911T - Karmann - California Native - Same Owner 43 Years

PLEASE BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN FOR MANY MORE LARGE, DETAILED PHOTOS

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a vintage Porsche that is a true California car - ready to be reconditioned or restored. Originally sold new at Porsche-Audi Pacific in Culver City, California, the car was purchased from its original owner in 1974 by a gentleman, who also resided in California and remains in the family of that buyer since his death early this year. It is now offered for sale by the owner's family.

He loved the car and enjoyed it, though sparingly, on commutes to work and weekend drives. Years ago it was garaged as plans for a restoration were considered. The plans were never realized and he stopped driving the car.

According to the selling Porsche dealership's documentation and a recent inspection, the chassis and engine numbers match the car. Based on a data plate affixed to the driver's door jam at the factory the car's original exterior color was code 1313 or Bahia Red. Photographs dated July 1979 show the car was re-finished in silver at some point. The color was changed again from silver to its current brown, likely the Porsche color Sepia Brown.

The owner made a few cosmetic modifications to the vehicle including replacing the front bumper with a fiberglass RS Carrera-style part and replacing rear bumper components with parts from a later model 911. An aftermarket ignition system can be seen in the engine compartment. The original Blaupunkt radio was replaced with a period aftermarket AM/FM cassette stereo and large stereo speakers have been installed in the rear passenger compartment.

According to the family, the car was running when parked but is current not running. The mechanical condition is unclear. The mileage on the car shows 63,176 and is believed to be correct.

As can be seen in the the photos, various trim parts like the lettering on the hood and original bumpers have been removed from the vehicle and are no longer present.

Though the paintwork of the color change to brown was quite thorough with door, trunk and engine cover jams painted, the quality of the work was not stellar. Glass and rubber trim were not removed prior to paint and overspray is visible in many areas.

The painted finish is now aged and there are various small dents and scratches visible. The most sizable scratch is on the front lid as seen in the accompanying photos.

Rust can be is a huge problem in Porsches of this type and quite fortunately this car has been largely spared. There is some bubbling visible in the paint at the bottom of the front fenders just behind the front wheels as well as at the base of the left-side roof "C-pillar" below the rear glass. There is also some corrosion in the spare tire tray but it doesn't appear to have penetrated though.

A close look at the photos from the underside of the car show it to be wonderfully dry - testimony to its California residency. It is certainly rare to find a 911 in this condition with so little rust!

Body panel fit and panel gaps appear to be quite good indicating that the car has likely never been wrecked. Both driver and passenger's doors open, close and latch properly, even retaining the 'ping' that should be heard.

Bright trim on the car is aged and tarnished, as is the Porsche badge on the hood. Chrome headlight trim rings were painted body color. The RS Carrera-style front bumper is damaged. Turn signal lenses are aged and crazed and chrome trim on the front intake grills is pitted. The factory rear bumper/license plate area has been modified with parts from a later 911. The red reflector panel on this insert is included but is broken into several pieces.

With the exception of the windshield, all the glass in the vehicle is original based on markings and appeared to be in good condition.

The alloy-wheels are in good, aged condition with no curb damage. The paint in the center portions was faded on all four wheels. Wheel locks are present on two of the four wheels however there is no key for them. The tires are old and dried.

Inside the front seats are broken down and have splits and tears in the vinyl. The driver's seatback has been recovered with a corduroy cloth. The rear seat vinyl covering is complete but dried and aged.

The carpeting in the vehicle appears to be original but aged and soiled. Custom sisal floor mats are installed in all four seating positions. Under the floor mat in the driver's position was a factory ribbed-vinyl mat in very good condition. The headliner has some tears and is discolored with age. The dashboard shows multiple cracks and warping from sun exposure. The steering wheel appears to be in good condition for its age but its rim is covered by hand-stitched leather so the condition of the material underneath is unknown.

The controls and gauges on the dash are all present but knobs are dried and cracked. Their functionality cannot be verified as the vehicle is inoperable. The vinyl on the top of both door panels has been worn through and the function of the expandable map pockets is difficult. There are tears in the vinyl on both right and left door thresholds exposing the vehicle's original red paint color.

The Bottom Line:

This is this is an amazing foundation for a project or restoration. There is comparatively little rust on the body and aside from some missing trim parts this 911T is original and unmolested. It is a "numbers-matching" car and true California native right down to its blue license plates, with 43 years of single ownership!

Terms:

This car is an amazing opportunity - however it is a 47-year-old automobile that is not running and needs restoration.

I am not the owner of the vehicle. I have been contracted by the owner to help them sell the car. They have clear title of the car. I have done my best to represent it accurately.

The winner of the auction is purchasing it as-is - no warranty is offered - what you see is what you get. The buyer is responsible for local pick-up and/or transport of the vehicle. It rolls and has a working handbrake. I reserve the right to end the auction early as the car is for sale locally. Payment should be a bank-issued cashier's check or wire transfer. A $1000 deposit is due within 24 hours after the auction. Balance must be settled within 7 days. Please ask all questionsbeforethe auction ends.