This particular example presents as a dry, Southern car, having spent much of its life in Alabama. While it shows some rust in the common areas, the chassis overall remains solid and structurally sound. More importantly, the mechanicals are excellent: compression and leakdown numbers are strong across all cylinders, and the original 901 5-speed gearbox shifts cleanly and precisely. The engine starts easily, pulls with confidence, and reflects the attention it has received over the years. For those seeking a driver-focused long-hood 911 with real-world usability and historic relevance, this E delivers where it counts.
This 1970 911 E is a true driver’s example, finished in its original configuration and benefitting from life in Alabama, where it remained largely dry and well-preserved over the decades. While it does exhibit some minor rust in the typical areas—nothing unexpected for an early long-hood. Corrosion can be found in the battery box, front tub, and the passenger side fender/extension. All of these areas are original metal. The rust in these areas has been neutralized. And is purely cosmetic in nature, and does not affect driveability. The floors are original and are still wearing their factory cosmoline.
Mechanically, the car is where it truly shines. It runs and drives exceptionally well, with excellent leakdown and compression numbers that speak to the health of the engine. The 2.2L flat-six fires up eagerly and pulls strong across the rev range, and the original 901 gearbox shifts EXCELLENT with no issues—down to that satisfying dog-leg first.
recent service:
Fuchs 15″ wheels are mounted with 185/70/15 Vredestein Sprint Classic tires, which display late 2021 date-codes, and exhibit 90% tread-depth remaining. The ventilated disc brakes and suspension components were recently overhauled in 2024 with modern componentry :
- Sway-A-Way 21mm solid front torsion bars
- Sway-A-Way 27mm hollow rear torsion bars out back
- Rebel Racing Adjustable Rear Spring Plates
- (4) New Brake Lines, Front & Rear
- Bilstein Shock Absorbers
- Oil Service
- (6) Spark Plugs
- New “S” ~ 7100 rpm Distributor Rotor
engine & transmission:
There is a notation in the the records the engine and transmission were both rebuilt at ~90k miles. We performed a leakdown test upon our acquisition. Results were excellent ( see photo gallery) and in -line with how the car runs and drives- very healthy. The 901 gearbox is sharp and direct. Shifts are as crisp and effortless as a 901 box can be.
further details:
OEM Bosch H4 Euro Headlights
The car wears 100% of its original interior, save for the Momo Prototipo steering wheel, down to the carpet, the radio, the dashboard. Car wears all of its original glass. All gauges and accessories function as intended, including the oil level gauge on the instrument cluster(!)
We personally logged over 700 miles on this car in one weekend last month, touring the Smoky Mountains without a hitch. If you’re looking for a mechanically sorted early 911 with honest character and great bones, this 911 E delivers in spades.