1965 Porsche 911 Rally Car

Lot details
Registration No: SPY279C
Chassis No: 302048
Mot Expiry: Jan 2020

- Accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity confirms that chassis 302048 was built in July 1965 and supplied new via Otto Glocker Porsche Sportwagenzentrum of Frankfurt

- Converted into a historic rally car for the vendor by renowned marque specialist Francis Tuthill of Tuthill Porsche in 1997-98 and subsequently used for the 1998 London - Cape Town (finisher), 2001 Inca Trail (Class Winner) and 2012 Trans-America New York to Alaska (Bronze Medal)

- Also prepared / maintained by marque specialists Maxted-Page & Prill and Clark & Carter

- Pleasingly retains its original 'matching numbers' 2-litre engine and also boasts rally suspension, long range fuel tank, five-speed gearbox, roll cage, high-back bucket seats, trip meter etc

The world's most successful sportscar dynasty in terms of competition glories and cultural status, the Porsche 911 has evolved significantly over eight generations. That said, the current 992-series and first 901-series are both characterised by their tail-mounted flat-six engines, all-round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and 2+2-seater cabins not to mention a hard-won reputation for performance and reliability. Series production of the 901-series began in September 1964. Designed by Dr Ferry Porsche's eldest son, Ferdinand `Butzi' Porsche and the company's joint founder and chief body engineer Erwin Komenda, the newcomer was based around a steel monocoque bodyshell and boasted an all-up weight of just 1,080kg. Derived from the marque's Type 804 Grand Prix racing programme, its 1991cc flat-six engine was allied to four- or five-speed manual transmission. Credited with 130bhp @ 6,100rpm even the very first 911s were capable of over 130mph. Having competed successfully with the 356, Porsche was quick to do the same with the 911, and laurels in both racing and rallying came swiftly and easily from 1965 onwards. Indeed, a mere four months after the first car rolled off the production line, the company entered one for the Monte Carlo Rally. For a lesser organisation this would be a baptism of fire. Porsche fans, however, will not be surprised to know that the car not only completed the event without trouble but finished an astonishing fifth overall. Outright `Monte' wins followed in 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1978, while the 911 also distinguished itself on the 1973 Circuit of Ireland, 1974 Manx International, 1980 Tour de Corse and 1984 / 1986 Paris-Dakar rallies.

According to its accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this notably early example was built in July 1965 with chassis 302048, engine 902132 and transmission 101915 (a five-speed Type 902/1 unit). Finished in Light Ivory (6404) with Black leather upholstery, it was delivered to supplying dealer Otto Glockler of Frankfurt on 29th July 1965. Resident in California for much of its life, the Porsche is thought to have been taken across The Pond by a returning US serviceman. Believed but not warranted to have covered just 43,000 miles by the time it was imported to the UK during 1990, the 911 was described by then owner Barry Newton as `totally original, both bodily and mechanically'. His June 1991 application to Porsche Club Great Britain's 911 (2 litre) Register also noted that: `The car is totally rust free but as a precaution it has been totally recovered in stone chip on the underside and repainted, followed by an application of waxoyl. All necessary body and mechanical remedial work has been carried out after its long period of non-use, and the whole vehicle is now in 100% pristine condition'. Sourced by the vendor from marque specialist Josh Sadler of Autofarm some six years later, 1998 saw `SPY 279C' entrusted to Francis Tuthill and converted into a historic rally car. The work cost some £40,000 and took 368 hours. Sandblasted and strengthened as necessary, the original bodyshell was fitted with a more endurance rally appropriate interior complete with a roll cage, high back bucket seats and trip meters etc plus `Marathon' specification brakes, suspension, steering and fuel systems etc. The front compartment and bonnet were modified to accept two spare wheels and a FIA-spec fuel bladder installed. The factory-fitted engine was thoroughly overhauled and uprated with Weber carburettors. The rest of the drivetrain received attention too with even the wheel bearings being replaced. As might be expected from a firm that justifiably promotes itself as `the world's leading Porsche 911 rally workshop', the result was a thoroughly well-sorted and competitive machine.

In addition to successfully completing the 1998 London - Cape Town Classic Reliability Trial (24th October - 4th December), chassis 302048 won both its class and the marque award on the notoriously tough, 15,000-mile 2001 Inca Trail Classic Reliability Trial (6th October - 29th November) and claimed a Bronze Medal on the 2012 Trans America New York to Alaska Rally. Meticulously checked over and prepared before and after each event, `SPY 279C' was fettled by renowned marque specialist Andy Prill (then of Maxted-Page & Prill) for the 2012 Trans America but has since been looked after by Clark & Carter Restorations Ltd. The latter treated the 911 to a new fuel cell, fuel pump, carburettor overhaul and fuel filters in July 2017 whilst also giving the original engine a cylinder leakage test which revealed they were all within ten percent. Little used of late, the Porsche started readily and behaved well during our recent photography visit feeling decidedly purposeful and eager to drive. The Certificate of Conformity for its FIA Standard FT3 - 1999 fuel bladder has only just expired (March 2019) and the car would seem well suited to a return to the historic rally scene or transformation into a circuit racer for Peter Auto's prestigious 2 Litre Cup series.

Built within the first year of series production, this notably early, matching chassis and engine numbers 911 is offered for sale with a Clark & Carter Restorations Ltd insurance valuation for £150,000, extensive history file and MOT certificate valid until January 2020.