In 1963, Porsche launched a new coupe called the 901, a radical departure from the ageing 356 that featured an all-new aluminium, 2.0L flat six, air-cooled engine mated to a five speed gearbox in a 2 plus 2 coupe body. In October 1964, the 901 became the 911 in response to Peugeot’s trademark objections, and so the most famous three numbers in the sports car world were coined. Capable of 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 130mph, the new 911 elevated Porsche into the junior super car league at a stroke.
It soon earned itself a reputation not only for its incredible performance from only 2 litres, but for also having entertaining handling characteristics. With the engine hung so far behind the rear wheels, highly experienced drivers would revel in the delicate adjustability of the chassis at the limit, whilst lesser morsels could easily find themselves facing the way they had just come from.
Porsche responded for the 1969 model year (B series) by lengthening the wheelbase by 57mm (2.2 inches) and manufacturing the engine cases out of magnesium instead of aluminium, saving another 10kgs of weight at the rear, whilst replacing one larger battery with two smaller batteries at the front to help weight distribution further.
These modifications instantly improved the handling characteristics, making it much easier to drive, whilst a new Bosch mechanical fuel injection system was introduced on the E and S models, offering an increase in performance.
This Example
This B series 911E was ordered on 9th January 1969 by Porsche Cars Pacific Inc in special order Canary Yellow with a 5 speed gearbox and delivered to its first owner, Mr Louis C Bachetti of California in May of that year. The original sales invoice (still in the history file with the car) shows the sale price was just $8,091.64. However, this was still reassuringly expensive compared to a new Corvette Stingray at around 4,500 bucks.
Although now approaching its 57th birthday, this matching number 911E has a remarkable documented history, spending its life in sunny California with one family covering just 25,000 miles from new, before being imported to the UK in 2010 by a noted UK collector. It has continued to be preserved and maintained in the UK by its following custodians covering a further 4,000 miles, and we have just carried out its first full engine rebuild including new barrels and pistons, not bad for a near 60-year-old car.
Our thoughts
When cars get to this grand age, they can vary wildly, from frankly horrible patched up rust buckets to full nut and bolt correctly restored examples, with a variety in between. This can not only lead to a disparity in pricing, but condition of cars too.
Whilst this matching numbers example has certainly received external paintwork over the last 57 years, it is unusual in the fact that it has never been restored, so still retains an amazing amount of originality, the interior in particular, having a wonderful patina that could never be replicated in a fully restored example. This is further borne out by the way it drives, which is just how Porsche intended.
If you are looking for a `best of breed` early 911E with a great provenance, this car warrants your attention.
