At the heart of the 1973 911 T is the Type 911/57 air-cooled flat-six engine, originally displacing 2,341 cc. This upgrade from the previous 2.2-liter engines introduced in 1970 was partly driven by U.S. emissions standards and fuel quality concerns, which forced Porsche to modify combustion and fuel delivery systems. To compensate for the resulting performance loss, Porsche engineers increased the engine’s stroke from 66mm to 70.4mm, creating the 2.4-liter displacement. The 2.4 T made use of Bosch mechanical fuel injection in U.S. markets, while European models (like this one) retained twin Zenith carburetors or mechanical injection depending on spec.
Beyond emissions, the 1973 911 also had to address U.S. safety regulations, which would go into effect the following year, mandating crash-resistant bumpers. This marked 1973 as the final year for the svelte chrome bumper design, making these cars the last of the “pure” original 911 silhouette – a fact that today elevates their desirability among collectors.
CHASSIS REFINEMENTS AND DRIVING DYNAMICS
The 1973 models brought a significant upgrade to the 911’s dynamics: the replacement of the outdated dog-leg “901” gearbox with the more robust and smoother-shifting 915 5-speed transmission. Additionally, Porsche widened the rear track and revised suspension geometry for better cornering stability – critical for a rear-engine sports car that had gained a reputation for “tail-happy” behavior in the hands of inexperienced drivers. Combined with ventilated disc brakes and a kerb weight of just over 1,000 kg, the 2.4 T offered nimble and confident handling by early 1970s standards.
THE CHASSIS N. 911-351-1485 – FROM TOURING TO THOROUGHBRED
This 1973 Porsche 911 2.4 T (chassis #911-351-1485) is a collector-grade example that blends originality, performance enhancements, and meticulous care. Delivered new in July 1973 and showing just 73.000 original kilometers on the ODO, it remains in outstanding condition with over 20 years of ownership by its second custodian. This matching-numbers car features the original Type 911/57 2.341cc flat-six engine, carefully upgraded to 2.7 liters by the renowned specialist Cairati using original Mahle cylinders, alongside a full restoration that included setup, electronic tuning, and aircraft-grade hoses. While the original 2.4 T was no slouch – delivering 130 hp in European trim – this mod brings it closer in spirit to the legendary 1973 Carrera RS, enhancing mid-range torque and throttle response without sacrificing reliability or originality. Combined with a professionally tuned setup and aeronautical-grade lines, the result is a sharper, more muscular car that retains all its vintage charm while being markedly more engaging to drive. Visually speaking, the car has been tastefully modified to resemble the earlier 2.2 T, with chromed details – modifications that are fully reversible. Finished in its original and rare “Seablau – 329”, it rides on optional original Fuchs wheels and is paired with a likewise optional 5-speed gearbox plus reverse. Inside, the cabin has been reupholstered with period-correct Recaro seats in houndstooth fabric, and the roof has been redone twice, now in like-new condition. Accompanied by its original tool bag, Use & Maintenance booklet, black “Milano” numberplates (originally from Bergamo), and complete documentation including the Porsche Certificate of Origin and the Italian CRS certificate, this car offers a rare opportunity to own a historically significant, beautifully guarded and upgraded 911 that’s ready to be driven and enjoyed.
The 1973 Porsche 911 2.4 T stands at the crossroads of Porsche history – carrying the purity of the 1960s design into the increasingly regulated world of the 1970s. This example, with its performance upgrades and faithful preservation, captures that transitional spirit perfectly. For purists and passionate drivers alike, it’s not just a car – it’s a statement of Porsche’s enduring ability to evolve without ever losing its soul.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS: BALANCED, COMPOSED, ADDICTIVE
Driving a 1973 911 2.4 T is a multi-sensory experience that connects you to the road in a way modern cars seldom do. Period reviews from “Road & Track” described the 911 T as “precise, alert, and mechanically articulate.” With the enlarged 2.7-liter engine, this particular car delivers noticeably more torque, especially from low to mid revs, making it feel more urgent than the stock version without overpowering the chassis.
The revised suspension and improved 915 gearbox allow for smoother gear changes and more confident cornering. As *Auto Motor und Sport* noted in 1973, “The 911 remains the standard by which all others are judged in terms of steering feedback and braking poise.” That still holds true – especially in a well-maintained, sympathetically upgraded example like this one.
Even with the added performance, the car maintains the delicate steering, mechanical grip, and rear-engined balance that define early 911s. It’s a machine that rewards finesse rather than brute force – a driving experience that’s pure, involving, and timeless.
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