Complaints About this Nine Eleven? Nein: Original-Color 1973 Porsche 911T
- November 13, 2020
Continuing their tradition for excellence, Porsche’s engineers relentlessly developed and improved the 911 from launch, ensuring its adaptability to the changing demands of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Collectively, the E- and F-Series 911 models of 1972 and 1973 mark the ultimate expression of the “long hood, small bumper” models that first appeared for 1969 and marked the first major update for the 911. Offered in T (Touring), E (Einspritzung = fuel injected), and S (Super) models, the 911 was most significantly updated for 1972 with a displacement increase from 2.2 to 2.4 liters (2,341 cc) with a longer stroke offsetting lower compression ratios to better cope with unleaded gasoline.
While Detroit’s “Big Three” and Porsche’s European rivals struggled to meet tighter U.S. emissions regulations, the wizards at Zuffenhausen broadened the 911’s power curve and increased torque to achieve better drivability. Mechanical fuel injection was added in 1972 for 911T models destined for the United States and certain Asian markets. In addition to the heightened performance offered by all the 2.4-liter cars of 1972 and 1973, they were fitted with the stronger ‘Type 915’ gearbox derived from Porsche’s 908 race cars with further refinements addressing the 911’s chassis, exterior, and mechanical systems. In short, these cars remain highly collectible – and enjoyable on all counts today, with exceptional driver-and-machine interaction.
This 62,000-mile 1973 Porsche 911T Coupe is fresh to market and benefits handsomely from a restoration to what appears to be a very high standard, completed in 2013. The seller advises the Sepia Brown paint color is original to the car, which also includes select updates suiting the prior owner’s personal tastes, including the lightweight ‘RS’ style door cards and naked shifter. The original 2.4-liter engine was rebuilt and equipped with Weber IDA 40-style PMO carbs, with suspension upgrades and 16-inch staggered Fuchs wheels providing the finishing touches. Since completion, the car is reported to have never seen road use and it was parked until it was acquired by the seller in the summer of 2020, made roadworthy and is now ready for the next owner to enjoy with vigor on a nice open road. Per the seller, the car runs and drives, steers, and stops perfectly, with the engine pulling hard and the 5-speed Type 915 gearbox shifting smoothly. And based on the photos, it looks exceptional and correct (save for the above described tasteful mods) both inside and out.
We have a soft spot for earlier 911 models and the ‘T’ is a lot of fun to drive, belying its relatively humble 130hp factory rating. Half of us here at Zero260 have had the pleasure, and complaints are virtually nonexistent. The best way this writer can describe the early 911 driving experience is that it’s a car you learn to cooperate with; in other words – and especially if you’re testing its limits – you drive it, or it drives you, much like a spirited horse. It was a thrilling and visceral experience, one that truly made me understand the engineering and build quality of the car, and immediately left me wanting more. While there’s certainly no lack of 911T models from the early 1970s, they all seem to have somewhat individual characteristics based on just how well they’re dialed in, but virtually all of them come alive in the upper gear ranges, being faster and more urgent in character as the engine revs start to climb. They are quick, great handling, lightweight, responsive, and demand the full attention and respect of those lucky enough to drive one. Still, they’re also practical enough to be driven daily and enjoyed for a lifetime with proper maintenance and care.
Anyway, enough praise for one day! Hagerty’s current price guide values 911Ts in the basic Coupe body style from $48k for a “good” condition #3 car to $69k for an “excellent #2”, all the way up to $103k for a concours-level example. This one was restored to enjoy and its few differences from stock specification and appearance are all easily reversed should the new owner be a marque purist. Especially considering what we deem to be a desirable era-specific color, its asking price doesn’t feel excessive and should provide a reasonable entry point into classic Porsche 911 ownership. We’re calling this one worth the premium and, provided everything checks out as good as it looks, it’s quite possibly fair market.
