Porsche 911 T

Das Fahrzeug im Detail

Background

Anyone with an enthusiasm for Porsche will know that last year the marque celebrated its 75th anniversary. During this time, many successful models have been created from the early 356 to the dominant 919s, current 963s and of course the immortal 911.

Certainly, every Porsche enthusiast will have a favourite, but arguably the 911 produced from 1969 – 1973 are the prettiest of all. Technically advanced for its time, any 911 of this period was capable of showing a clean pair of heels to most cars down a twisty piece of road and unlike many of its peers, with Porsche reliability too.

Initially powered by a 2.0 flat six and then a 2.2 litre version of the same engine, these were replaced for the 1972 model year by a new 2.4-litre unit (actually 2,341cc) that had already been tried and tested in endurance racing. To handle the extra performance and torque available, a new stronger type 915 5 speed gearbox was fitted too.

Available in three different models, T, E and S, each were visually similar with the engine power available being the main difference between the cars, as each model could be optionally specified with the same internal and external trim and equipment levels if required.

The S produced a headline grabbing 190BHP at a lofty 6,500RPM and in sheer performance when used in anger was the quickest of the three variants, however, if more normal driving resumed, it didn’t hit peak torque until 5,200 RPM whilst this arrived in the T a full 1200 RPM lower, meaning the T was (and still is) the easier car to drive briskly on a daily basis.

European T models were fitted with zenith carburettors and produced 130BHP, but for emission reasons American variants were fitted with the same mechanical fuel injection system as the European E and S models with the added benefit of a power increase to 140BHP and a further increase in torque to 200NM @ 4,000RPM.

Although still badged as a T, confusingly they were actually known as T/Es and the engine if still in original specification, can be identified by its yellow shroud in place of the standard black item as well as the mechanical fuel injection system. Just 6 months into production, further tightening of emissions meant that all American models were fitted with a new CIS system meaning a mechanical fuel injected T/E is actually quite a rare bird with less than 300 built in period.

Ivory Dream

This example was one of the first, being produced in September 1972 and finished in Light Ivory with black leatherette interior, the combination it is presented in today. It was fitted with some desirable options too, including Fuchs wheels, anti roll bars, tinted glass and comfort pack.

We understand from the history it was lightly used from 1973 to 1985 when it was taken off the road to be repainted in the more fashionable 80s colour of Guards Red. It is unclear why, but it never returned to the road remaining in dry storage for the next 30 years until arriving into the UK in 2016 where it was sold in a very buoyant market for £40,000.00 plus £6,000 buyers fee by Silverstone Auctions as a solid restoration project.

An extensive 2 year nut and bolt restoration commenced under watchful eye of Anthony Seddon Racing Ltd based at Oulton Park in Cheshire with a total spend of just under £140,000.00 when completed.

Our Thoughts

This is a beautifully restored and matching number example of a 911 T/E returned to its original colours and specification. Once on the road, the performance is more than adequate, the flat six engine sounding and feeling very strong. And because everything works as it should, it’s an absolute joy to hustle down a favourite road.

There are always few exceptions, but generally the froth of the classic car market from 2012-2018 has returned to more realistic levels today and we suspect the total nut and bolt restoration carried out on this car then, would not be contemplated today.

As the saying goes `one man’s loss can result in another man’s gain and this little T/E is one of those examples. Available to purchase today, for considerably less than the total expenditure when completed.