BaT Auction Preview: Wholesome and Desirable E Coupe with Matching Numbers and Presented in Original Colors, with Books, Tools, and Records
To be auctioned in early April on Bringatrailer.com:
1969 Porsche 911E
s/n 119220649, Engine no. 6291399
Light Ivory with Black Leatherette Interior
The iconic Porsche 911 launched to the automotive public in the fall of 1963 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Developed as a replacement for the successful albeit dated 356, the 911 arrived as a production model with more power, more comfort, and a favorable price when compared against sports cars of the period. With a stylish and compact body design and brisk performance, sales rapidly grew as people discovered the many merits of the new 911. Typical for Porsche, immediate performance enhancements and improvements were initiated with each year. In 1968 the wheelbase was increased 2.25” to improve handling, (cleverly relocating the independently sprung rear wheel mounts without changing costly body tooling), and delicately flaring the wheel arches to allow room for wider wheels and tires.
In 1969 Porsche introduced the 911E, a formidable blend of performance and technology featuring the Einspritzung (German for injection) 1,991cc six-cylinder, mechanically fuel-injected SOHC engine. Unlike the carbureted 911T and 911S models, the fuel-injected 911E fit nicely between the two models but also offered some luxury features including a leather wrapped steering wheel, velour carpeting, vented four-wheel disc brakes, and gold-toned script on the engine lid. The 911E would remain in the model line until 1973 when it was discontinued. Sales for the 1969 911E totaled 2,826 units for the year, a mere 3.5% of the 81,000 total production for 911 models spanning 1965-1972.
Having been under original long term ownership from 1969-2016, this particular 911E is a numbers matching example originally purchased by Larry Kavich, former Porsche Great Plains Region Club President. According to the original factory Maintenance Record accompanying the car, this 911E was delivered to Kavich on May 27, 1969 via Porsche of America Corp, Midwest Zone in Northfield, Ill. Kavich faithfully owned and preserved the car for 47 years until selling it to the next owner in 2016. A copy of the Porsche window sticker included with the car, indicates the car was delivered with Porsche side lettering, an antenna, tinted side glass, rear glass, and windshield, a license frame kit, and a Becker “Europa” radio, The Porsche Certificate of Authenticity states a production completion date, April 9, 1969, corroborates the window sticker options, and confirms the original engine and gearbox, both of which remain with the car today.
Since delivery, this 911E has remained in largely original condition retaining the original interior, original engine and transmission, and factory body panels. The original headliner, door pockets, dashboard, foot pedals, carpet, sun visors, shift knob, window cranks etc. are all stated by the original owner to be original factory items. The original owner further states that several hoses and clamps on the car have also remained original during his 47 year ownership. In 1975 the front pneumatic struts were replaced with shock absorbers, however, all other major mechanical parts on the car have since remained as the car was delivered new in 1969. In 1980, the original interior was removed in order to prepare the car for a high quality repaint. The repaint was completed in the correct Porsche color Ivory White.
The owner used the car sparingly, eventually storing it in a heated garage with only mild use as the years ensued. Records retained with the car show a consistent and accurate accumulation of miles through 2005 with 64,182 when a clutch service was performed. In 2011, the car was professionally tended to with all fluids changed, new hood struts installed, front suspension aligned, new tires mounted on the original date coded Fuchs wheels, new plugs, new distributor cap and rotor, a new set of ignition wires fitted, and the shifter linkage rebuilt. Later that year the front spindles and struts were replaced, new Porsche side lettering was installed, and Koni inserts installed. In 2012, showing 65,737 miles, $7,200 was spent reconditioning the MFI throttle housings, rebuilding the mechanical fuel injection pump, replacing the injectors, and adjusting the timing. Also, at that time, the oil cooler was reconditioned with new seals, the front shock snubbers modified for better stance, new rear shocks installed, and a new heater blower hose installed. After the original owner sold the car in 2016, it was traded to a collector who then arranged another trade resulting in consignment. The car is currently titled in Montana.
Today showing just 70,489 miles, the car presents as a handsome example of an original and properly preserved car. The glossy white paint displays evidence of road use showing rock chips in the lower portion of the front valance and bottom edges of the hood, driver’s side door edge chips, and gentle aging to the various exterior details but otherwise admirable cosmetics for a car that has been cared for over the years. The door jambs and other inner body surfaces display very good paint finish, and the rubber, weather stripping, and trim are in generally good condition. All body panels appear to be original to the car displaying consistent dimensions and fit typically found on factory original cars, with crisp door closures, excellent hood fit, and proper part lines. There are no major flaws to detract significantly from the car’s visual presentation other than minor blemishes one might expect from a car with 40 year-old paint. The chrome is good condition, while the lights, lenses, and glass are in very good condition with good gloss, clarity, and coloring. The exterior window garnish is in particularly nice condition. The correct and original factory dated Fuchs wheels are very nicely presented with proper finish and clean trim rings showing no significant marks or curb rash. B.F. Goodrich tires are appropriately sized, showing excellent tread, having been installed less than 2,000 miles ago.
The original interior is honest and faithfully presented, particularly for enthusiasts who enjoy cars with authentic character. The preferred five-speed manual transmission is prominently on display, retaining the original shift knob, activating the factory matching numbers gearbox. The original front seats are mercifully preserved displaying very nice overall visual condition, very good rear seats, original headliner and sun visors, and original door panels, dash, and carpeting. The original carpeting is in fair condition with a worn driver’s side footwell in various places, attesting to the originality and appropriate use over the years. The instruments, dial faces, and needles are in excellent condition and function as expected. The leather wrapped steering wheel, radio, and wonderfully preserved knobs and switches handsomely complete the black interior.
The engine compartment reflects the quality of preservation given to the original engine and engine compartment while in service to the long-term owner, and during the years of safe storage and more recent recommission. The engine has been mechanically addressed in areas where needed, retaining the factory correct finishes, appropriate fittings, and original style components that proudly reflect the originality of this 911E. The front storage compartment features a correct factory Fuchs spare wheel, proper factory original finishes, and, once again, remarkable originality in every corner of the storage area. The original liner is in very good condition. The undercarriage is clean and solid, displaying nicely preserved and properly tended four-wheel disc brakes, exhaust, engine case, and original gear box case, all of which are mounted to the factory correct and original chassis. The chassis and suspension mounting points appear original with no notable damage to the factory finishes, and no visual evidence of structural compromise, essentially appearing as one might expect based on the ownership records, indicated mileage, and care afforded over the long-term single ownership spanning 47 years.
The car starts quickly, revs with great throttle response, and runs smoothly, delivering a pleasing exhaust note when blipping the throttle. On the road, this 911E performs with ease, making great power via the fuel injected engine while delivering a tight ride, excellent handling, and spirited acceleration. The car pulls cleanly through the rev range without hesitation or excessive vibration. The five-speed gearbox shifts smoothly warm or cold without bearing noise, working in harmony with the responsive engine. In corners, the front end feels tight and confident, even at highway speeds, likely due to the minimal miles accrued since new shock absorbers were recently installed. The brakes pull down straight without rotor runout on a solid, high pedal. Handling is very good overall with no rattles or excessive cowl shudder when proceeding over bumps or rough roads. The originality of the car is delightfully revealed with each mile as the body and chassis integrity, responsive engine, and pleasant interior all come together only as factory original cars can offer.
This 911E is offered with the original Porsche owner’s manual, Porsche maintenance record booklet with several service stamp entries, a set of tools and roll with Porsche towel, a set of floor mats, Becker radio manual, vinyl case, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, and copies of various period ownership records, receipts for selected vintage service and repairs, and more recent service records.
This honestly preserved and very well-maintained 911E combines great driving pleasure and pleasing cosmetics in a delightful car ready for enjoyable tours and attending local club events. An integral part of the Porsche 911 lineage, the 911E combines fuel-injected performance and five-speed manual excitement with a hint of luxury and panache. Surely to continue as a sought-after example of 1960s Porsche history, collectors will continue to seek out the 911E for the many merits of these very special and rare performance cars.
The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.
Fantasy Junction • 510-653-7555 • 1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608