1968 Porsche 911 SWB

As the 911 legend has grown, so a desire for the pure, original, short-wheelbase version of Porsche"s concept has increased with it. For simplicity of styling and collector's interest, it is these 'A-series' 911s, before the wheelbase was extended in August 1968, which still have an unrivaled appeal. The flat-six engine is only a 2.0-litre, but it"s a highly tuned one wearing overhead cams and two triple-choke carbs, runs sweetly, and suits the handing perfectly.

This Solid Tangerine, left-hand drive, matching numbers example was manufactured in 1968 for the US market and was, therefore, one of the last cars built on the original wheelbase before the LWB 'B-series' cars were introduced later that year. "118-3-0137" was supplied new on the 9th February 1968 to Colonel Rob Rodden of Carmel, Monterey. He owned the car for some 35 years and clearly applied military standards of discipline when it came to maintaining his beloved Porsche. Indeed, the very impressive service history accompanying the car shows a considerable number of service entries under his ownership. When the Colonel sadly passed away his son, Rob Jnr., felt it appropriate to part with the Porsche and there is a letter in the history file attesting to this.

A later owner sympathetically restored the 911 in 2005 and the Porsche subsequently arrived in the UK in 2010 when a Mr. Sillitoe became its latest owner. There is documentation in the history file from Porsche Cars GB confirming the original 'matching numbers' that the car retains today. Our vendor purchased the car in 2014 and it has formed part of his significant private collection ever since, always dry stored and well cared for. Indeed, this actual car was used for a six-page feature in 2014 in 'Total 911' magazine's guide to buying an early 911 and was their front cover car.

This car also benefits from the optional and desirable factory-fitted, 5-speed gearbox and 15” Fuchs alloy wheels. The very impressive history file contains the original handbook, service book and wallet, a variety of invoices, the service stamps from new, spare keys, and a fresh MOT Certificate. This is a rare opportunity to acquire an early short wheelbase A-Series car that has been expertly maintained and lovingly cared for throughout its life.

Early 911s possess a certain purity of line that is a complete world away from the aerodynamic extravagances of the eighties and nineties, and in terms of style, it's these cars that engender the most appreciative glances. A well set-up and maintained early 911, driven with an intelligent right foot, will provide some of the most quintessentially rewarding driving experiences you have ever had, and even the 2-0-litre car for sale here will leave you with a serious grin.