Highlights A highly coveted, final-year Short Wheelbase (SWB) survivor Unrestored, supremely well-preserved original shell from dry-state California Rare, factory-matching numbers 4-speed manual (‘901/0’) transmission Sympathetically upgraded to 160bhp 911S spec (2.0 litre type 901/13 engine) Stamped service book, Kardex and COA Large history file of maintenance totalling $50,000 Older repaint (~50 years ago) in pretty Ice Green metallic, while entirely preserving the original factory-painted black sections (engine compartment, front trunk and underside) The Appeal For purists, the earlier the 911, the better the 911. The SWB car with the 2L flat six is the one closest to Ferdinand’s vision, but it was only built for four short years, until August 1968. This 911 is one of the last built and began life as a 130bhp Coupé Karmann US; it has sympathetically evolved into a very usable touring and event car with a 911S 160bhp specification engine. The car was initially dispatched to California, then brought to the UK and acquired by the seller in 2016. In left-hand drive, it would be superb for touring the Continent. Beyond that engine upgrade, it has new Weber carburettors, alternator, electronic ignition, and new brakes. The Type 901/01 original 4-speed gearbox has been overhauled and fitted with a new clutch. These are clever improvements that don’t significantly alter the looks or originality but make the car much more usable. It rides on a set of original 15-inch Fuchs alloy wheels. The car is reported to run and drive very well. The vendor says: “ The classic car market now prioritises originality over restoration. Collectors recognise the rare quality of an example that has never met major restoration and has no need for it. The driving experience is surprising, with the vocal sound of a highly breathing air-cooled engine, associated with modern power. The short wheelbase is very noticeable; the car is short, light and quite powerful for its featherweight. Its compact design is clearly distinguishable from a long wheelbase. ” History & Paperwork First registered 1968 VIN:11835432 Originally supplied to California Remained in the USA until 2009 UK registered from May 2009 MOT and tax exempt by age V5C Large history file Reported €50,000 investment Factory-stamped service book and driver’s handbook Recent maintenance: Engine service Brake fluid changed Calliper seals changed Spark plugs The Condition Older repaint in good order with some minor age to note Reported to have been resprayed 50 years ago Finished in Ice Green metallic (also called “Diamond Green metallic ref 250”) Chrome finish Fuchs alloy wheels in good overall condition Vendor states that the chassis has not been restored or welded Highly original black 2+2 interior in fair condition with some running repairs over the years Fitted with original front and rear seatbelts Features period radio The air-cooled 911 market is saturated with vehicles that have been stripped down and then rebuilt in an attempt to reproduce the car's original condition, using ill-fitting pattern parts, or used parts that do not correspond to the year of production, employing reproduction methods of varying degrees of accuracy, with copious welding repairs. Our 911 is a welcome antidote. The vendor notes that its underside and interior are original, with the former never welded and the latter only receiving minor ongoing repairs over the decades. Those are the perks of a California import! It is a supremely usable car, ideally suited for touring and events, and also a very tidy, nicely presented example. You could improve it, but patina is the trend in today’s classic car market, and it looks fabulous as-is. The vendor says: “ Original underneath from the factory. The paint, now almost 50 years old, shows a couple of small cracks on the front hood and some small chips on the front fenders. The bodywork has good shut lines and no rust at all, having spent most of its life in the dry Southwest USA.” The black leather interior, with its original patina, has undergone only minor part repairs many decades ago, primarily due to the Californian sun (headliner and dashboard top cover). ” Mechanics 1,962cc flat six 160bhp S specification engine Original four-speed Type 901/01 gearbox Gearbox overhauled New clutch New Weber carburettors Alternator replaced and fitted with electronic ignition New Brakes Serviced prior to sale This car left the works as a 911 2.0 130hp Coupé Karmann US and was delivered by the Porsche dealership in Burlingame, California, in November 1968 to a medical doctor with his practice in Fresno. The vendor says: “ About 50,000 euros of work done. The original power unit was only 130hp. To meet needs nowadays, the engine has been upgraded at the millennium with a type 901/13 same period 2.0 S specification 160hp engine components (red shroud), showing mechanical aspects have not been neglected, having always been properly maintained, as well as the gearbox synchronisers and clutch of the original ‘901/0’ four-speed manual transmission. The maintenance and upgraded 2.0S-spec engine have been optimised to be the ultimate "event" car—the perfect vintage rally or tour companion. ”