SWB 911s with competition history are real rarities and hard to find. A 911 like 306284, with low mileage and an extensive racing history, is extremely rare. Finnish racing historian Ralf Petterson reports that Vilkas took part in more than 35 national racing events with 306284 in three consecutive years: 1967, 1968 and 1969, including more than a dozen ice races and participation in the legendary Keimola 500 each year.
In Finland, the existence of Vilkas-Porsche 306284 is a closely guarded secret, as it is the last of the dozen or so Finnish competition Porsches from the 1960s and 1970s that have not yet been exported. Most of these cars were sold to collectors in the USA and Germany. In addition, 306284 is the last "undiscovered" Scandinavian competition 911 from the rally era of the AAW & Scania Vabis team from the 1960s. After more than 55 years, this historic vehicle has resurfaced and is now being offered for sale.
From a collector's point of view, a remarkable Porsche is an automobile that only exists once and has its very own story to tell. Porsche 306284 epitomizes these qualities, boasting a rare and desirable set of factory options for its model year, as well as a remarkable and unique competition history. It was driven by father and son, Onni and Jari Vilkas, from Kotka in Finland.
Onni and Jari Vilkas participated in several notable races in Finland with their Porsche, including the Finnish National Rally Championship and various ice races. Special races include the Arctic Rally, the Keimola 500 and the 1000 Lakes Rally, as well as other regional competitions that highlight the unique and difficult conditions of Finnish motorsport.
After participating in various competitions, the car became a coveted collector's item that was carefully maintained and preserved by the Vilkas family. The interior, for example, still looks as good as new.
Today, it is considered an important piece of automotive history, celebrated for its rarity and historical significance. It is rarely shown at small-town Finnish motoring events and exhibitions, where it attracts the interest of enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The Vilkas family never intended to sell their Porsche. Thomas Andersen, a Porsche enthusiast from Denmark, has been interested in the car for over two decades and has kept in regular contact with the family. Every time he has enquired about the possibility of purchasing the vehicle in recent years, the family has always declined any interest in selling it.
In the summer of 2024, however, the Vilkas family got in touch as Jari Vilkas, now 78, felt it was time to pass the car on. They wanted to ensure that the car was preserved as it was and added to a remarkable collection. They knew Thomas would be the ideal person to find the right home for the vehicle.
The following is a quote from a Finnish rally spectator in 1967, in the local newspaper: "In Finland, a Porsche rally car is as much a part of the landscape as the forests and lakes. If you don't slide sideways through a bend, you're probably doomed."
Finland is known for its experienced rally and racing drivers from the 1960s. At the time, Porsche had a strong interest in supporting Finland in Porsche competitions, as winning would have been in line with Porsche's 1950s marketing slogan "Race on Sunday, sell on Monday". With the support of Team AAW, Finland has also produced some of Porsche's most legendary works drivers, including Leo Kinnunen, Hans Laine and Pauli Toivonen, who played a key role in the brand's racing successes.
Onni Vilkas took part in the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally, one of the most famous events in rallying, in a Mercedes 280. He began his career with a Mercedes-Benz, but switched to Porsche in 1967 after observing the success of the AAW (Wihuri) team with the Porsche brand.
Onni Vilkas quickly made a name for himself in the Scandinavian racing community. A dynamic pit stop for Vilkas during the 1969 Keimola 500, with the name "O. Vilkas" clearly visible at the end of the fuel barrel. Note the rear fender; shortly after Vilkas took over the 306284, he modified the rear fenders by widening them to facilitate wheel changes during races.
This modification can be seen in every historic photo of the car, and the widened rear fenders are still present on the car today.
Finding an unrestored 911 with historic racing history in 2024 is an unusual event and an opportunity that is unlikely to be repeated. In fact, finding an early 911 with a rally past has become a real challenge.
Owning 306284 grants immediate access to the world's most exclusive automotive events, where only cars with authentic racing history are admitted. This means that the car serves as a VIP and fast track pass to prestigious events such as the Tour Auto Optic 2000, Le Mans Classic, Goodwood, Colorado Grande and Rennsport Reunion - events reserved for some of the world's most iconic cars. With its strong heritage in ice racing, this car is a natural candidate for the prestigious Zell am See Ice Race, organized by FAT and Porsche's grandson Ferdi.