Vehicle Description
1972 Porsche 911 E Targa VIN 9112210378
Completed February 1972
E-series, long hood, number 378 out of 861 models produced from
August 1971 to July 1972. In 1972, the 911E's base price was $8,960
and with a Targa top was an additional $800. Finished in a
desirable Gemini Blue Metallic (Color Code 330) with Black
leatherette upholstery. The interior and paintwork are both in
great condition with nice gaps and panel fit. There are a few paint
flaws but over all condition is quite nice. Mechanically, it is a
great driver that runs and drives extremely well. The engine is a
2.4 Liter 911T with carburetors, a smooth shifting 915 traditional
5-speed transmission and four wheel disc brakes. Solid and rust
free example.
History of the 2.4-litre / E and F series (1972-1973)
In 1972 a tremendous effort was made to improve the handling of the
911. Due to the 911's unusual engine placement (rear-mounted, with
most of the vehicle's weight concentrated over the rear axle) early
911's were prone to oversteer when driven at the limit and could
easily spin in the hands of an inexperienced driver. In an attempt
to remedy this, Porsche relocated the oil tank from its position
behind the right rear wheel to in front of it. This had the effect
of moving the weight of almost 8.5 l (9 US quarts) of oil from
outside the wheelbase to inside, improving weight distribution and
thus, handling. To facilitate filling of the oil tank, Porsche
installed an oil filler door (much like the fuel filler door on the
left front fender) on the right rear quarter panel. Unfortunately,
this unique design was scrapped after only one year, some say
because inattentive gas station attendants were putting gas in the
oil tank. The oil tank was subsequently moved back to its original
position for the model year 1973 and remained there until it was
moved back within the wheelbase for the 964 models.
The 1972-1973 model years consisted of the same models of 911- the
entry level T, the midrange E and the top of the line S. However,
all models got a new, larger 2,341 cc (2.341 L; 142.9 cu in)
engine. This is universally known as the "2.4L" engine, despite its
displacement being closer to 2.3 litres- perhaps to emphasize the
increase over the 2.2 L. The new power ratings for the T were 130
hp (97 kW), or 140 hp (104 kW) in the CIS U.S., 165 hp (123 kW) for
the E and 190 hp (142 kW) for the S.
With the power and torque increases, the 2.4 L cars also got a
newer, stronger transmission, identified by its Porsche type number
915. Derived from the transmission in the Porsche 908 race car, the
915 did away with the 901/911 transmission's "dog-leg" style first
gear arrangement, opting for a traditional H pattern with first
gear up to the left, second gear underneath first, etc. Some say
this was because the dog-leg shift to second gear was inconvenient
for city driving, other say it was due to Porsche's desire to put
5th gear outside the main transmission housing where it could
easily be changed for different races. The Sportomatic transmission
was still available but only as a special order.