correct Deep 6 Fuchs, with the exception of the spare, which is a standard solid wheel. They are all in excellent condition with no serious blemishes. They are wrapped in correct, period-looking Michelin tires.
Notable Flaws
Along with the flaws noted above, there are additional minor flaws in the paint, such as a small blister on the driver’s side quarter panel above the taillight, a noticeable chip on the passenger bumper the size of a pea, a small bubble where the drivers A-pillar meets the fender, and some stone chips on the fenders and nose area. Along the edge of the driver’s side door there are some chips. The horn grills and door handles are slightly pitted, and the windshield wipers frames are sun faded/worn as well. See the photo set for complete images of blemishes.
INTERIOR
Seats And Surfaces
The interior presents very well with a welcoming blend of original and restored. All of the carpeting looks to have been replaced at some point with quality, correct material, and proper fitment. The seats all appear to be original and have a nice patina. The dash also appears to be original and does have some waviness, though nothing we would recommend replacing. The seat belts are original, with 1969 date codes. The door panels are nice with a fine patina and could be original. The door pockets are a bit loose, and the trim is coming undone in some areas. The headliner is nice and original, though the sun visors have the common bloating issues. Under the dash is relatively tidy with nothing out of sorts. The face plate of the HVAC controls is slightly aged and original. Gauges are clear, and all functions as they should.
Functionality And Accessories
Everything on the interior appears to be in working order, such as the lights, heater controls, hand throttle, turn signals, wipers, window cranks, seat adjusters, and even the radio turns on. Thought we did not try every single last feature, the essentials function as they should.
ENGINE BAY AND TRUNK
Engine Bay
The engine bay presents well and is very correct looking and tidy overall with minimal aging as one would expect. Correct cadmium-plated hardware with factory inspection markings can be found throughout, along with correct stickers. There is some surface-level aging on the finishes of the valve covers and slight oxidation on the fan. The firewall heat pad is slightly sagging in certain areas as well.
Trunk Area
The trunk area is tidy, with all its carpeting in place. The carpeting appears to be original and does have some staining. Under the carpeting is the spare wheel area that all appears to be tidy but shows some aging, wear, and scratches as it is all original.
Underside
The underside is very presentable in appearance and many of the mechanical components look clean, serviced, and always looked-after. All of the bushings appear supple, the CV boots and drive axles look tidy, and the floors appear all original and rust free. SSI heat exchangers and Dansk Exhaust have been installed under previous ownership.
MECHANICALS
Engine
The engine cold starts to life after a few turns and with the assistance of the hand throttle. It likes to have the hand throttle engaged for a few minutes until the temps rise a bit. Once warm, it idles and runs excellently. The MFI is certainly dialed-in giving the car smooth linear power with no hesitation. The throttle pedal is a bit stiff. That would be our only complaint. The exhaust sounds excellent as well.
Transmission
The transmission shifts smoothly throughout each gear with no odd grinding or popping out of gear etc.
Brakes And Suspension
The brakes function as they should, with no shuttering or pulling. The steering is as crisp and responsive as a long hood 911 steering should be. The suspension feels strong and firm over bumps and cornering.
Tires
The tires are period-correct looking Michelins, though we could not decipher the date codes. The tread is ample and the tires appear to be supple still.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Although it looks fantastic, clad in its sleek silver paint, the best characteristic of this 911S is how wonderfully it drives. The power is linear, responsive, and noticeably more potent than the lesser 911T variants. Through the corners, it is confident, and at higher speeds on the highway, it is planted. Driving an early 911S is a special experience for any Porsche enthusiast but it is particularly special when the car behaves and performs at such a high level as this car does.
