• Exterior: Black
• Interior: Black Leather
• Engine: 3.0 liter flat-6 (from an SC)
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Mileage: 239,612 miles
• VIN: 911 7 203374
• Price: SOLD TO GREAT BRITAIN

1977 Porsche 911 S Sunroof Coupe

This is a very clean one-owner Porsche 911S that was sold new in Oakland, California, where it has remained its entire life under the care of the same fastidious dentist that purchased it new. It has been fitted with a 3.0 liter 911 SC engine and comes with its original window sticker. It has always been well-maintained has seen much cosmetic and mechanical restorative work.

This car is in Oakland, CA.

The Model

For 1974, the Porsche 911 received its most significant update to date, with changes to reflect the changing political and economic climate in the world of automobiles. The new model had improved flexibility and power delivery, improved economy, and improved safety. The cleaner running continuous injection system coupled with an increase in displacement from 2.4 liters to 2.7 liters made the new car easier to drive in a wide range of conditions obviating the need for so many gear changes. The neatly integrated impact bumpers allowed the 911 to comply with new safety laws in a more elegant way than any other car company could manage (case in point the MGB and Jaguar E-Type). The smog equipment on US cars was compromised and troublesome, leading to reliability problems with the engine, which have been resolved in this example through the fitment of a catalyzed 3.0 liter engine from a later 911 SC.

History

This particular example was purchased new in Oakland, California by a dentist who has enjoyed and maintained the car since then. Thus, it is a California car from new, and is extremely solid and rust-free. It comes with service records back to the late 1990’s, outlining much mechanical work including the fitment of a 3.0 liter 911SC engine in 2001, 70,000 miles ago. The clutch was also renewed, and much other work performed to keep the car running well. This has included the replacement of the alternator and fuel pump, and the installation of a Carrera front oil cooler. The car was repainted and reupholstered at some point some years ago and remains very presentable and attractive.

Condition

This particular example was purchased new in Oakland, California by a dentist who has enjoyed and maintained the car since then. Thus, it is a California car from new, and is extremely solid and rust-free. It comes with service records back to the late 1990’s, outlining much mechanical work including the fitment of a 3.0 liter 911SC engine in 2001, 70,000 miles ago. The clutch was also renewed, and much other work performed to keep the car running well. This has included the replacement of the alternator and fuel pump, and the installation of a Carrera front oil cooler. A 930S steering wheel with color crest has been fitted, and the car was repainted and reupholstered some years ago.

The car remains very presentable and attractive, with straight panels and no rust. The gaps and panel fit are excellent, and the car has never had any accidents. The car was repainted some years ago to good standards, and the paint remains in nice shape. There are only a handful of small blemishes and chips, even in the vulnerable frontal areas. The black trim (including the badging) has been re-anodized and is excellent. The wheels were also refinished and are very good, with only a few chips to the paint on the centers. The wheels have color crests, and the lamps, glass, and lights are excellent.

The interior is in very fine shape as well. The front seats were reupholstered some years ago in leather using the correct patterns, and are in very nice shape, with only light wear (see photos). They are still extremely supple and have no cracks. The car has been fitted with a 930S steering wheel which looks very smart and feels great. The rear parcel shelf was recently reupholstered and is excellent, while the carpets are original and in good shape. The dashboard had one crack, which has been repaired (see photo). The door panels, door pockets, and headliner are in great shape. The car has manual windows, which is welcome for the sake of simplicity, functionality, and reliability. The instruments, switches, and controls are also in great shape and function properly. The back seats are in great shape, and it is also worth noting that this car is from the last year of the opening rear quarter windows. The car has air conditioning, but it does not blow cold at this time.

The trunk is original and is tidy, with all carpet pieces. The original compressor, spare, and jack are present, and removing the carpet reveals straight inner panels. The tool roll is also present, but could stand tidying. The front deck lid shocks have expired, as they often do on 911’s, but the rear one is working properly. The engine compartment is tidy and largely stock in appearance, though the unit is a more powerful 3.0 liter SC engine instead of the troublesome original 2.7 liter unit. At the time of installation, the fan and fan housing were tastefully powdercoated, and the engine has been fitted with the important Carrera oiled chain tensioners. The air pump is still in place and the car passed California smog easily in August of 2008. The engine has 120,000 miles on it at this time, and does not use oil though it has a few small drips when it sits.

Driving this car is a real treat, proving that at any mileage, a well-maintained 911 is a pleasure to drive. The car feels extremely solid, tight, and crisp throughout, from the suspension and chassis to the gearbox and engine. The engine makes good power, sounds good, and does not use oil. The suspension is compliant but also keeps the body well controlled. The steering is delightfully direct and communicative, while the gearbox is a pleasure to use.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a no-stories properly maintained classic 911 in a timeless color combination. This one has been lovingly maintained by its original owner over the years, and has some great upgrades including the 3.0 liter SC engine. In addition to the tools, jack, compressor and service records back to the 1990’s, the car also comes with its original manual pack with service book and owner’s manual.

Photos