1973 Porsche

Following the successful launch of the original 911 in 1964, Porsche revised the cars considerably from 1969 with a new longer wheelbase and a new model line-up.

Initially fitted with the same 2.0 engine, the new 911E was designed to be the more comfortable and drivable of the 911 range fitting in between the base 911T and sportier 911S . The designation ‘E’ came from the German for injection: einspritzung. The mechanical fuel injection system (MFI) was used on the 911E and the 911S and developed jointly between Bosch and Porsche. The benefits were better power and drivability with a cleaner running engine. In 1973 for the final series, the engine was now 2.4-litres and, in the E, now produced 165bhp, the rest of the specification was very similar to the 911S. Whilst the S had the headline grabbing 190BHP at 6,500rpm, the torque was actually only 10NM more than the E and this was not achieved until a peaky 5,200rpm meaning it had to be worked hard at all times to extract this extra power. The E in contrast was producing its maximum torque some 800rpm earlier, making it the far easier car to drive briskly in most situations and certainly the more useable car to use in the real world today.

Silver Machine

RHD UK supplied pre 73 911s are a rare commodity, especially in restored condition, however we are very pleased to be able to offer another example for sale. Built in October 1972, it was registered on January 1, 1973, via its original selling dealer, Cartune (Teeside) Limited, Middlesborough on the plate that it currently wears: JXG 911L.

Some colours really suit a 911, and unsurprisingly silver is one of them as this immaculate example demonstrates. Sitting on period correct 15in Fuchs, with corresponding black interior, this 911 E is perhaps the sweet spot of the 911 range and probably the most useable too.

Standard in every respect, right down to its original Blaupunkt radio, this 911 E has recently been fully restored by Anthony Seddon Racing, at Oulton Park. As such the bodywork and mechanicals are in fine fettle, as the corresponding invoices will reassuringly testify, plus an extensive picture file. While that covers what you usually can’t see under the surface, you can’t fail to notice the completely restored interior, from renowned Belgian specialist Lakewell. And, if you’ve ever wondered what a complete interior for a 911 would cost, then £14,000 in this instance.

On The Road

As described above, the 911 E gives little away to the more powerful 911 S, particularly in real world road driving conditions, where torque is your friend rather than outright revs. Power is exactly where you want it and with weight at just 1090kg, this 911 E makes rapid and relaxed progress, helped by a sweet shifting Type 915/12 gearbox.

The driving experience is pure 911. That is to say, by todays standards, you’re slightly perched on the flat seats, the steering chatters away, reading the road via the Vredestein Classic tyres as if in brail. The controls are typical 911 too, and if you’re an air-cooled 911 newbie, then you will soon get used to the slightly odd floor mounted pedals! The narrow body, compliant suspension and high-profile tyres, make light work of a typical UK B-road and then there’s that classic 911 sound. There really is nothing like a classic 911.

In Summary

A great example of a late model 911 E and last of the pre-impact bumper cars. All the hard work has been done with this car and at someone else’s expense too, and with classic Porsche restoration costs only going one way, that can only be a good thing. Sensibly priced, ready to buy and drive, with nothing else required.