Vehicle Description
1973 Porsche 911S Coupe
VIN: 9113300153
Very original 55,299-mile 911S
Paint to sample color Champagne Yellow
Matching numbers engine and transmission
Original interior
Includes original books, tools, jack and spare
Intensive and detailed preservation work carried out by Canepa with
records
The unique textures, smells and finishes from an original Porsche
beg the riders to take in as much as they can, producing an
unmistakable charm that cannot be replicated. This original 1973
Porsche 911S coupe, specially ordered by mid-western Porsche
distributor Don Marsh and in its original Champagne Yellow color
and original black interior, is nothing short of exemplary. Add to
the fact that Canepa carried out an extremely detailed and
documented 767-hour preservation restoration of all of its systems
and components, this 1973 Porsche 911S coupe is an ideal example of
a well-cared for motorcar.
This 911S Coupe was specially ordered and delivered to the
mid-western Porsche distributor and partner of multiple car
dealerships, Don Marsh, who Bruce Canepa had known since the late
1970s. A purveyor of significant cars over the years, including
even a Porsche 917, Don Marsh was very passionate about the Porsche
brand and was always looking forward to getting his new Porsche.
Sold to Marsh on October 14th, 1972, being a distributor granted
him special benefits such as ordering cars in unique colors from
the factory. His wife, Jackie Marsh, wanted to have a 911S Coupe
that was painted Porsche 356 Champagne Yellow, and she would be the
main caretaker for a couple of years before they would sell the
car.
F. Eugene Wirwahn of Powell, Ohio became the next to own the car
until May of 1977 when John Fergus of Lewis Center, Ohio purchased
the car. Fergus drove the car regularly before storing the car
away, owning the car for 36 years before he sold the 911S Coupe to
Canepa in 2013. Upon arrival, 54,412 original miles were on the
odometer. It still retains its original matching numbers engine and
transmission, along with its original books, tools, jack and spare.
The air-cooled engine was rebuilt at 40,000 miles as a precaution
due to its age.
When the 911S rolled through Canepa's doors, it was immediately
inspected from front to back and it was deemed to be the perfect
candidate for a preservation restoration. With such an amazing
original and low mileage car, a complete restoration was
unnecessary. With Canepa's past experience with original cars, the
911S only needed to be freshened in order to return to the road.
However, with this being Canepa, the preservation process is unlike
any other and brings it to another level.
The preservation process beings with a complete disassembly of all
of a car's systems and components, servicing everything needing
attention or refinishing to original condition. The original engine
and transmission were first removed from the chassis and carefully
cleaned by hand. The engine was taken down to the long block to
ensure that every component was inspected, serviced, cleaned and,
if required, refinished. All the fuel lines and hoses were removed
and replaced. While the engine was out, the flywheel was surfaced
and a new clutch assembly was installed. The factory exhaust was
beautifully refinished, and a new firewall pad was added to the
engine bay. With the engine and transmission now serviced, new
engine and transmission mounts were fitted to complete the engine
bay.
Ensuring that no stone was left unturned on this well-preserved
911S, suspension and brakes were the next items. All of the
Porsche's suspension hardware and brake tins were removed from the
car, disassembled and correctly replated. New Koni shocks were
installed, while all of the suspension components were powder
coated. New bushings were installed all around, and the CV axles
were built to factory spec. The brakes received an equal level of
treatment, with the front and rear calipers being rebuilt and
replated, new wheel bearings installed, and new brake pads on all
four corners.
While the mechanical work was being completed the entire chassis
was hand cleaned, taking extraordinary care to preserve all of the
original finishes. New seals were installed for the windows, doors
and hood. While the windows were out, the Champagne Yellow paint
was polished to bring the special paint color to a show-quality
luster.
The original 911S interior is like new and a shining example of how
amazing rare originality can survive decades of time. All of the
gauges were removed, cleaned and serviced. The heater system was
rebuilt. The shifter and linkage were completely rebuilt for smooth
shifts with the original 915 gearbox. All the controls were checked
and all systems tested to ensure a fully functioning 911S.
After hours of meticulous work had been performed, the car was
reassembled, tuned, given a final detail and then thoroughly road
tested. With a total of 767 hours of preservation work performed at
Canepa, it was one of the finest 911S preservation restorations
Canepa had ever performed. Shortly afterwards, the car was
purchased and it would be enjoyed for a little over 4 years with
the same owner.
The 911S would return to Canepa only recently with only 887 miles
added since it completed its preservation restoration. With the
previous work performed in 2014, the car was inspected, serviced as
needed, and detailed to a show quality finish. With it's Champagne
Yellow paint now glistening, its mechanicals in period-correct
fashion, its original interior in pristine condition and a
dialed-in driving experience, this 1973 Porsche 911S is ready to
have a new owner enjoy its award-worthy originality.