1972 PORSCHE 911E
ENGINE 2341cc/flat-6/OHC POWER 165bhp@6200rpm TORQUE 152lb ft@4500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 136mph 0-60MPH 7.9sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 24-32mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed man MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 69,891 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Turn the key, and the flat six settles into a deep, rhythmic beat. Acceleration is smooth, progressive and rapid, the gear change one of the easiest we’ve ever experienced on a 911 and oil pressure a healthy 70psi when hot and cruising. Handling is sharp and the brakes do their job well.
BODYWORK CHECK
It is believed that no other 911 ever left the factory in Velvet Green; this UK market car was specified by its original German countess owner. It is in spotless condition, having been the subject of a thorough restoration completed in 2016. There aren’t even any stone chips on the nose; the only blemishes we could find were some light scratches on the aluminium window frames. The Fuchs wheels are also unmarked and wear Pirelli 185/70 VR15 rubber datemarked 2016.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Open the door and the waft of fresh leather greets you. The inside is as immaculate as the outside with seats upgraded to RS spec and finished in beige hide with houndstooth cloth inserts. The carpets, door cards and dash strip are the same hue as the seats, while the slightly darker brown carpets are protected by off-cuts. It’s difficult to believe that anybody has even sat in this car, let alone driven it – there’s simply nothing amiss and it’s original down to the absence of a radio. The Nardi steering wheel is the only obvious departure from standard but the original comes with the car.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is highly presentable and well-detailed, but there are a few signs of age here and there, such as on the fan surround, coil and some of the ducting. However, it’s still an impressive-looking engine, dominated by the large fan, that you’d be proud to show off at events, especially given the array of original information and warning stickers on display. It comes with a huge amount of paperwork spread over three files, too.
THE CCW VIEW
Porsche re-located the 911’s oil tank in 1972 to improve its twitchy high-speed handling and fitted an external body flap so it could be topped up more easily. People accidentally confused this with the fuel-filler, so the oil tank returned to its original place a year later. That distinction makes these 1972 911s highly prized, and this one is rarer and more desirable than most thanks to its remarkable condition and impeccable performance. Granted, the price is high, but this is one of those lovely, pure, early 911s that reminds you that you don’t need flared arches, turbochargers and huge rear wings to experience the best of what this most famous of breeds has to offer.
PROS Condition inside and out, rarity CONS One for collectors, price
BUY IT FROM Sherwood Restorations, Upton Fields Garage, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0QB. 01636 812655, sherwoodrestorations.co.uk
EXTERIOR Absolutely faultless, down to the Fuchs wheels INTERIOR Unworn with an absence of patina MECHANICALS Drives as good as it looks