1974 Porsche 911

Description

Take it easy, Porsche fans, we know that the 911 Turbo didn't hit our shores until the 1975 model year, but this 1974 911 packs a genuine 930 turbocharged 3.0 liter engine, as well as a host of modifications and upgrades from later models. So not only is it ferociously fast but it also seamlessly blends old and new to make it the best of everything a 911 has to offer.

The great thing about the 911's longevity is the interchangeability of the parts, giving an owner the opportunity to update his older car with more contemporary looks. At a glance, it's hard to believe that this is a 40-year-old car, particularly since it's had a nice repaint. The finish is code 53 Tannen Gruen, which was a 930-exclusive color that's seldom seen today but looks absolutely spectacular. Obviously the upgrades are significant, including the fascia, fenders, hood, and taillights from a late-model 964, big fender flares reminiscent of the race Carreras, and, of course, the Turbo's defining piece, the "whale tail" spoiler. The work is quite well done, not perfect, but certainly good enough to intimidate the car in front of you, and like all 911s, the quality is apparent everywhere you look. Panel gaps are good, the doors close with a remarkable feeling of solidity, and the black trim hasn't been baked and faded by the sun. There's a lot of money invested here.

The black interior has been upgraded and restored as well, starting with a set of black leather buckets from a later 911. Heavy bolsters give it away, as no road-going car in 1974 had seats like this, although as Porsche pieces, they look right at home. A Momo steering wheel replaces the original 911 piece that always gives away the car's age, but the classic instruments with big, legible faces, are simply timeless. You'll note that the Turbo conversion was quite thorough, as there's a factory boost gauge in the tach just as if the factory had built it themselves. The black carpets are in excellent condition, the door panels offer cool diagonal stitching and big built-in speakers, and the back seats look virtually untouched. The forward-mounted trunk is largely original and in excellent order, offering an upgraded shock tower brace for improved steering response as well as a lightweight Optima battery.

A complete 3.0-liter flat-six turbo engine was installed in the back of this 911 and it's not a pretender. With big horsepower, this is a car that demands respect on the road, both from other motorists and the driver himself. Part of the excitement of the early 930s was their lightning-quick reflexes, and when the boost comes up, you'd better be paying attention and holding on tight. There's a giant Magnacor intercooler up top and heavy-duty components throughout, all designed to cope with the Turbo's massive torque. A 4-speed was the only transmission available in early models, so that's what this one uses and you'll probably find that it's two gears more than you need. Koni "Red" shocks anchor a highly competent suspension and as usual, Porsche brakes are impressive, even when they're 40 years old. Late-model Cup wheels were powdercoated black for a sinister look and now wear low-profile 17-inch rubber.

Not a car for the purist, this brutal Turbo-powered 911 is the car for the guy who loves the feeling that he's always dancing on the edge, because this car is a very willing partner. Call today!