Prepped for Paint

For the 1976 Carrera 2.7 MFI #9050 it has been a long road since we started this restoration.  From completing the metalwork and rust repairs, primer and prep work, adjusting gaps, test fitting all body panels and trim before painting, to multiple spray out attempts before we got just the right period Porsche silver flake. A significant amount of effort has been necessary to get all the details right, and it has been a great experience as everyone involved banded together to achieve the goals.

Finally the day has arrived where everything is ready for paint. All the removable body panels have been taken off and are masked to paint the inside first. Similarly the chassis the exterior body has been masked off so the underneath and engine compartment can be sprayed. The chassis is on the rotisserie just waiting for the paint booth to free up. Once the first coat of Glasurit 55 is laid down the restoration project will be on a trajectory towards completion. Exciting times!



40 Years of the G-series Carrera!

This is an exciting year for Porsche enthusiasts. Not only does 2013 mark 50 years since the start of production for the 911, it also marks 40 years since the G-series was first introduced. While impact bumper 911s were formerly out of favoritism with many Porsche enthusiasts, particularly those who favored the earlier long hood 911, based on the recent price trends that stigma is finally disappearing. This isn't surprising as the G-series design is a stylish classic in their own right. In fact, many even think they are more refined than the earlier 911s. And, lest we not forget our history, it was only a decade ago that there was a stigma about the long hoods! The values of most long hood models were quite low as they weren't desired, in fact generally they were quite a bit less than more "modern" 911s such as the Carrera 3.2. How times have changed.

As the last 911 built for the street with mechanical fuel injection (MFI) the G-series Carrera MFI 2.7 also neatly marks the end of an earlier era before computerized control of the fuel injection started. The Kugelfischer derived MFI setup was only used on a few competition models after this point such as the 911 SC/RS. With the same weight as the earlier 1973 Carrera RS Touring these early Carrera MFI 2.7 models really make for an exciting drive both on track and the street.

So celebrate 50 years of the 911 and 40 years of the G-series by taking your Carrera 2.7 MFI to your favorite concours, track event, tour, or rally this year! More enthusiasts should really get to know these visceral machines.

See you on the road.

New G-series Carrera MFI 2.7 on display at the 1973 Frankfurt IAA Auto Show.


'75 Carrera Ice to Lime Green

Update February 20, 2013: This Carrera sold within 48 hours!

Posted February 18, 2013: This 1975 Carrera 2.7 MFI was originally painted Ice Green Metallic but is now painted Lime Green. Recently restored with several concours awards in California. Very few faults can be found in the restoration or presentation of this Carrera, and certainly none that appear to be difficult to fix (unless a buyer wanted to change to the original color).

The minor details include a paint tag that has been incorrectly punched; Fuchs finish appears to be more RSR finish than original Carrera; Fuchs center caps for 1975 matched finish of the wheel; air compressor was standard for Carrera by then instead of red air bottle; over restored front trunk and missing black paint behind the aluminum chassis tag; wrong owner's manual; door panels have black instead of midnight leatherette; and a few other details. The steering wheel is the correct 380mm Carrera Sport wheel, but the recovered leather doesn't quite fit right, and seats were restored almost 18 years ago in the correct midnight material.

That said, if we are picking on details this minor then generally the restoration appears to be really sound. If you are searching for a Carrera 2.7 this car appears to be very nice and is definitely worth checking out further. Rather than write up more commentary just read the seller's detailed description for more information.

Seller's description:

1975 Porsche 911 Euro (ROW) Carrera 2.7 MFI
VIN # 9115600414
Engine# 6650569
86,800km or 53,800 miles (original)
  • Lime Green (137) on Black Leatherette 
  • Original Color Ice Green Metallic (250) 
  • 915 5-speed Manual
  • Clean and Clear California Title
  • Numbers Matching
  • Certificate of Authenticity
  • Straight Body/Rust Free/Bare Metal Restoration 
These cars were essentially a 1973 Porsche RS with some different bumpers and different seats. Other than that, they were exactly the same. However, they were never imported to the U.S. due to new emission standards. These are not the same cars that were delivered to the U.S. Instead, they came with the same engine (911/83 2.7 MFI 210hp) that resided in the famous ’73 RS. All the other mechanical bits including transmission, suspension, and brakes were directly from the ’73 RS parts bin. The wheels are correct Carrera Fuchs with 7x15 in front and 8x15 in the rear.

With the same weight and horsepower as well as a low production number of only 518 coupes in 1975, the Euro Carrera is virtually the same car as the coveted ’73 RS…except; it is about 1/3 of the price!

I’ve been fortunate to experience a few of these rare Porsches over the years and must say that this car is by far the best example I have seen. It is a beautiful car that is ready to be driven or shown at the concours level. The paint is fantastic as is the interior with no noticeable blemishes. This car is truly stunning as well as an absolute blast to drive.

Recently, this car won 2nd in class at the prestigious Dana Point Concours d’Elegance. It also won Judges Choice at the PCA Concours. The chassis judge describing it as "the cleanest I've ever seen."

The current owner of this Carrera purchased it about 18-years ago from another local Southern California Porsche enthusiast. He purchased it just as the car was getting painted. The engine and gearbox were fully rebuilt at the same time by well known Jimmy Privett. The MFI pump was rebuilt and a Carrera oil cooler was mounted in the front right fender as well. At this time, the car had around 65,000 km on it. For the next 21,000 km, the current owner enjoyed driving the car to Monterey for the Historics and some local events.

Finally, about 3-years ago, the current owner decided to begin a cosmetic restoration. What started out to fix a small amount of rust by the jack hole turned into a full cosmetic restoration. The car was completely stripped down to a bare metal tub. They removed and properly fixed any and all rust as well as had the body put on a frame machine. They made sure the car was absolutely straight so that the gaps would line up perfectly. Well known Porsche restorer Andy Elsener did key metal work. At this time, the owner decided to paint the car one of his favorite ’75 Porsche colors: lime green. He just could not stand the original light metallic green. The painter selected was one of West Coast Customs top guys. Final color sanding was performed by Jay Leno’s guy Cecil Hernandez and also Cooper Boggs. The results are stunning.

Cooper Boggs convinced the owner to prepare the car for the upcoming 2012 concours season. So, for the next 12 months, Cooper and the owner went through the entire car. And, obviously, their efforts paid off with 3 trophies (see pics…not included with the car).

The interior is equally spectacular. Everything was recently restored except for the seats. Autos International supplied all the parts and materials. Autos International restored the seats earlier when the current owner purchased the car. There are no cracks, warping, or strange smells. Everything looks and works properly (we are trying to source the correct dash/radio grill cover). The rear tail is not the original wing. It was replaced long before the current owner purchased the car. It is from a 1976 930, which had the same shape and size. During the recent restoration, the extra vent was professional removed and glassed to perfection. This included duplication on the underside of the original German fiber weave and lamination pattern by fiberglass guru Randy Beck. This helped it retain an identical look to the factory original.

California registration is paid through February 2014

This Carrera comes with extra key, all records for last 14 years, owner’s manuals, new tool kit, rare German tire inflator, spare, jack, and Certificate of Authenticity.




'74 Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Update February 17, 2013: This Carrera is now offered on eBay with a price of €105,000 EUR (approx. $141k USD).

Posted February 16, 2013: This Carrera is a wolf in sheep's clothing with the very simply presented trim the doesn't feature a ducktail or Carrera side script. This 1974 Carrera was first registered December 1973 and now shows 85,000 km on the odometer. Interior was restored at some point with non-original details such as the seat center inlays. Has the original Carrera Sport 3-spoke 380mm wheel with the early style thick grip. Period Blaupunkt Bamberg cassette radio.

The engine appears to have all the various original bits including the often missing snorkel for providing warm air on startup. 6J and 7J Fuchs look to have been restored and repainted with black centers rather than original clear anodized petals.

Seller's description:

vettura restaurata totalmente in quanto è stata ferma per oltre 20 anni in un garage della capitale, il motore era bloccato causa rottura di un pistone 
è stata datanel restauro la massima attenzione possibile alle parti meccaniche sia livello tecnico che a livello estetico 
canne e pistoni nuovi cambio revisionato pompa bosh revisionata, dischi nuovi pinze revisionate frizione nuova 
lame delle sosp posteriori dei modelli successivicon regolazione assetto piu sempliceautoradio porsche etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc 
carrozzeria e verniciatura buona , colore originale 
coupe senza tetto apriblie 
motore potentissimo scambiatori inox marmittaacciaio il massimo del divertimento.la macchina è fantastica 
prego chi fosse interessato di scrire una email
vi risponderò scrivendo 

Extremely rough English translation:

totally restored car as it was stored for more than 20 years in a garage in the capital. the engine was stopped because of a broken piston 
the restoration was the greatest possible attention to the mechanical parts is technically and in terms of aesthetics
rods and new pistons overhauled exchange Bosch pump overhauled, new discs calipers overhauled new clutch blades of the rear susp models successive range adjustment more simple car radio porsche etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc 
good body and paint, original color coupe
powerful engine exchangers, stainless steel muffler maximum fun. The car is fantastic
Please if you are interested in email as I will answer writing.

Offered for €115,000 (approx. $154k USD) by a private seller.



'74 Carrera Down Under

A right hand drive 1974 Carrera MFI 2.7 has been offered by a private seller located just outside of Melbourne, Australia.  It was originally delivered to Australia, but picked up in Germany as a tourist delivery in late 1974, and has had three owners since new. The latest owner has enjoyed the car for the last six years.

Fitted with correct 6J and 7J Fuchs with clear anodized petals, electric flag mirror from the 1976 and later 911 models. Was originally ordered with the rare orange "PORSCHE" script (option M417) on the doors, rare orange safety stripes on the hood (option M405), ducktail (option M473), and Blaupunkt Bamberg radio (option M422).

Has correct Carrera Sport 3-spoke steering wheel.  Rest of interior appears to have been replaced at some point with trim from later 1976 to 1980s 911s. These later style interior pieces include a vented dash, quilted door cards, carpet door parkets, carpet appears to be later black instead of period midnight blue, and a few other details. Engine looks like it has original bits often missing including the correct coil and the airbox snorkel.

Seller's description:

Australian Delivered 1974 911 Carrera 2.7 MFi. (one of 18 in 1974) Matching Numbers Three owners fom new. Stored for many years by the original owner hence very low klm's Please only genuine calls or email me Inspection will not dissapoint. $142,500

Grand Prix White; 58,000 kilometers; chassis #9114600768.

Seller is asking $142,500 AUD (approx. $148k USD).



Barcelona Lime '75

The seller of this lime green 1975 Carrera MFI 2.7 hasn't provided much info, but it looks to be a nice Carrera.

Interior is unrestored but quite with the original midnight blue/black carpets, except for the floor mats, and original seats. Radio has been replaced, but there is no antenna apparent.  There is some sticker on the glove box door.

The engine bay isn't very tidy, with some details that should be be cleaned up and corrected (snorkel attachement fitting, incorrect Bosch coil, etc). The Carrera badge on the engine lid looks to be the later style from the 1980s. Single flag mirror has been painted body color which was done on some Carrera in 1975.  The 7 x 15 and 8 x 15 Fuchs wheels with black centers were an option in 1975. Chrome headlight surrounds would have been painted body color on black trim cars for 1975.




'75 Carrera Sold @ Bonhams for €79,019

Update 5/10/2013: It is unclear what happened with the previous sale as this 1975 Carrera 2.7 is being offered once again at the Bonhams Spa Classic Sale.

Posted 2/7/2013: The 1975 Carrera MFI 2.7 at Bonhams Grand Palais auction in Paris just hammered sold for €67,000 + 15% buyer's commission to a buyer in the room + 19.6% VAT on commission, which totals €79,019 (approx. $105.5k USD).

Reminder Bonhams also charges a seller's commission which can negotiated by the seller, starting from the maximum of 10%. Net to the seller would be somewhere between €60,300 and €63,650 (approx. $81k to $86k USD).

Bonhams original estimates:
  • €55,000 - 65,000
  • £45,000 - 53,000
  • US$ 72,000 - 85,000
Final results can be seen on Bonhams website.