Lot 330: Porsche 911 2.7-Litre Coup�

A 'modern classic' if ever there was one, Porsche's long-running 911 arrived in 1964, replacing the 356. The latter's rear-engined layout was retained, but the 911 switched to unitary construction for the bodyshell and dropped the 356's VW-based suspension in favour of a more modern McPherson strut and trailing arm arrangement. In its first incarnation, Porsche's single-overhead-camshaft, air-cooled flat six engine displaced 1,991cc and produced 130bhp; progressively enlarged and developed, it would eventually grow to more than 3.0 litres and, in turbo-charged form, put out well over 300 horsepower. The first of countless up-grades came in 1966 with the introduction of the 911S, the latter easily distinguishable by its Fuchs five-spoked alloy wheels and featuring a heavily revised engine. A lengthened wheelbase introduced in 1969 improved the 911's sometimes wayward handling, and then in 1970 the motor underwent the first of many enlargements, from 2.0 to 2.2 litres. In 1974 all 911 variants received the 2.7-litre unit, hitherto reserved for the Carrera, when the latter went to 3.0 litres. Although in non-Carrera tune the 175bhp (DIN) 2.7-litre unit made slightly less power than the old '2.4', it had been skilfully reworked to produce significantly more torque over a much wider rev range and offered noticeably improved acceleration. Coupled to tolerance of low-lead petrol, vastly superior fuel consumption and increased tank capacity, the new 911 proved superior to its predecessor in every way as a fast, long-distance tourer. A desirable five-speed manual transmission model, this right-hand drive 2.7-litre 911 is finished in red with black leather/tartan fabric interior, and comes fully equipped with electric windows, electric sunroof and 'cookie cutter' alloy wheels. 'PFC 481P' has covered circa 113,000 miles from new and has had only four previous owners, one of whom was Lord Kilmaine. Its engine displaying good oil pressure and performing very well, the car is described as in generally very good condition, benefiting from new heat exchangers, a recent braking system overhaul and new Yokohama tyres. It is offered with sundry invoices, MoT to June 2010, Swansea V5 registration document and assorted expired MoT certificates dating back to 1983.