Of course, Porsche is never a company to stand still, so for the 1969 model year it is well documented that they increased the wheelbase by 2inches at the rear to stabilise handling through high speed corners, but lesser known facts are that the new S models also featured magnesium engine cases in place of the previous sandcast items, aluminium engine cover and centre rear panel, all to aid lightness in the rear of the car.
The original 911 of 1965 weighed 1080KGs with 130BHP, the new long wheelbase 911S came in at just 995KGs and whilst the engine capacity remained at 2.0 litres, the carburettors were replaced with a new Bosch mechanical fuel injection system increasing peak power to 170BHP at 6,800RPM.
For the 1970 model year, all variants saw an engine capacity increase to 2.2-litres. This correspondingly gave the 911 S a power boost to 180BHP together with a useful increase in torque over the peaky 2.0 model. The engine displacement was further increased to 2.4 litres for 1972, however, so was the kerb weight as improved rust protection, equipment and new heavier 915 gearbox was introduced, meaning outright performance remained similar.
Today the 2.2 series is for many the sweet spot of the early 911 line up, featuring the longer wheelbase, yet retaining the mechanical charm of the earlier cars including the `dog leg` 5 speed gearbox. These elements together with the lightest chassis of any volume production 911 ensure they are delicate, informative, and responsive to drive making them a firm favourite for a classic 911 enthusiast.
If purely collecting, then the 911S is the holy grail of this era, preferably of course in original unrestored condition with a full service history and preferably full ownership details too. However, when a car is now approaching its 53rd birthday, it’s probably easier to start looking for a needle in a haystack, particularly when you are looking at a low number production number car such as a 2.2 911S coupe of which only 1744 were built for 1970 in total, and that’s before eliminating any cars that have been crashed/rusted away/ converted into competition cars.
So, for most, a second option has to be considered and that is car that has been restored either in the past, or more recently. This is where care and due diligence should take place, as an older restoration is unlikely to have been completed to the same standard as one carried out more recently due to the costs vastly outweighing the value of the car at the time. However, in recent years, early 911s have increased in value considerably, particularly the rarer models, making a comprehensive and professional full restoration more viable.
This Example
Which brings us to this rather splendid LHD 1970 C series model, finished in its original colour of Bahia Red with black interior and houndstooth seat inserts, it is a matching numbers example confirmed by the certificate of authenticity. Production was completed in March 1970 before being supplied by Porsche Autocentro Balduina Roma to its first owner Count Thellung de Courtelary who it appeared kept the car in the family for 20 years. It is also nice to see its original handbooks and service manual with numbers matching the car, however the rest of the Italian history appears to be missing, although in 2014/15, the car was the subject of a high- quality nut and bolt restoration in Italy, which is documented in the history file before being purchased by the proprietor of Paragon Porsche in the UK. We are unable to verify the original mileage from new, but can confirm that it has completed 9,000 Kms since its restoration and has a documented history in the UK. On the road it drives beautifully, confirming the attention to detail during this restoration was more than skin deep, although those with an eye for detail will have spotted the excellent panel fit and finish too. It has covered very little mileage over the last couple of years, so will be supplied fully prepared and serviced by us for its next custodian.
Our thoughts
This matching numbers fully restored 911 2.2S Coupe is just crying out to be driven as intended, and with left hand drive, would be the perfect companion for a European summer trip. Alternatively, with this year being the 70th anniversary of the 911, simply polish and display at your favourite Porsche event.
