1977 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0

The interesting Carrera 3.0 is rightly regarded as somewhat of a special and rare model amongst the impact-bumper era, 911 model range. It was introduced in September 1975 for the 1976 model year and production only ran until 1977.

Following on after the MFI-engined Carrera 2.7, the 3.0 Carrera heralded the adoption of the newly developed Bosch K-Jetronic CIS fuel injection engine. This torque-rich, smooth and free-revving 3.0-litre engine, with a distinctive "cam' effect from 4,000rpm, produced 200 bhp and was effectively a naturally aspirated version of the 930 Turbo's drivetrain (using the same die-cast aluminium crankcase and gearbox housing for durability).

Although having slightly less power than the outgoing Carrera 2.7, it had considerably more torque (188 lb/ft at 4200 rpm) and with its new fuel injection system was one of the earliest Porsches to return economical fuel consumption figures without a significant performance loss. The Carrera 3.0 was able to accelerate from 0-60 mph and 0-100 mph in almost identical times to the original 2.7 RS and 2.7 Carrera.

This respectable performance was aided further by the relatively light weight (1093 kg) of the 3.0 Carrera compared to its successors. It is almost 6% lighter than the SC (1160kg), almost 10% lighter than the 3.2 (1210kg) and surprisingly, also weighs less than the later (1987-1989) stripped-down Carrera 3.2 Club Sport (1170kg).

During its short two-year life span, only 3,687 cars were built - a tiny amount compared to nearly 58,000 911 SCs and 76,500 3.2 Carreras produced. Of these, 2,564 were Coupés and 1,123 were Targas with only around 1,064 Coupés being manufactured in right-hand drive. Very few RHD cars reached the UK, and with just a two year production run, only 121 Carrera 3.0 Coupés (combined "Sport' and "Comfort' versions) are verified by their chassis numbers with the Porsche Club GB.

The 3.0 Carrera model was highly rated by Porsche gurus Michael Cotton, Lindsey Porter and Peter Morgan, and was the road car of choice of legendary British Rally champion Roger (Albert) Clark.

The car offered here is a 1977 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 Coupé in distinctive Copper Bronze Metallic, contrasting nicely with the Tan leather trim and Porsche Fabric seats.

It's a UK-supplied, 5-speed, matching numbers car, with 10 previous owners (the first owner is believed to be the founder of Topps Tiles), and was specified with electric windows and sunroof, cruise-control and AC (which was not working at the time of consignment).

Its current owner has enjoyed his charismatic bronze Porsche since 1994, and it has been carefully re-commissioned over the last few years after being laid up for a period of time.

The car has covered 111,000 miles at this point, but has always been well maintained and has only done approximately 2,500 miles since receiving some attention to the engine and gearbox from those knowledgeable specialists at Autofarm.

Additional mechanical work was recently carried out by Chris Turner Porsche of Willesden, including a full re-build of the injection system and the fitting of new heat exchangers, a new rear silencer, new rear oil cooler and a new fuel tank. The brake system was also fully refurbished and a new clutch and release bearing have been fitted.

The car's engine retains its distinctive 5-blade cooling fan (as opposed to the newer 11-blade version, which can be a non-original modification).

On top of all the mechanical work, the car has received a full bare-metal respray with both kidney bowls being replaced and is presented with fully refurbished alloy wheels and all new tyres and wheel bolts.

The large history file contains many receipts for servicing and mechanical work done over the years, plus all MoTs since 1977 which helps to verify the mileage.

The car starts and drives very well, showing good pressures and temperatures with no evidence of oil leaks.

Arguably, a Carrera 3.0 without the "Sports' package (no spoiler and decals etc.) displays a purer 911 silhouette, and this more subtle and understated, late seventies Porsche in gleaming bronze, is a fantastic example of this limited-run model and surely one of the best available.