Almost all air-cooled 911s are collectible today. Perhaps the most highly coveted would be the 1973 2.7-liter Ducktail Carrera, named after the famous Carrera Panamericana road race in Mexico, where its ancestor once reigned. Values for competition models have skyrocketed, with $1,4 Million dollars being the newest record right now.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Next in line is the 1974 Carrera 2.7 liter. Despite its new-for-1974 safety bumpers, it is every bit as powerful as a '73 911S, and comes factory-equipped with the infamous Ducktail rear spoiler as well, outlawed by German authorities in the early Seventies as being "dangerous to pedestrians." Prices for those cars, constantly on the rise, have now ascended into 6-figure territory.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
The 1974 Porsche 911 presented here, VIN*9114102684*, is a matching numbers California car, sporting Carrera looks. It's all German steel, with the exception of the ducktail, of course. The car was originally delivered displaying the very desirable Light Yellow (factory code 117) color; it has been resprayed by its enthusiast caretaker in a light tan hue resembling the über-powerful, über-famous Porsche 917 "Trüffeljäger von Zuffenhausen" race car.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Original factory books inside the correct merlot vinyl pouch accompany the car.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Starting our inspection up front, with the trunk, where signs of neglect seem to manifest themselves usually first, we're pleased to find the original felt trunk liner, tire jack, and factory tool kit.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Below the mat, the original Light Yellow paint is still present and in wonderfully preserved condition.
Date-coded, inflatable spare has never been used.
|
|
Click on any of the above images for a full-size view
Much more important, though, is the condition of the vulnerable "nose" section, as the front suspension torsion bars are affixed to it. Many early Porsches have suffered in this area, due to leaking batteries or accident damage.
Not this one! Everything here is factory original, undamaged, and perfectly preserved.
 |
The good news continues deep down under. Keeping in mind that this Porsche is now forty (40) years old, it's almost a miracle that the factory yellow paint is still so beautifully preserved. Clearly, this 911 has not seen much rain and inclement weather in its lifetime. There is zero corrosion, nor is there any sign of any kind of repair visible, anywhere. You'll be hard pressed to find an undercarriage that's as healthy and untouched as this one on a 911 of this vintage. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
|
|
|
Click on any of the above images for a full-size view
Above photos show the undercarriage in more detail. Please make sure to enlarge them to appreciate the superb condition to its fullest.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
The body itself is healthy as well, free of corrosion, dings, dents, or scratches of any kind. The paint is an older, B-grade job with a multitude of imperfections, but switching this car back to its correct Light Yellow livery should be a straightforward task. The chromed FUCHS alloys, 7" in front and 8" out back, add to the car's panache.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Turning our attention to the car's interior, we find a nicely preserved, black headliner.
Yes, the power-operated sunroof works!
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Thankfully, the design of Porsche's classic 911 cockpit has not changed much over the years. You can't improve upon perfection!
Dash pad shows the usual, heat-induced hairline splits and is covered by a Joe Dirt Signature Series dash mat; sport steering wheel and Alpine radio with CD-player are aftermarket items but nice touches, nevertheless.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
All of the gauges work, save for the clock which only shows the correct time twice a day.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Porsche throne front seats with integrated headrests are covered in black leatherette, all of which is in fine condition.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Fold-down auxiliary rear seats look flawless and provide ample space for height-challenged children or a couple of man's best friends.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but before we take off, let's check out the engine compartment.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Engine bay houses the famous BOSCH-injected, 2.7-liter motor, which is as clean as a whistle. Engine # *6144584* is the original, matching numbers power plant.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Das Motor starts on the button, idles nicely, revs freely all the way to redline, doesn't smoke, doesn't leak oil, and doesn't emit any untoward noises. There's nothing indicating that this power plant will need anything but regular maintenance at the factory-prescribed intervals.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Friday, July 11, was another marvelous summer day here in our small mission town San Buenaventura. Blue skies -- not a cloud in sight -- provided the perfect opportunity for a test drive, so off into the hills we went.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
To put it mildly: 150 honest-to-goodness horses propel the lightweight Porsche from zero to 100 mph in a flash. Without the dreaded thermal reactors and exhaust gas recirculation, introduced for the 1975 model year to ill effect, this 2,450lb road rocket feels as fast as many of the modern, more obese, high-horsepower cars, while being supremely docile, thanks to the fabulous BOSCH K-Jetronic, which -- as a fringe benefit -- returns a fantastic gas mileage.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Spend some time behind the wheel of this Carrera RS lookalike enjoying vintage Porsche motoring, and you, too, will be giddy with excitement!
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
While not a show car by anyone's definition, this '74 is is a healthy California Porsche that can be driven "as is" and enjoyed reliably for many years to come. Once time and finances allow, you may want to repaint the car in its original Light Yellow color, and, based on the constant rise in early Porsche prices, you'll still be way ahead financially while having oodles of fun.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
This car provides a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine, 40 year-old small body Porsche Coupe at a reasonable price. Drive it "as is," restore it back to bone stock, or use it as a blank canvas to fulfill all your Magnus Walker and R Gruppe-inspired dreams.