1973 Porsche 911 2.4 S

The 1973 Porsche 911S represented the pinnacle of Porsche's sportscar programme in the early 1970s, bettered only in performance terms by the 2.7RS. It was the last year of lightweight cars before the advent of impact bumpers. The 1973 'S' was fitted with the final development of the free revving 2.4 litre, type 911/53 engine producing 190bhp. The transmission also benefitted from the new 915 gearbox, which was stronger and offered an improved gear change. The 'aero' package was improved by fitting a front valance spoiler which reduced front-end lift. Coupled with Porsche's total domination of the World Sportscar Championship and Steve McQueen's endorsement in the film, 'Le Mans', they could do no wrong with the now iconic 1973 911S and its derivatives. Supplied new by Beverly Hills Porsche to a California surgeon on the 1st of July 1973, this left-hand drive example was ordered with an extensive range of factory extras including electric sunroof, black leather Recaro seats, limited slip differential, 5 speed gearbox, electric windows, spot lamps, sports suspension with Koni shock absorbers, tinted glass, and a Blaupunkt radio.

The car stayed with its original owner right up until 2002 when it was sold to a Seattleite and between 2003 and 2005 underwent detailed work, including a complete brake overhaul, engine work and new door pockets.This lovely car returned to California in 2007 where further meticulous improvement commenced. The documentation with the car shows work in excess of $25,000 for a complete engine and transmission rebuild, new body rubbers, new coconut mats, and a rebuilt fuel injection pump. A Belgian Porsche specialist found the car in 2010 and arranged to purchase and export it to Europe where it was registered and maintained until its sale to the current owner in 2012. It was then that the car was shipped to England, where it was registered with the number SBU 823 and the headlamps were converted to UK specification. Since then regular servicing has kept the vehicle in favourable condition. The original service book and drivers handbook come with the car, together with numerous bills for work carried out over the years.There are further bills from the US for brake overhauls, recovering Recaro seats, and refurbished Fuchs wheels.The standard steering wheel has been replaced with a period Prototipo model, however the original wheel is in excellent condition and comes with the car.

SBU 823 has lots of the attributes of a 911 RS at considerably less cost. With a sympathetic rebuild behind it and all the right factory fitted extras this 911S resonates with all the qualities of the quintessential air-cooled Porsche. A Porsche in its purest form and is a true collectors car indeed.