To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$160,000 - $200,000
- A desirable early example of an enduring icon
- Wonderful Aga Blue over Beige interior
- Numbers-matching engine and transmission
- Includes a copy of its factory Kardex and Porsche Production
Specifications certificate
- Beautifully restored interior
With the exception of the Volkswagen Beetle, the Porsche 911 boasts
the most recognizable profile in the automotive industry. Now
entering its 56th year of production, the 911 has proven to be an
icon, and its earliest short-wheelbase version, introduced in late
1964, is both visually delightful and a joy to drive.
The 911 featured a two-liter, air-cooled, SOHC horizontally opposed
six that delivered 130 hp at 6,100 rpm, along with 128 pound-feet
of torque. Dry-sump lubrication allowed a low engine placement, and
thus a low center of gravity. Standard equipment included
rack-and-pinion steering, a fully synchronized five-speed manual
transaxle, independent suspension with McPherson struts and torsion
bars in front and semi-trailing arms, torsion bars, and tubular
shocks in the rear. There were also modern disc brakes at all four
corners. The cabin was much more capacious than the earlier Type
356, and there was additional luggage space under the front
lid.
The 911 handily outperformed its predecessor, offering strong
acceleration and a top speed of 130 mph. Because the 911 was
considerably costlier than a 356, customers were initially slow to
accept it, but as soon as Porsche launched what would become an
incredibly successful racing and rally program, enthusiasts around
the world realized what a powerful, high-quality, multi-purpose
sports car was available to them . . . and the legend was born.
This 911 was completed on 29 October 1965, departing the factory in
the very elegant combination of Aga Blue over a Beige leatherette
interior. The cockpit is highlighted by a warm wood veneer
dashboard insert and wood-rimmed steering wheel with "Butterfly"
horn button. It was modestly optioned with a Webasto gasoline
heater, tinted glass all around, and a radio antenna kit. A
Blaupunkt multi-band radio and speaker were installed, along with a
pair of fog lamps and a full set of factory chromed steel wheels
bearing a manufacturing date of April 1964.
A previous owner acquired this largely original 911 many years ago
from a family in the Charleston, South Carolina area; an electric
fuel pump and electronic ignition system were added to this chassis
at that time. Although its earlier history is unknown, it is a well
preserved example.
This desirable early 911 retains its original sheet metal, glass,
and all lighting assemblies, while the paint and brightwork appear
to be in highly presentable condition. Rarely exhibited, this
chassis notably claimed a much-desired "Palmetto" Award at the 2018
Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance and Motoring Festival.
Fresh off this successful exhibition, the previous owner
commissioned Gronbach Interiors of Gainesville, Florida, to replace
the original upholstery with new cream Spinneybeck leather. New
grey-blue German square-weave carpeting from Porsche interior
specialists Autos International of Escondido, California was
installed throughout, along with a new headliner. The consignor has
added just short of sixty miles to this fine and early Porsche
since acquisition in 2019.
This very attractive short-wheelbase 911 is supplied with a correct
spare wheel, spare seats, owner's manual, and a copies of the
factory Kardex and Porsche Production Specification certificate
confirming its matching-numbers engine and transmission as well as
the original color combination of Aga Blue over Beige leatherette.
It has been recently serviced and is ready to provide its next
owner many more miles of driving enjoyment.To view this car and
others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo20.