Chassis No. 300839
Engine No. 901063
Transmission No. 100930
For decades, the mantra to follow for those interested in a Porsche 911 was to “buy the newest affordable example.” Over time this changed with expanded focus on 911s built for the 1965 model year. These earliest 911s are a feast for the eyes with myriad minute details. Seats with six pleats, a five-button dashboard, and an aluminum-rimmed teak steering wheel, Solex carburetors, and Nadella axles are special characteristics that make the Porsche cognoscenti sit up and take note. Unfortunately, many early 911s have suffered from average restorations and updates wiping these important details away. Yet, there are those 1965 911s that remain relatively undisturbed, enjoyed for their inherent good looks and performance unconcerned of the latest trends. This matching numbers 1965 Porsche 911, chassis number 300839, is one of these rare cars that remain very much “as built.”
According to its Kardex warranty card it was finished, as it remains today, in the incredibly rare optional color of Weissgrau (White Grey) with an equally rare Blue leatherette interior with six-pleat corduroy seats inserts.
Of note, is that the exterior color is not the typical Porsche Weissgrau (75742) but believed to be a Mercedes-Benz variant from Lesonal (70187) also offered in period. It is thought that there were less than five White Grey 911s produced for 1965. The Kardex records its engine and transmission serial numbers which, upon inspection, are noted to be the original numbers matching pieces delivered with the car nearly 60 years ago. Furthermore, the Kardex shows that it was optioned with raised seats and preparation for headrests and was fitted with Dunlop SP57 tires when it was delivered to MAHAG Porsche of Munich, Germany. The first owner was recorded as Walter Fuss of Grainau, Germany a small mountain town in southern Bavaria by the Austrian border.
At a point the 911 was brought to the United States, eventually landing in the dry southwestern-climate of Arizona. By 1981, a chain of five U.S.-based collectors is known beginning in Arizona with the first, who later brought the car to the Cincinnati, Ohio area. At this time the earliest of 911s had earned their due and unlike many, this matching numbers example with its rare color combination remained in a highly-original state. Inside and out, this 1965 911 Coupe exudes original details from its original floor pans up. The trunk is an impressive site with as-built finishes, non-adjustable shock towers, luggage straps, not least the fuel tank with original tar “sombrero” protective covering. The impressively well-kept interior features original 356-style blue square weave carpeting with its original fabric binding, and seating with as-delivered Blue upholstery bar a replacement section on the driver’s side bolster. Naturally over the years, small beneficial updates have been made such as stainless steel SSI heat exchangers replacing the original pair that were part of an early safety recall in February 1967.
Later the car passed through the hands of three additional early 911-savvy Ohio-based collectors before landing with the consignor in 2022. In a 40-plus year chain of preservation-conscious caretakers, this rare 911 was once again in good hands. Since acquisition, the car has gone from strength to strength with rebuilt Solex carburetors, a fuel and oil tank flush, brake system rebuild with ATE parts and PMB restored brake calipers, Bruce Crawford restored steering wheel, a speedometer rebuild by Palo Alto, fresh Michelin XZX tires, and a rebuilt transmission with a new clutch, pressure plate, and throw out bearing completed under their care. Today, this earliest of Paint to Sample matching numbers 911s is offered with a rarely seen level of originality, a digital copy of its factory Kardex warranty card, a complete and correct toolkit, and an understated yet evocative livery providing its next caretaker with a fresh opportunity to reveal to the world an unshown first-year example of Porsche’s sporting GT.
