1971 Porsche 911 S 2.2 Coupé - project & parts

In the early days of the 911 the car continued to be developed and improved on an annual basis and the 1969 C-series models 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 forthcoming 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 911S 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 manual transaxle, 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 transmission 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 discreet front spoiler. Relatively expensive in the UK they were a rare sight on British roads in the early Seventies, with only 44 examples sold in the UK 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 is something of a local legend and was rumoured to be slumbering somewhere in the West Country for decades. Recently re-discovered in a dry lock-up garage, this left-hand drive car was manufactured on the 2nd March 1971 and sold in Germany 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 69,342 kilometres (an old MoT certificate indicates the car had covered 63,718 kilometres in 1983). In the years that followed, our vendor 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. Our vendor 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's how it remained until it was photographed only a few weeks ago.

Chassis #0785 is a survivor and is believed to be a matching-numbers car, coming with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. Our vendor tells us that the engine will turn over and a classic car restoration professional believes the car would be an ideal basis for restoration, as the chassis and floors appear solid and in a dry condition. Cosmetically not original with the addition of a rear spoiler but this would be easily rectifiable as part of a full renovation project. This understated and rather sorry-for-itself project car gives off a real aura of former greatness and has the potential to be very special once again. With restored 911S 2.2 models selling for in excess of £150,000, this car, with the benefit of so many original parts, offers a real opportunity for an enthusiast or restorer to return this venerable 911S to life.