Rare, special-order "9552 Rally Kit"
Extensive SCCA and IMSA period racing history
Exceptionally well documented since new
Matching-numbers 901/06 engine per Porsche Kardex
Multiple-time entrant to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Eligible and competitive for many historic racing series
Rumored to be 1 of less than 15 examples of "Rally Kit" cars built
in 1967-1968
Includes FIA HTP and HMSA logbook
Porsche, always a supporter of motorsports to both large and small
enterprises, is no stranger to creating special and unique 911
variants to accommodate different types of series. The 911R might
be one of the most well-known variants, but Porsche was focused on
selling variants that could be raced or rallied by customers while
still being legal under the FIA's GT Group 3 category. Porsche
began generating momentum by creating the optional "Rally Kit"
option for its 911 with the option code 9552.
This package upgraded the stock 160 horsepower 901/06 engine with
906 camshafts and connecting rods, and larger carburetors (if
desired). Also available were a competition clutch, sport exhaust,
a partial roll bar in the cabin, competition seats, wider alloy
wheels, a 100-liter fuel tank, and a variety of gear ratios. Two
additional optional tuning packages were also made available by
Porsche, Sport Kit 1 and Sport Kit 2, with the latter supplying the
buyer with different carburetor jets and venturis for the Weber
40-milimeter triple-throat carburetors and was good for an
additional 15 horsepower.
History with Hans Niederer and SCCA Success
By the time Hans Niederer had acquired this 1967 Porsche 911 "Rally
Kit" in late June of 1967, the Oxford, New York-based racer was
already at home behind the wheel of fast Porsches. Having purchased
several used Porsche 356s a few years earlier, and because of his
friendship with local Porsche dealer Jiri Nechleba, he was able to
continuously trade up into this special race-focused 911 at the age
of 28.
Ordered through Porsche's Sports Purpose Program with the Rally Kit
(9552), chassis 308299 was painted in Sand Beige, included black
vinyl upholstery, a 5-speed manual transmission, and safety belts.
A pair of Talbot mirrors were fitted to the car's fenders by
Nechleba at Niederer's request. A copy of the original Kardex and
window sticker illustrate that it was completed at Zuffenhausen on
May 29th, 1967, and was delivered 3 weeks later. Notes from the
car's restoration in 2005 show that it appeared that it was also
equipped with the desirable Sport Kit II when new.
Within the year, Niederer and his newly acquired 911 began amassing
an impressive roster of victories across local and regional SCCA
Autocross and Gymkhana events. By early 1969, however, his
ambitions had evolved, and chassis 308299 was subjected to rigorous
preparation for official SCCA C-Production Class competition. The
transformation was purposeful and period-correct: a partial roll
cage and a handcrafted front spoiler were seamlessly integrated
alongside wider Minilite wheels, accommodating fender
modifications, a quick-fill bonnet fuel cap, and finely tuned
adjustments to the factory sports suspension. Niederer's meticulous
record-keeping-a treasure trove of newspaper clippings, trophies,
race programs, amateur film, and extensive photography-paints a
vivid picture of continuous development and relentless success on
the track between 1969 and 1974.
Campaigning as a fiercely independent, unsponsored amateur,
Niederer focused his efforts on the unforgiving circuits of the
Northeast, including Watkins Glen, Lime Rock, Pocono, and Thompson.
This localized dedication bred a profound familiarity with the
tracks, sharpening his competitive edge. By 1971, the pairing of
Niederer and this potent 911 proved unstoppable, claiming the New
York State Sportscar Driver's Championship, the SCCA C-Class
Production Regional title, and the Best Regional Driver accolade.
Though qualified for the National SCCA Championship Runoffs at Road
Atlanta, logistical constraints kept him away. Unfazed, Niederer
pivoted his focus toward a more formidable arena: IMSA's fiercely
contested sub-2.5-liter GTU class.
To meet the rigorous demands of IMSA, Niederer turned to legendary
Porsche race team owner, car collector and car dealer Vasek Polak
in January 1972, acquiring a 2.0-liter, 901/02 racing block and a
suite of specialized speed components. While his intimate knowledge
of the regional circuits allowed him to nip at the heels of
professional entrants, the harsh reality of endurance racing soon
set in. The 911, despite the Polak-sourced upgrades, found itself
outgunned and carrying a weight penalty against the lighter,
higher-displacement thoroughbreds of the era. The valiant pursuit
concluded dramatically in 1974 when the race engine finally
surrendered to insurmountable odds at Watkins Glen.
Restoration and Historic Pedigree
Following its retirement in 1975, the 911 was sequestered in dry
storage, remaining a preserved time capsule and owned by Hans until
its acquisition by a discerning marque enthusiast in 2003.
Recognizing its immense historical value, the new owner
commissioned an exhaustive restoration to return the car to its
formidable 1971 SCCA Championship-winning configuration.
Astonishingly for a veteran of amateur racing, the stripped chassis
tub revealed a remarkably straight and undamaged structure. Even
more miraculous was the survival of the original Sekurit glass,
which was carefully reinstalled after Michaelian Restoration of
Stuart, Florida, meticulously applied the factory-correct Sand
Beige (6607 G) finish. The cabin was refinished faithfully to
Niederer's era, complete with his original dash-mounted SCCA racing
plaques.
To ensure track-readiness for top-tier historic competition, the
underpinnings were entirely renewed. The suspension now features
fresh Koni shock absorbers alongside upgraded bushings and bracing.
Period-correct Minilite magnesium wheels shod in Hoosier racing
slicks provide the mechanical grip, while modern safety standards
are met through an ATL fuel cell, a fire suppression system,
period-style Recaro racing seats, and a comprehensively integrated
roll cage with a driver's safety harness.
At the heart of the chassis is a masterful, bespoke 2.0-liter
twin-plug 901/06 flat-six. Crucially, this build utilizes the car's
numbers-matching engine casing, augmented by contemporary 911R
accessories and a significant portion of Niederer's original Vasek
Polak speed parts. Mated to a correct-type five-speed transaxle,
the gear ratios have been expertly optimized to strike an exquisite
balance between exhilarating flat-out circuit performance and
engaging street drivability.
Since its triumphant return, this exceptional 911 "Rally" Coupe has
graced the lawns of premier Porsche Club of America gatherings,
including Rennsport Reunion V and Luftgek�hlt 7, and has campaigned
vigorously at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Supplied with
its FIA Historic Technical Passport (issued June 2010), HMSA
logbook, and an unparalleled dossier of period racing
documentation, this sports-purpose 1967 Porsche 911 "Rally Kit"
stands as a monumental acquisition. It is a turnkey entrant for the
world's finest historic racing series and a crown jewel for the
dedicated air-cooled racer.
1968 Racing Results:
May 1968 - A-2, CNY-PCA, Greene, NY
June 30, 1968 - George Constantine Memorial Gymkhana, SCCA, CNY
PCA
1...for more information please contact the seller.
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