Mexico Blue Stunner

Update March 5, 2013: This is now being offered through a dealer for 130,000 (approx. $182k USD)

Posted December 18, 2012: This stunning 1974 Carrera is in one of the most beautiful period colors Porsche used in the mid-1970s. While seller doesn't state original options it is currently well equipped with Recaro Sports seats,  7" and 8" Fuchs, ducktail (not original for German delivered cars), full leather interior. The black Fuchs have the correct clear anodized wheel center cap finish for 1974. Buyers should note that this may have a non-original, but correct 911/83 type, engine with original engine number stamped on a removable plate.

A few other minor things could be done by a buyer who wanted to correct small details. For instance, the missing Carrera badge on the tail and front rubber spoiler wasn't introduced until the whale tail. In all, a potentially very nice Carrera worth a look by anyone searching for a MFI Carrera 2.7.

Description from seller:

Carrera 2.7 von November 1973 (1.KFZ-Brief ist vorhanden) aus Zahnarzt-Erstbesitz, Fahrzeug war komplett zerlegt und wurde von der rostfreien Rohkarosse unter Verwendung von Neuteilen perfekt aufgebaut, das Fahrzeug hat die seltene Voll-Lederausstattung ab Werk und ist im Innenraum nicht restauriert aber neuwertig erhalten, viele Extras ab Werk Sportsitze, getönte Scheiben, Sperre, Scheinwerferwaschanlage, 7+8 x 15 Felgen, Heckbürzel nachgerüstet da für den dt. Markt damals nicht erlaubt, die Mexicoblaue Lackierung ist von erstklassischer Qualität und rundherum weniger als 100 my stark. Da die Restaurierung ca 20 Jahre zurückliegt wirkt der Wagen wie ein unrestauriertes Exemplar im Jahreswagenzustand, selbstverständlich ohne Kratzer oder Beulen. Es gibt ein Handbuch aber kein Scheckheft. Ich glaube nicht, dass es einen besseren oder authentischeren Carrera 2.7 gibt.

Rough English translation of description:

Carrera 2.7 from November 1973 (1.KFZ-letter is available) was a dentist. One owner car was completely disassembled and rebuilt by the stainless body shell using new parts. The vehicle has a rare full-leather interior from the factory and is in the interior not restored but mint get a lot of extras from the factory sport seats, tinted windows, lock, headlamp washers, 7 +8 x 15 rims. Ducktail retrofitted because the German market is not allowed in those days. The Mexico blue finish is of excellent quality. Since the restoration about 20 years ago the car acts like an unrestored copy with no scratches or dents, of course. There is a manual but no checkbook. I do not think there is a better or more authentic Carrera 2.7.




Working 911/83 Scale Model

Now for something unusual to wish for as your holiday gift this year. That is if you can find one.

During the mid-1990s the Japanese Marushin model company made a 1:8 working scale model of the 911/83 Carrera RS 2.7 engine under license agreement from Porsche AG. Not only does this work, but apparently can run up to 5,500 RPM. The engine runs on compared air with all the movable parts operating as it would on the real thing including functioning crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, camshafts, rocker arms, and valves.

Just as impressive are the materials used when manufacturing the over 500 component parts (not including hundreds of screws) that make up this model. Everything from cast zinc, aluminum, copper, steel, brass, rubber, and plastic was used. For example, just like the original the exhaust box is in metal while the MFI air intake is plastic.

Carefully packed in a wooden case the model also came with tools for assembly and an English instruction manual.


See this photo gallery for photos of the many detailed parts that make up this unusual 911/83 engine model.


One of the Marushin 911/83 scale models is currently offered on eBay in Japan with an optomistic price tag. These rare models sold for around $1000 new back in the 1990s and now trade hands for a few thousand dollars.


Restoration & Preservation Philosophies

The philosophies around restoration and preservation of classic cars have been undergoing a significant change over the last several years as the collector car hobby has continually matured. The value of barn finds and preserved cars now surpassing that of the best concours restorations. Only a few years ago every car that was even a driver condition car was considered for restoration. Now the mantra "a car is only original once" is a well known phrase on most enthusiasts tongues. Further changes influencing the collector car hobby was the introduction of preservation classes at the very top concours as well as a slowly changing mentality to judge cars based on authenticity over beauty and cleanliness.

As we approached restoring the 1976 Carrera MFI 2.7 chassis #911 660 9050 there were many points that we had to think hard about whether to preserve vs replace original. Fortunately the team assembled to tackle this restoration were also very sympathetic to the notion of attempting to preserve as much as possible rather than the often more common approach of just replacing parts with new items. While this often makes for a crisp restoration much of what made the car special when it left the factory may be gone.

Unfortunately #9050 wasn't in any sort of shape to be an untouched preservation car. The paint had been partially sanded and was covered in overspray from sitting in several body shops over a decade. There were dents and dings that had been repaired to the standards of a typical body shop rather than a high quality restoration. Speaker holes on the doors had been enlarged to put a thumping system popular in the 1980s and 90s. Not to mention rust had set in some of the common places for a 911.

However, there were also a significant amount of very original aspects to #9050 including the grease pencil markings on doors and dash, the majority of mechanical parts were original and date coded from 1976, original panels and wing, galvanized and under body coatings largely untouched, original sound deadening, etc. Carefully each component was removed, inspected, and photographed in its current state. Research was done to determine how to read the date codes as a way of determining if each part was indeed original to the car. As defects were found or original finishes were questioned additional research was done to compare to photos of other Carreras known to be fairly original, or at least against photos from a sample of several cars built the same month. In some cases where the original item was replaced or missing it becomes necessary to track down a period correct, and if possible date code correct, NOS or used replacement. In the end this is still a restoration, but one that errs more on the side of attempting to preserve some of the nuances of how the car left the factory.

Another angle is how you deal with short comings that existed when a car originally came from the factory vs taking advantage of all the improved engineering since then. An example of this are the upgraded Carrera chain tensioners. Do you install the correct original chain tensioners, known not to have a long lifetime in a regularly used 911, or do you install the reengineered pressure fed chain tensioners from a mid-1980s Carrera? In our case for #9050 we have decided to stick with originality and install the original chain tensioners. Part of the reasoning was the car wouldn't see daily use so racking up the 40k-50k miles where you start seeing failures with the original chain tensioners might take a decade or two. The engine would be serviced well before then and the chain tensioners inspected on a more regular basis.

Each individual embarking on the restoration of a car needs to choose how they would like to approach the project. Are they restoring to make it a really nice car, perhaps even better than when it left the factory? Are they trying to win show and shine concours? Are they restoring it primarly to be mechanically sound to maximize enjoyment behind the wheel? Are they attempting to maintain as much authenticity as possible about the car for future generations to appreciate? In the end this is a very personal choice and should be decided before the restoration begins. The approaches taken can be very different depending on the desired result, as well as the costs involved. For example, preserving a cars authenticity can often be significantly more expensive due to all the details that need to be done differently or just the labor involved versus simply replacing items. In the end there is no "right way". It is up to the judgement of those tackling a restoration project along with pursuing constant self education on the latest techniques and philosophy behind preservation and authenticity.


For those interested in what is happening or being considered for the very top end of significant cars, e.g. cars that transcend well beyond the merely rare Carrera RS or 300SL Gullwing such as a Le Mans winning 917, a good academic read is The Stewardship of Historically Important Automobiles. The book was put together by Fred Simeone as a collection of thoughts, insights, and responses from some of the worlds top restorers, historians, collectors, photographers, and dealers. The book is organized into a series of essays contributed by T.E. Berrisford, Miles Collier, Malcolm Collum, Stephen duPont, Michael Furman, L. Scott George, Mark Gessler, Ed Gilbertson, Evan Ide, Leigh Keno, Leslie Keno, Miles Morris, and Carmel Roberts each section has commentary added by Fred Simeone. A full table of contents can be found on the Simeone Automotive Museum website.

You can also see more about the restoration of the 1976 Carrera MFI 2.7 #9050.


Viper Green '76 MFI

Update 12/27/2012: This Carrera has sold and enroute to a lucky new owner.

Posted 12/1/2012: This viper green 1976 Carrera 2.7 was previously listed in February, however the seller removed the listing because he had too much going on in his life at the time. He's now ready to sell and answer questions from the buyer.

Documentation with the car includes a copy of the original Fahrzeugbrief listing at least the first three owners of the car in Germany.

Details from seller:

Sold new in Germany on 7/7/1976 chassis #9116609119 was originally Cockney Brown, but now painted Viper Green. Black leather, but seats aren't perfect. No rust on the body, no scratches or dents. Engine rebuilt 10,000 kms ago. 5-speed LSD gearbox rebuilt 1,500 kms ago. Bilstein suspension, brakes, etc. changed with new original Porsche parts. All seals were changed when repainted approximately 7 years ago.

Price just reduced from €95,000 to €90,000 (roughly $117k USD) by private seller. For more information contact Yves at [email protected] or 0033(0) 6 64 34 29 72.




Caged Australian '74

Recently restored, this 123,000 km RHD Carrera 2.7 was originally delivered in Australia. Not much information on the Carrera, but given the CAMS log book, roll car, racing seats, and other modifications it may have competed in historic racing at some point.

Description from the seller:

This fine Orange example has been re built from the ground up. In immaculate condition this car has been set up for historic racing (CAMS log book), hill climbs or club events. the engine is fresh and the paint in new condition. No expense has been spared in retuning this car to oginal condition and maintaining her. Has Roll Cage, Racing seats, duckted brakes, acrylic headlights, brand new tyres, gated short shift grear box and many other extras. This car would suit the collector or enthusiast.

ONLY 14 RHD's delivered to Australia. The 2.7 Carerra is recognised collectors car globally.

Offered for $155,000 AUD (roughly $161k USD) in Victoria, Australia.




Freshly Restored '74

This 1974 Carrera MFI 2.7 was recently repainted and with new black interior, however it is unknown if the engine or mechanicals were restored. Photos of the restoration are available on the seller's website, including the engine being out and apparently restored.

Rough English translated description from the seller:

Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS Motor; First Year Imm 05/10/1974; Car collection for true lovers of the Porsche brand. 
Naked and Raw as the Old and Vere Porsche. 
motor: (Type 911/83) with Cv. : 211. 
Engine break-in.  
Gearbox: (Type 915), 
Body Treated and completely repainted in the beautiful White GrandPrix. 
interior New black. 
car for connoisseurs.

Currently offered for €95,000 (approx. $122,046 USD) in Italy. With the cost of a proper complete restoration on mid-70s Carreras around €75,000 this price doesn't seem out of line if all the mechanicals and engine were also restored.



Black '74 in Portugal

Updated March 13, 2013: This Carrera has sold.

Updated March 5, 2013: This car also has had replacement carpet, the thick grip 380mm Carrera Sport steering wheel has been replaced with a later offset 3-spoke Sport wheel. Interior color change may have occurred when Carrera was repainted Black from original Cockney Brown. As someone noted on the ImpactBumpers.com forums the paint job may have been hasty as they painted over the rear latch bolts. Definitely a Carrera to inspect in person to make sure you are getting what you pay for. If you want a perfect car this may require some significant expense to return, even if you don't repaint.

Posted November 26, 2012: No description is provided by the seller on this 1974 Carrera MFI 2.7, other than it is chassis number 911 460 0372.  Currently has no ducktail but strangely has the front spoiler used to balance the aerodynamics of a tail. Black headliner is a rare option. The books offered with car appear to be the incorrect US version. The interior door panels are from a 1976 or later 911, but were never used on any Carrera 2.7. Originally sold new in Portugal and registered December 1973.

Offered for €65,000 (roughly $84k USD) in Portugal. Overall a decent driver condition Carrera that is priced on the low side of the current market.



Mechanical Fuel Injection

What makes the early 911s, Carrera RS, and the 2.7-liter "euro" Carrera so interesting and thrilling to drive is the Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection (MFI) setup. The glorious sound and instantaneous throttle response has a remarkable feel compared to the computerized injection systems of the 70s and 80s.

The 1976 Carrera MFI 2.7 was the last street car Porsche ever produced with mechanical fuel injection.  In fact there were only three MFI based cars produced by Porsche after 1976, all race cars. First were the ten turbocharged Porsche 934 ½ built for Group 4 and the 1977 IMSA Championship, alongside the various incarnations of the turbocharged Porsche 935 built for Group 5 and, later, the twenty 3.0-liter 911 SC/RS (954) rally cars built in 1984 to compete in Group B.


The complete MFI setup includes 019 series MFI pump, 312 velocity stacks, throttle bodies, air box, plus associated linkage and plumbing.
The "019" series MFI fuel pump up close and personal.
See more details on the restoration of 1976 Carrera MFI 2.7 chassis #911 660 9050.


Austrian Lime Green Restoration


Update 10/8/2013: This Carrera 2.7 has been off the market for several months but has been listed for sale again for €129,000 (approx. $175,000 USD).

Update 10/17/2012: The seller has now posted photos of the 74 Carrera. A few details aren't correct for a 1974 for example: door panels are post 1976 quilted style door panels, later style seats, painted headlight rings, later "Turbo" style Fuchs with black center with polished lip instead of rough anodized, red coil, black mirror instead of 1974's chrome mirror only, yellow painted Bilstein housings instead of original green, and a few other details. Fortunately for someone who wants a concours car almost all the details are fairly easy to correct. The Fuchs and seats are the only ones expensive as they need to be recovered with correct pattern and material. Fortunately the seat itself is a correct round knob seat for 1974. Overall this is a beautiful Carrera.

Posted 10/14/2012: A recently restored lime green Carrera MFI 2.7 with black interior has just been offered for sale in Austria. As it was just listed we don't have any photos at this time, nor any more details than what was shared by the seller below.

German description from the seller:

DIESER SELTENE PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2.7 WURDE NUR 1036 MAL GEBAUT !! WIR HABEN DEN CARRERA KOMPLETT NEU AUFGEBAUT !!! ER WURDE KOMPLETT ZERLEGT ENTLACKT UND KOMPLETT RESTAURIERT !! DER MOTOR UND DAS GETRIEBE WURDEN BIS AUF DIE LETZTE SCHRAUBE ZERLEGT UND BEI EINEM MOTOREN-SPEZIALISTEN IN DEUTSCHLAND NEU GEMACHT !! DIE MECHANISCHE EINSPRITZPUMPE KAM AUCH NEU !! DAS FAHRWERK UND DIE BREMSEN WURDEN RESTAURIERT !! DIE INNENAUSSTATTUNG WURDE KOMPLETT NEU IN LEDER VERBAUT !! WIR HABEN AUCH EINEN NEUEN KABELBAUM EINGEBAUT !! DEN UNTERBODEN HABEN WIR IN WAGENFARBE LACKIERT !!! WIR HABEN INSGESAMT CA 1900 STUNDEN INVESTIERT !!! DIESEN SELTENEN ELFER HABEN WIR MIT BESTEM WISSEN UND GEWISSEN BEI UNS IN ÖSTERREICH RESTAURIERT !! WIR KÖNNEN ES NICHT BESSER !!! SOLLTEN SIE EIN FAHRZEUG SUCHEN, DAS GARANTIERT IM WERT STEIGT, DANN IST DIESER WUNDERSCHÖNE 911 CARRERA DAS RICHTIGE FÜR SIE !! SICHERE GELDANLAGE !!! SCHIEBEDACH, ELEKTRISCHE FENSTERHEBER, ALU FUCHS, USW... FGNR: 9114600447 MIT ORGINALZERTIFIKAT !!!!

Very rough English translation:

THIS RARE PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 2.7 WITH ONLY 1036 BUILT! WE HAVE THIS NEWLY REBUILT COMPLETE CARRERA! HE WAS COMPLETELY TAKEN APART AND STRIPPED TO BE FULLY RESTORED! THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WERE DONE UNTIL THE LAST SCREW.  ENGINE REBUILT FOR A SPECIALIST IN GERMANY! MECHANICAL INJECTION PUMP RESTORED! THE SUSPENSION AND BRAKES WERE RESTORED! THE INTERIOR HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REDONE IN NEW LEATHER! WE ALSO HAVE A NEW WIRING HARNESS INSTALLED! UNDERBODY WE HAVE PAINTED! WE HAVE TOTAL OF 1900 HOURS INVESTED!  RESTORED IN AUSTRIA! IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A VEHICLE, THE WARRANT THE VALUE RISES, THEN THIS BEAUTIFUL 911 CARRERA RIGHT FOR YOU! SAFE INVESTMENT! SUNROOF, POWER WINDOWS, FUCHS, ETC ... Chassis nr: 9114600447 WITH ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE!!



Offered for 129,000 EUR (roughly $167k USD) by Auto Reiter Gmbh.