Lot 225: 1965 Porsche 911 Coupé

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 upgrades came in 1966 with the introduction of the 911S. Easily distinguishable by its stylish Fuchs five-spoked alloy wheels, the ‘S’ featured a heavily revised engine producing 160bhp, the increased urge raising top speed by 10mph to 135mph. A lengthened wheelbase introduced in 1969 improved the 911’s handling, and then in 1970 the engine underwent the first of many enlargements - to 2.2 litres.
This ‘barn find’ 911 is one of the early, short-wheelbase cars; the type is much favoured by the historic rallying fraternity, a situation that has led to original examples such as this one becoming a great rarity. A right-hand drive model manufactured in 1965 and first registered in 1966, the car was extensively overhauled in 1979/80 when the engine was rebuilt and the livery changed from silver to red. Only 100 miles had been covered post rebuild when the car was put into dry storage, where it has remained for the past 27 years. We are advised that the engine was run recently for a short period, but that the oil tank is leaking badly, while the desirable Fuchs alloy wheels are the only stated deviation from factory specification. Offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed, the car comes with old-style logbook and sundry invoices. A rare opportunity to acquire an original early 911, ripe for sympathetic restoration.