Highlights

A highly coveted, final-year Short Wheelbase (SWB) survivor.
Unrestored, completely rust-free, never re-welded, original unibody from dry-state California.
Rare, factory-matching numbers 4-speed manual (‘901/0’) transmission.
Sympathetically upgraded to 160bhp 911S specification with the same 2.0 litre Engine type 901/13 for a superior, modern-day sports car driving experience.
Stamped service book, Kardex and COA
Large history file of maintenance totalling $50,000 (brakes, carburettors, clutch, synchronisers, alternator, heater, suspension) to original specifications, besides an electronic ignition system.
Freshly serviced
Upgrades and maintenance make it ideal as a touring and event car.
Older repaint (around 50 years ago) in a lovely Ice Green metallic, while entirely preserving the original factory-painted black sections (engine bay, front boot and underside)
In the UK since 2009 with 2 owners.

The Appeal

For purists, the earlier the 911, the better the 911. The SWB car with the 2L flat six is the one closest to Ferdinand’s vision, but it was only built for four short years to August 1968. This 911 is one of the last built and began life as a 911 130bhp coupé Karmann US, it has sympathetically evolved into a very usable touring and event car with a 911S 160bhp specification engine.

Unlike a RHD car, this LHD vehicle is a great investment as it is exposed to continental European and global buyers. The car was initially dispatched to California, then brought to the UK and acquired by the seller in 2016.

Beyond that engine upgrade, there are new Weber carburettors, alternator, and it is fitted with electronic ignition, as well as new brakes. The Type 901/01 original 4-speed gearbox has been overhauled and fitted with a new clutch. These are clever improvements that don’t significantly alter the looks or originality but make the car much more usable. It rides on a set of original 15-inch Fuchs alloy wheels. The car is said to run and drive very well.

The vendor says:

“The classic car market now prioritises originality over restoration. Collectors recognise the rare quality of an example that has never met major restoration and has no need for it. The driving experience is surprising, with the vocal sound of a highly breathing air-cooled engine, associated with modern power. The short wheelbase is very noticeable; the car is short, light and quite powerful for its featherweight. Its compact design is clearly distinguishable from a long wheelbase.”

History & Paperwork

First registered 1968
VIN number 11835432
Originally supplied to California
Remained in USA until 2009
UK registered from May 2009
MOT and road tax exempt due to age
V5C
Large history file
Reported €50,000 investment
Factory stamped service book and driver’s handbook

New maintenance:

Engine service
Brake fluid changed
Caliper seals changed
Spark plugs

The Condition

Older repaint in good order with some minor age to note
Reported to have been resprayed 50 years ago
Finished in Ice Green metallic (also called “Diamond Green metallic ref 250”)
Chrome finish Fuchs alloy wheels in good overall condition
Vendor states that chassis has not been restored or welded
Black 2+2 interior in fair condition with some running repairs over the years
Fitted with original front and rear seatbelts
We are told that the interior is highly original with patina
Features period classic radio

The vendor emphasises this car’s originality and older respray, but that feels like it underplays the condition. It is certainly usable and ideally suited for touring and events, but it is also a very tidy, nicely presented example. You could improve it, but patina is the trend in today’s classic car market.

We are told that the car's underside and interior are original, with the former never welded and the latter only receiving minor ongoing repairs over the decades.

The current market is teeming with vehicles that have been stripped down and then rebuilt in an attempt to reproduce the car's original condition, using numerous new parts that are not identical to the originals, or used parts that do not correspond to the year of production, employing reproduction methods of varying degrees of accuracy, with welding everywhere it is not supposed to be. Costs for these kinds of restorations climb well above £30k for a result that is a car not built by Porsche but by a local body shop.

The vendor says:

“Original underneath from the factory. The paint, now almost 50 years old, shows a couple of small cracks on the front bonnet and some small stone chips on the front guards. The bodywork has good panel gaps and no rust at all, having spent most of its life in the dry Southwest USA.” The black leather interior, with its original patina, has undergone only minor part repairs many decades ago, primarily due to the Californian sun (headlining and dashboard top cover).”

Mechanics

1,962cc flat six 160bhp S specification engine
Original 4spd Type 901/01 gearbox
Gearbox overhauled
New clutch
New Weber carburettors
Alternator replaced and fitted with electronic ignition
New brakes
Freshly serviced prior to sale

This car left the works as a 911 2.0 130hp coupé Karmann US and was delivered by the Porsche dealership in Burlingame, California, in November 1968 to a medical doctor with his practice in Fresno.

The vendor says:

“About 50,000 euros of work done. The original power unit was only 130hp. To meet needs nowadays, the engine has been upgraded at the millennium with a type 901/13 same period 2.0 S specification 160hp engine components (red shroud), showing mechanical aspects have not been neglected, having always been properly maintained, as well as the gearbox synchronisers and clutch of the original ‘901/0’ four-speed manual transmission. The maintenance and upgraded 2.0S-spec engine have been optimised to be the ultimate "event" car—the perfect vintage rally or tour companion.”

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is” basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do, and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic, and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status, and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes, so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidder's responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage number plates are not included in the sale of a vehicle.