1972' Porsche 911

History
The 356 secured Porsche’s reputation as a producer of some the world's finest sporting cars when production ceased in 1965, however the all new and recently launched 2. 0 flat six 911 coupe, was a car that took that reputation to an even more exulted level, both on the road and the circuit. For 1969, it acquired a new longer wheelbase chassis and engine displacement increases followed, firstly to 2. 2 litres in 1970 and then 2. 4 litres for the 1972 model year.
The 2. 4-litre (actually 2, 341cc) unit had already been tried in endurance racing and when installed in the new 911S, produced 190bhp. To handle the extra performance and torque available, a new stronger type 915 5 speed gearbox was fitted too. The two most obvious external change from the 2. 2-litre models were the addition of a small chin spoiler, adopted to improve high-speed stability and an external oil flap (oel klapper) in the right hand rear wing, to fill the centrally located tank beneath. This oil tank had been repositioned to further improve weight distribution, however, as is well documented elsewhere, it caused more than a few engine failures when errant petrol pump attendants mistakenly used this side filler to refuel the car with petrol instead of oil. Porsche then reverted to putting the tank in the rear of the car for 1973, where it was originally located and filled via the engine compartment. This makes a 1972 model 911 not only more desirable for its unique appearance, but slightly sweeter handling too.
The 911S represented the pinnacle of Porsche's sportscar programme in the early 1970s, bettered only in performance terms by the 2. 7RS and was the last of lightweight cars before the advent of impact bumpers. With 0-60mph coming up in 6. 6 seconds and a top speed of 144mph, the 2. 4S was Porsches answer to the slower 246 Dino from Ferrari and today stands out as one of the prettiest 911s ever produced.
This Example
Supplied new to Mason and King of Leicester on 25. 01. 1972 finished in signal yellow and registered DRY704K, the colour and number it still wears today, this 911 2. 4 S coupe with side `oel klapper`, was actually manufactured in 1971, and is believed to be one of the earliest examples, of less than 40 UK RHD examples registered in that year.
It stayed in its standard configuration until approximately 2004, when BS Motorsport converted/ restored the car for Edmond Harris Porsche and his customer Brian Burrows into an ST style period road racer, complete with a 2. 7 litre engine, reputedly costing circa 100k at the time.
In 2006 it was acquired by Neil Primose from the band Travis, however, was sold on shortly afterwards, when it is believed he acquired a genuine 2. 5ST as its replacement. The next owner Tim Bryan decided it would be suitable for competition, so instructed Gantspeed to carry out the necessary modifications and applied for FIA papers which were granted in 2008. It was subsequently campaigned in the Tour Britannia and then the Heritage Touring car cup.
We acquired the car in 2012 and its last race was actually in 2013 at the Spa Classic with Paul himself and his team mate Gerry Taylor behind the wheel. It was shortly after this that the car was sold to a long standing customer, who instructed us to carry out a conversion back to a car that could be used for fast road use as previously intended.
Because of the rising value of cars during this time, shortly after commencing the refurbishment, we received further instructions to carry out a full no expense constraint restoration to the highest standard possible and to its original specification. This was carried out over a two year period and included sourcing many OE period parts including a correct and genuine 1972 numbered 2. 4S engine. The restoration is meticulously recorded with documentation including the original certificate of authenticity and photographs. These are available to view along with the car at our premises.
Since completion, the car has been displayed at Goodwood Revival, Silverstone Classic as well as several Porsche Club events and has been generally acknowledged by those who truly understand these cars, as possibly one of the finest restored examples available anywhere. Unfortunately, our client eventually succumbed to a long term illness and the car had to be sold, however, has since been used as intended, for tours of UK and Ireland by its current owner.
In Summary
It is fair to say; it may not be commercially viable to restore a 2. 4S to this obsessive standard today. However, for the next custodian, this car still presents as well as when first completed, and is an excellent opportunity to acquire one of the finest genuine RHD ‘72 cars available, restored in its correct original colour and specification.