1972 Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 has been a motoring icon in production since 1964. It first featured a 2.0l rear mounted “Flat 6” air cooled engine paired to a 5-speed dogleg gearbox with the basic concept and DNA remaining virtually unchanged to date.

The 1972 Porsche 911 “Ölklappe” (oil flap) is a highly collectible, one-year-only model distinguished by an external oil filler door on the right rear fender. Porsche moved the oil tank forward of the rear wheel to improve handling, allowing for easier filling, but reverted in 1973 after drivers mistakenly added gasoline to the oil. The Porsche 911 T for “model year 1972”, saw the engine upgraded to 2.4L and a new 915 gearbox with H pattern configuration. This was derived from the 908-race car to handle the increased power and torque.

This example:
This car originally left the factory late in 1971 but is described by Porsche as a 1972 “manufacture year” 911T. This Johannesburg car was rebuilt as an RS replica roughly 20 years ago by John Abbot. It was later then upgraded with engine/gearbox from a 1985 car - a “hot” 3.2L engine and running gear. This gives unparalleled reliability and a bullet-proof quality to the car, plus the benefit of loads of torque. The car has a relaxed mood or can become an edgy drive depending on what you want on the day.

Essentially this isn’t a single car. It is a compilation of many of the best elements of early 911s, mainly from 1967 – 1973 which the current owner has curated based on his pursuit of the ultimate driving enthusiasts classic Porsche. This is based on his experience of early Porsche 911 ownership including a 911S and very rare and original 911E

On acquiring the car in about 2017, in exceptional mechanical condition and that has been maintained, all that was required was to save weight and personalize the specification – this would involve upgrading the following:
• Brakes – Brembo from Alfa 3.0GTV, plus performance pads. These are a big upgrade over the period “S” aluminum calipers.
• Suspension – full Bilstein shocks all round, aluminium “impact bumper” front crossbar fitted (approx 4 kg saving).
• Gearbox/shifter – Wevo PSJ joint, &Classic Autoworks “Ultimate Shift Rod Bushing”. One of the best 915 box you will ever use!
• Starter motor – lightweight fitted (approx 6 kg saving)
• Lightweight battery – Odyssey (approx 15kg saving over twin early 911 batteries)
• Seats - D'eser ST seats (approx 20kg saving over original)
• Lightweight RSR engine mount crossmember (approx 1.5kg saving)

There are significant “personalization’s” and “homage” elements of the early competition cars – examples include:
• Lightweight bucket seats as per the famous original 911R and 911ST. In traditional pepita or houndstooth of course!
• RS rear wheel flares/arches – per RS to accommodate larger 8 inch wheels, front are 7 inch.
• Rear 8 inch Minilite wheels – as per 911ST, although a little narrower to suit a road car. Fuchs didn’t make an 8 inch wheel at that time.
• Cibie Pallas lights – as per early competition cars.
• Abarth style steering wheel – as per original 911R.
• RS rear “ducktail” – as 1973 RS (and some later impact bumper versions)
• Competition harnesses, with reproduction “Repa” branding – as per many early competition cars.
• Lightweight gear knob – homage to the 917!
• Front strut brace – as per early competition cars.
• Side decals - as per “advertising” on early competition cars.

In summary this car has been mechanically and cosmetically curated in line with the elements of the early Porsche competition cars, including the light weight (980kgs), power to weight ratio and driving dynamics. This is a rare opportunity to secure an extremely well sorted classic Porsche 911 which is a driving enthusiasts dream

Contact Gareth for more details