Description
PORSCHE 911 L 2. 0L SPORTOMATIC 1968
Matching numbers: engine and gearbox
Matching colour: Burgundrot 6808B / Interior Leatherette Black
Origin: Belgian
347 examples produced in 1968 with Sportomatic transmission
Full restoration with invoices and photo dossier
Evaluation
Porsche Certificate
We all know the 911 type 901! A classic car myth. Offered in various versions over many years, it is today easy to acquire a specimen for any discerning enthusiast.
Yet within this well-supplied market there are some versions rarer than others.
In 1967, Porsche developed a project for an automatic transmission in collaboration with Fichtel und Sachs. The target: the American market. The idea: blend sportiness with an automatic gearbox for easier use. The “Sportomatic” gearbox was born. Very popular with the American market, it would be a little less so in Europe.
However only 347 examples would be produced in 1968 across all versions (Targa, coupe). The gearbox would carry number 905 in Europe and 906 in the USA. A challenge to find one on our roads in this condition.
The rare example we have here is an European-spec car delivered in Belgium to Brussels by D'Ietieren in 1968.
Found by chance in Liège in a car workshop by restoration craftsman Geoffrey Noel (GN Carrosserie) in 2021, the car was in its period condition.
And the adventure began! A restoration project of major scope was decided with a guiding thread: preserve as many original elements as possible to respect the Porsche standard of the era.
The result: nearly 4, 000 hours of work, 90% of original parts dismantled, restored and reassembled. An extremely meticulous job to value a car that had the peculiarity of being Matching engine/ gearbox and colour. As the disassemblies and reassemblies progressed, the project lead took care to compile a dossier of nearly 3, 000 photos.
Mechanical, bodywork and chassis, upholstery; nothing was left to chance.
To name just a few examples of the method used:
- overhaul of the segmentation, the connecting rods, nitriding of the crankshaft
- bi-chromation of the original KAMAX fasteners
- restoration of the semi-automatic transmission converter
- disassembly and restoration of the original front and rear axles and anti-roll bar
- restoration of brake calipers by electroplating
- stripping and bare-metal sanding of the body
- painting with three-coat varnish in its original Burgundy Red
- fabrication of a new upholstery (not salvageable) in Porsche smooth Nappa leather
The replacement parts largely came from Porsche Lorient with whom a partnership was pursued.
Reviewing the dossier of nearly 3, 000 photos provides a clear idea of the meticulous work carried out. A restoration rarely seen, that respects the very essence of the automobile of those years.
For the enthusiast who wants to acquire a rare version of an iconic model that built Porsche’s reputation and image, this car is undoubtedly the one for him.
Viewable by appointment and on a lift.
Collection registration
Technical inspection valid 2025
