An unrestored right hand drive matching numbers Porsche 911S was recently unearthed in a barn in Ireland. Crucially, the low mileage ’72 specification Signal Yellow car, an early example registered in Nov 1971, retains many original features together with unique characteristics particular to just the early examples of the 911S for that model year.
These include the ‘H1’ headlamp units, aluminium rear center panel and aluminium engine lid. The discovery of the low mileage and full history car comes at a time when appreciation of the S is rising, with prices for restored versions hovering just under £100,000.
Original 1971 Porsche 911 S.
As one of the most experienced Porsche specialist with an encyclopedic knowledge of earlier 911s and their specifications, Autofarm’s Josh Sadler was ideally placed to authenticate and assess the provenance of such an exciting find. “The 1972 S is a brilliant specification with more power, the better gearbox and was the first road Porsche with the front air dam. This car had covered just 78,000 miles and all of the specific parts that usually rust are still there,” says Sadler. “These include the seal flange on the front slam panel that was a notorious corrosion point that was changed midway in 1973 to solve the issue and the oil tank with the alloy oil lines and the external filler that confused a number of petrol pump attendants. The rear ‘whale tail’ spoiler is the only significant change, no doubt a fashionable add-on in the 1980s but fortunately the original aluminium version was retained with the car.”
A substantial history file shows the car was genuinely built in 1971 as one on the first 1972 specification cars to be produced. After a few years in England, the car spent the rest of its life in Ireland with trips back to the factory in 1976 and 1981, clocking up just 20,000 miles since its last Stuttgart visit thirty years ago. “It has survived the last 37 years in Southern Ireland in sufficiently solid order to pass its UK MoT first time,” adds Sadler. “The underside being an excellent example of original factory finish.”
The new owner has commissioned Autofarm’s Project division to oversee a sympathetic restoration with a clear aim to retain aspects such as those specific to this early ‘72 model, ensuring it remains one of very few ‘period-correct’ S still in existence. “We have made a careful assessment and the car is remarkably original,” adds Sadler. “We are delighted the new owner plans to enjoy the special blend of performance and driving experience that the S offers at a time when prices and interest remain strong.”
