Restored 1973 Porsche 911S is a Masterpiece
Last of the longhoods, this auction-bound 1973 911S is worth every penny—and will be worth even more as time marches on.
For fans of classic air-cooled 911s, there is one letter that stands above the others: S. The early 911S was the top of the line 911 in its day, boasting 30 more horsepower (160) than the standard model (130) when it was added to the 911 lineup in 1967.
By 1973, the engine had grown from 2.0-liters to 2.4-liters. This substantial bump in displacement also substantially increased the horsepower output to 190 horsepower. In addition, an aerodynamic front spoiler was added to increase high-speed stability, which helped to tame the 911’s notoriously tricky handling—lift-off oversteer, anyone?
By 1973, the slim chrome bumpers were painted body color, an indication of the impact bumpers (and their accompanying overriders) that were set to debut the following year to meet more stringent crash safety standards.
While the 1974 to 1989 impact bumper cars have a dedicated legion of fans, for fans of the early “long-hood” Porsche 911, this represents the best of the best. This well-documented Gemini Blue Metallic example has had three owners from new, and has been the subject of careful maintenance and a sympathetic restoration.
Of course, perfection doesn’t come cheap. This car, offered by Girardo & Company in London, wears a price tag of 148,000 pounds Sterling. That’s equivalent to roughly 190,000 US dollars.
Despite the fact that many self-appointed experts have spent the last few years declaring the rise in classic Porsche values as a bubble that will pop any day now, things show no sign of slowing down. Several exceptional early 911s have topped $200,000, and special models have dropped the hammer with numbers far above that.
Simply put, the time is now if you’ve been sitting on the fence, looking to buy. These cars aren’t getting any cheaper any time soon.
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