December 2014 Book Update

Porsche enthusiasts email me several times a week for info on the upcoming book covering the Carrera 2.7 MFI and so I thought it was time to publish a public update on the project. The end is in sight, but there is still quite a bit of work left even after the last word has been typed. The exact release date is TBD, though by the end of January we should have a good idea when it will be available for sale.

The majority of the book has been edited at this point by an automotive editor as well as copyeditors, and most sections have undergone a deeper technical review by really knowledgable Porsche enthusiasts. That said, even the final copy is a moving target as almost weekly some new nuance is discovered that requires re-researching details to ensure the book is as accurate as possible. As with all books, articles, etc. there will be mistakes, but hopefully they will be few and far between.

Approximately 300 pages have been laid out at this point and seeing the results are quite motivating. This was no small task, but I think it is important to produce a book that people love to spend time with, rather than just partially reading once. At the end of October the first round of studio shoots were completed in North America, with a second studio shoot that should occur by the end of January. This was an extremely rewarding step forward, particularly as the photos were integrated into the existing book layout. Each new photo brings the book to life and I hope readers enjoy the depth and diversity of photos as much as I have.

The book will be approximately 375 pages, filled with high quality images, detail shots, period photos and significant exploration into all aspects of the mid-1970s Carrera model. Even the most astute Porsche enthusiast should learn some new things and owners of other period Porsche, such as the 3.0-liter 930 Turbo, will find it to include a wealth of information not found anywhere else.

Thanks again to all the contributors who have given feedback, suggestions, photo contributions and, most of all, have been patient with the project. Happy Holidays!


Russo & Steele Auction 74 Carrera

1974 Carrera 2.7 MFI #9114600947 is being offered at auction in January 2015 at the Russo & Steele Scottsdale auction.

Description from the auction company:

By now we are all familiar with the famous History of the illustrious and legendary Porsche Carrera RS. It is a mute point therefore to wax lyrically over it?s looks, incredible performance, or the joy of driving, that can only be had by owning such a car, notwithstanding they are now firmly established on the "must have" list of any Collection. The Limited Production Euro Carreras, which were not available in the US, share the same Mechanical Components, Bloodline and DNA as their earlier Brothers. This is one of the very sought after 1974 European 2.7 RS engined Carreras.

Chassis # 9114600947 was first delivered on the 17th of May 1974, to the Prince of Bahrain, Sheik Abdulla Hamad Al-Khalifa, at the Porsche Factory in Stuttgart, Germany, and given the Duty Free License plate: # 857-Z-9688.

During the Prince's ownership his prized possession moved with him from Country to Country. First Port of call was Bahrain, that same year, where it was given a Bahrain license plate # 7979. Subsequent moves were to Paris, in July of 1981, then to Geneva, in May of 1992, and finally to London, in 1994, all confirmed by the wonderful documentation at hand. 

Despite these many moves, Carrera # 947 was always lavishly stored and maintained, being driven only 25,785 mile or 41,256 kms, in it's nearly 20 years of Royal Ownership.

On the 19th of February 1998, The Prince finally sold his Treasure, via a Broker, to Mr. S. Bridgland of Surrey. Carrera # 947 was given a year appropriate UK License plate # BBK162M. In 2001 it changed hands again, selling to Mr. J. Thompson, of Hampshire. He owned it right up to the time of it being sold to and imported by it's current Owner, in 2012.

There is a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, showing it to be all Numbers Matching, and a Certified mileage of only 58.837 or 94,140 kms. It comes with a comprehensive Folder documenting it?s Provenance, Chain of Ownership, Service records and Safety inspections, all confirming the mileage. The car has had one Rotisserie repaint in the unique and Factory original Special Order color, of #432, Diamond Metallic. All the mechanicals, engine, gearbox and suspension were all done to show standards at that time. The interior is all original, and a testament to it?s low mileage and the loving care it has received it?s entire life. Factor in the Car's Royal Provenance, Chain of Ownership, Certified low miles, extraordinary condition, and multiple Class and Division Awards, then you know you have a Blue Chip Investment Grade quality Vehicle on offer here. As well as featuring unique Special Order paint, Gold Script and wheels, Factory Air conditioning, Electric windows, Full leather interior, and Factory Sport seats. That all adds up to a unique and very attractive combination.

Included in the sale are the following items:

Certificate of Authenticity, Service Records, Owner's Manuals, Tool kit, Factory Jack, Factory Air Compressor, a full Factory supplied Emergency first aid kit, as well as Trophies and Awards.

Auctioned at the 2015 Russo & Steele Scottsdale Auction.



Japanese market Mexico Blue Carrera

Mexico Blue is one of the most desirable mid-1970s colors, so this Carrera 2.7 MFI is worth considering if you are in the market. 1975 Carrera 2.7 MFI #0121 is heavily optioned from the factory, including an original whale tail. This Carrera features details unique to Japanese market 911s including the extra orange speedometer lines, labels on ignition and other switches, unique Japanese rear seat bottom, front orange reflector from the North American market, etc. More info can also be found on the seller's website.

Description from the seller:

One of 508 Carrera 2.7 Mechanical Fuel Injection cars with the famous 210 bhp Type 911/83 engine found in the 1973 Carrera RS. Numbers matching original car from Japan with complete set of tools, books and records. Stunning Mexico Blue Paint and all original interior. Optioned with rear Spoiler, air conditioning, fog lamps and tinted glass as per COA. A superb example.

Offered for $295,000 USD (approx. €237,000).



December 2014 Market Availability

As the year winds down I've been heads down trying to finish the Carrera 2.7 MFI book, so haven't been posting cars that are for sale as often. Nigel (and others) have been giving me a hard time to post more updates, so here is a quick summary of what's available on the market. Happy Holidays!

1974 Carrera 2.7 MFI #0219 in Mexico Blue offered for 299,000 EUR (approx. $373k USD). This has been offered on-and-off again over the years.

1974 Carrera 2.7 MFI in Light Yellow is offered for £224,995 (approx. $354,000 USD). This Japanese market Carrera features many Japanese market specific differences from other rest-of-world markets including front reflectors, rear seat, dash labels, etc. A whale tail has been fitted, so this either is incorrect, or it is a 1975 model instead of a 1974.

1974 Carrera 2.7 MFI #0500 in Black offered for $317,900 USD in the United States.

1974 Carrera 2.7 MFI Targa in Grand-Prix White is offered for 189,000 EUR (approx. $237,000 USD). While externally this appears to be nice, there are many incorrect details including seats, steering wheel, radio, engine details, etc.

1974 Carrera 2.7 MFI Targa in Black is offered for 190,000 EUR (approx. $237,000 USD). This appears to be a very well used driver.

1975 Carrera 2.7 MFI #0298 in heavily modified racing trim offered for 159,000 EUR (approx. $198,000 USD) and can be viewed in this video. It recently had a substantial price drop.

1976 Carrera 2.7 MFI #9072 in Grand-Prix White has recently been offered for 199,000 EUR (approx. $248,000 USD). This appears to have various modifications including front air dam, shark fins, different seats, etc.; however, this is appears to be quite a bargain compared to the other Carreras on the market right now. The 1976 Carrera 2.7 was the last mechanically fuel injected street 911 ever produced by Porsche.  It was a special order model that was available within Germany only and is the rarest coupe model (the twenty 1976 Belgium Gendarmerie Carreras are the rarest Targa model).

1976 Carrera 2.7 MFI #9104 is a heavily modified Carrera 2.7 that is offered for 159,500 EUR (approx. $199,000 USD). Modified with roll cage, seats, interior redo, bumpers, racing tail, and a variety of engine updates. This would be costly to return to stock form and sells at a substantial discount to a nicely sorted 1976 Carrera 2.7.