1971 Porsche 911 S 2.2 Coupe

• Matching numbers, Belgium-delivered, rare factory options and desirable non-sunroof Coupe, top-of-the-range 911 S
• Taken off the road in 1984, rediscovered in the UK, with just 63,000km and retaining much originality
• The subject of a four-year exacting restoration to original Porsche COA specification
• Now simply stunning with commendable attention to detail
• Just 69,356 km/43,095 miles
• Must be one of the best examples of its type currently available anywhere

In the early days of the 911, the model continued to be developed and improved on an annual basis and the 1969 C-series cars saw a huge step forward in the car's evolution, with a longer wheelbase, wider wheels, low profile tyres, improved lighting, trim and ventilation, stronger suspension and brakes, plus the introduction of the excellent race-derived CD ignition and mechanical fuel injection. These advances were consolidated in the following 2.2-litre range.

The D-series 911 models were produced from August 1970 to July 1971, and for model-year 1970, the engines of all 911s were increased to 2,195cc. The 911 S 2.2 was fitted with the SOHC, flat 6-cylinder, Type 911/02 engine, with an uprated power output of 180bhp at 6,500rpm, giving it a claimed top speed of 138 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 7.0 seconds. It had a 5-speed gearbox, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes and 4-wheel independent suspension.

The top-of-the-range 2.2 911S represented the ultimate development of Porsche's original 911 engine and transmission design, retaining the short-stroke free-revving engine and 'open road' dog-leg gearbox of the original cars, whilst benefiting from the larger cylinder bore, stronger clutch and transmission, much-improved wiring and electrics, Fuchs alloy wheels and a discrete front spoiler. Relatively expensive in the UK, they were a rare sight on British roads in the early Seventies, with only 44 examples sold here in 1971, and of these, the survival rate has not been good, with modifications, corrosion and some inevitable accidents taking their toll.

The car presented here was something of a local legend, rumoured to be lost and slumbering somewhere in the West Country for decades. It was re-discovered in a dry lock-up garage and is now known to be left-hand drive car, manufactured on the 2nd March 1971 and sold new in Belgium, before being imported and registered in the UK on the 2nd December 1981. For unknown reasons, the car was only used until 1984 when it was taken off the road having covered just over 69,000 kilometres (an old MOT Certificate indicates the car had covered 63,718 km in 1983). In the years that followed, its previous custodian was approached by the, then, owner who explained that her husband had left her the car and she had little need or understanding of it. The gentleman eventually purchased the rather 'down-at-heel' 911 in the early 1990s with the intention of restoring it and moved it into his lock-up garage to start the restoration process. After removing some parts and replacing numerous panels the process stalled with life and business interests taking over, and that is how it remained until 2016. Silverstone Auctions were invited to view the car and subsequently sold it as a restoration project in 2016. Four years later, we now have the privilege of offering it for sale once again. With its full potential on show, after a four year, exacting and costly restoration, this top-of-the-range 911 is now resplendent in its fully restored condition.

Chassis #0785 is a real survivor and is a fully matching-numbers, Belgium-supplied (even retaining its original Belgian VIN Tag in addition to its original Porsche one), Euro-spec, non-sunroof Coupe.

The nut and bolt restoration was commissioned and overseen by a real Porsche enthusiast, ensuring that the car was returned to its rare Certificate of Authenticity spec with the best factory options, utilising the skills of leading industry professionals in all areas, however small (full list of companies used below).

In brilliant Gemini Blue Metallic with leather Sports Recaro seats and fog lights, this car is simply stunning. The engine and gearbox were fully and correctly restored, using SSI heat exchangers. Our vendor is a 'details guy', so the car has the correct 'S' spec alloy rear deck lid and license plate panel - often missed in a restoration, plus all the date codes are correct, including the beautiful Blaupunkt Frankfurt radio which was restored by Konigs in Germany, the car even has four date matching Fuchs wheels & also a correct date range spare wheel all with XwX tyres. He was able to source many new old stock parts, including the correct extremely rare Bosch lenses (with the raised letter 'H1' front light units and all the indicator lenses), Bosch Sport horns, Hirschmann Antenna, Repa Sports Recaro seat-belt receivers and original correct dated seat belts. It retains all its correct and original Securit glass (except for a new front screen) and is accompanied by a complete original toolkit (including the Pudenz fuse pouch, Drager tyre pressure gauge with pouch & correctly restored Bilstein jack). There is an original complete German book-pack (including the original Blaupunkt and Hirschmann booklets), 3 keys (including the Valet) all in a period-correct original leather key pouch. Every correct decal has been placed around the entire car to ensure a perfect finish.

The restoration is fully documented in many photos contained on a USB drive. Every invoice is presented and categorised in a bespoke leather Carfolio file. Furthermore, there is also a custom made A3 size photo coffee table book of the restoration. This surely must be one of the best and most correct 911 S models on the market currently and represents a fascinating story of being lost, found and brought back to glory, with much success - just look at those images! This is a special motor car.

Body / Paint / Assembly

Autoclassica of Knaresborough (who only work on early air cooled Porsche 911s) - body all correctly stripped to bare metal and media blasted, correct lead repairs if needed, genuine Porsche / correct original or high quality aftermarket panels used, period correct mix of Glasurit paint for each stage of the paint, use of Wurth stone guard and used per factory finish. All detailed in invoices and photos on file.

Engine / Gearbox / Suspension

RSR - Porsche Classic trained mechanic, only works on Porsche. New pistons, camshafts, exhaust valves, SSI heat exchangers, Dansk stainless exhaust (finished to look OE but more durable as stainless), full engine and gearbox strip and refurbishment. All detailed in invoices and photos on file.

Tower Bridge - MFI restoration.

Lenton and Smithson - alternator restoration.

GDC Automotive - full restoration and check of original wiring loom.

Canford Classics - well-known in the early 911 world, full ride height and geometry set up, as well as brake set up.

Interior

Classicar Automotive - refurbishment and restoration of original S spec brake callipers.

Gibsons car trimmers of Harrogate - seats and door cards, correct vinyl used for basket weave and high quality correct leather for bolsters on S spec Recaro Sports Seats (which are original Recaro Sports Seats and not reproduction items - current value in excess of ú12,000.

Dawson Upholstery of Malton - original S steering wheel restoration. Re-dyed, original leather restored and re-stitched to OE spec, beautifully done.

Other

Nick Moss Early 911 - considered the best in the UK - widow frames re anodised.

Longstone Tyres - correct set of 5x Michelin XWX tyres and tubes / balancing.

There are many more companies involved, all detailed with an invoice in the history file.

*Please note the registration number pictured is not included in the sale and the car will revert back to its original 1971 assigned number*