For Sale at Auction: 1973 Porsche 911 in Costa Mesa, California

Chassis No. 9113301237
Engine No. 6331924

As the Porsche first 911 sports model, the 911 S sits on hallowed ground within the early 911 community and among Porsche fans worldwide. Upon introduction, the new 911 bested the older 356 in nearly every performance category. However, Porsche was wary of racing their new car fresh out of the box. A short two years later, the factory had thoroughly tested a suite of modifications and upgrades resulting in the new 911 S. Easily identifiable by its Fuchs wheels, the 911 S featured a more powerful engine and standard performance modifications. At the end of the 'longhood' era in 1972 and 1973 displacement increased to 2.4-liters and, when paired with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, produced a total output of 190 horsepower. A bevy of modifications, such as a new chin spoiler, raised the specification and the price of the 911 S, with a base price of over $10,000 for the coupe.

As noted on its Certificate of Authenticity, this well-appointed Sepia Brown 1973 911 S was specified from new with Recaro sports seats, Koni shock absorbers, electric steel sliding sunroof, air conditioning, auxiliary oil cooler, electric windows, Blaupunkt Frankfurt radio, white fog lights, and tinted glass. Completing production in May 1973, its U.S. port of entry was New Orleans, with it being delivered to Dr. John S. Williford through Jimmy Payne Porsche of Memphis, Tennessee. Payne commemorated the occasion by placing a plaque on the dash with the Porsche crest and his name.

Following Payne's ownership, the 911 S Coupe found a new owner in Georgia and then a long-term caretaker in 1989. Shortly after entering this ownership, a detailed restoration began in the early 1990s. During the restoration, the engine displacement was increased from its original 2.4-liter displacement to its current 2.7-liter guise. Additional work included refinishing the bodywork as originally specified in Sepia Brown, while the interior was retrimmed with fresh Beige leather.

Since restoration, it remained under this devoted ownership for an impressive 35 years, until 2024, when it was acquired by its current owner. It remains in excellent condition today with its long list of optional extras and its original numbers matching engine. Representing the final year of the coveted long-hood body style, the 1973 911 S ranks among the most collectible 911s ever produced, complemented by its signature raspy metallic MFI-injected engine note. Offered here is a well-documented, highly optioned example finished in the rarely seen 1970s shade of Sepia Brown.