Extremely Rare and Desirable European Production MFI Carrera with Matching Numbers. Rebuilt and Upgraded to 2.9L. A Close Cousin of the Legendary 2.7 RS.
1974 Porsche 911Carrera 2.7 MFI
s/n 9114600630, eng. no. *6640851*
Grand Prix White with Blue Black Interior
For a company that can lay claim to having developed several significant sports cars, the Porsche Carrera RS is one of the select few to have achieved iconic status. Constructed with the quintessential long nose 911 as the basis, the distinctive ducktail rear spoiler, wider rear fenders, and unique front air dam, the RS made an immediate impression on sports car enthusiasts; one that lasts today. The RS, with its lightened construction, thinner steel, and fiberglass bumpers, delivered street drivability with racing pedigree unlike any performance car of that period. Rare and desirable even when new, it soon became obvious to Porsche that simply meeting their homologation targets would not serve their eager clientele. It was clear that the RS theme needed to translate into future offerings.
With the RS as the inspiration, from 1974 through 1976, Porsche produced the Type 911/83 Carrera 2.7 MFI with the “G-Series” impact bumper body exclusively for the Rest of the World (ROW) markets, an internal Porsche marketing term for cars specifically excluded from US and Canadian delivery. Built specifically to meet this market demand, it is reasonable to assume that this might have been a modest street variant of the RS, yet Porsche chose to outfit these cars with the 2.7 liter 210 bhp engine, topped with Bosch mechanical fuel injection (MFI) - the very same engine delivered in the RS. The 2.7 engine was a marvel of technology having benefited from extensive engine improvements gleaned from racing, the cylinder walls were fortified with a wear-resistant nickel-silicon carbide coating, Nickasil, which made for a lightweight performance engine that delivered peak power and plenty of low-end torque.
Offered in both Coupe and Targa body styles, the Carrera was offered in the US, however substantially detuned using CIS K-Jetronic injection resulting in a 50 hp reduction in order to meet demanding North American emission requirements. The 1974 Carrera 2.7 MFI models however were gloriously authentic to the RS lineage including a 2,365lb weight (matching the weight of the Touring RS), “ducktail” or ducktail delete, or, if sold in Germany, the flat profile “whale tail” specifically fitted to meet German Road-Rule regulations.
The rarity of production and similarity to the original RS made the 1974 Carrera 2.7 MFI an immediate darling to the European press and the envy of all US Porsche enthusiasts relegated to somberly reading European magazines as writers gleefully reported eye-watering 0-60 times of 5.5 seconds, coupled with performance and handling far above anything offered in America. The five-speed manual gearbox, independent front and rear suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes all offered in the Carrera package were remarkably so well balanced and precise that even the most astute drivers were hard pressed to find a substantial difference in the driving traits when directly compared to the iconic RS. Just 1,036 Carrera Coupes were produced with the 2.7 liter engine in 1974. In recent years, these “Euro” Carreras have become highly sought after as people discover their amazing driving traits and modest prices when compared against the highly vaulted RS models.
According to the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity (PCNA #4142 assigned May 12, 1997) this matching numbers Carrera 2.7 MFI was assembled at the factory finished in Grand Prix White R4R4 with Midnight (Blue/Black) leather, Leatherette 16 interior. Optional equipment included:
Electric Sunroof
Tinted Glass
Rear Window Wiper
Blaupunkt “Bamberg” Radio Cassette Player
Koni Shock Absorbers
Light Alloy Wheels (Fuch) 7” x 15” / 8” x 15”
Limited Slip Differential
Higher Amperage Battery
By the late 1990s the car is known to have been under the ownership of Fred McKinnon, Tewksbury, MA when the car was invoiced for engine work, October 16, 1997, then showing 81,000kms on the service invoice. Some years later, in 2009, the car was represented for sale in California when the current and consigning owner purchased the car. At that time the car showed approximately 79,000 miles (128,000 kms) and still retained the original 300 kph speedometer, a rarity as many were converted to the anemic 80 mph speedometer when imported to the US. Having benefited from over $60,000.00 in restoration work performed by the previous owner, the car was offered with restoration records showing over $40,000.00 in engine, transmission, and suspension work from experts at Hergesheimer Motorsports. The mechanical work addressed numerous mechanical systems including a comprehensive top and bottom end engine rebuild to 2.9 liters using the very best components. All Porsche parts were used including Andial 2.9 pistons, Carrillo rods, stainless steel headers, transmission work including new syncro rings, new clutch and flywheel, Wevo shifter, new motor mounts, and a new limited slip E915 differential.
During the restoration, the original suspension was upgraded with RSR suspension components. Experts at TRE Motorsports tended to the body and paint while preserving as many of the original parts as possible, addressing minor rust in the front fenders and front pan, which were properly cut, patched and welded. During this time, the factory ducktail was replaced with a fiberglass unit and other areas of the body were prepared and finished for paint. For the interior, a new dashboard, headliner, and new rear parcel shelf were installed, while the original steering wheel was recovered in new material, and a new windshield installed. The original seats had one small tear on one panel of the driver’s seat, which was carefully replaced with a new panel in order to maintain as much of the original material as possible. The car was then painted in the correct Grand Prix white, Porsche Carrera script graphics installed, and the rare Fuchs staggered-size wheels restored by Al Reed to the correct factory finish.
In 2010, under current ownership, the transmission was rebuilt, a new alternator installed, new carpet fitted, and new horsehair pads installed in two rear cushions, carefully maintaining the original seat material. Ongoing maintenance included a 2013 valve adjustment, points and rotor, and inspection of the low end showing “very clean less than 1%” noted on the service invoice. In June 2020, the car was serviced by Porsche experts at Eason Auto Works. Compression numbers returned:
1 – 215
2 – 230
3 – 220
4 – 205
5 – 220
6 – 225
Eason performed a comprehensive service including valve adjustment, a new battery, new breather hoses in the trunk, a new driver’s side door stop, a new window switch, oil change using synthetic oil, and two new hood struts.
Today this remarkable Carrera presents in excellent condition with just over 40,000 kilometers indicated. The car is very well composed and presented, displaying a satisfying combination of restored and original features. The Grand Prix white paint presents beautifully with a glossy finish throughout showing smooth surface transitions, very good quality rubber gaskets and seals, correctly finished window trim, and beautiful Carrera graphics. The panel fit is excellent with the doors, hood, trunk, and rare optional sunroof opening and closing smoothly, revealing very nice underside hood and decklid surfaces and door jambs finished with the same attention to detail as the exterior. The lower front valance reveals a few minor road chips, evident upon close examination, but otherwise the overall finish is quite nice. The distinctive impact bumpers fit properly to the body with very good black rubber and accordion trim, often warped or distorted over prolonged outdoor exposure. The factory correct staggered size Fuchs wheels have been finished with the factory correct satin black and gently polished alloy rims, shod with Yokohama tires. The glass, body trim, emblems, and lenses are in excellent condition. The overall exterior condition of the car is quite satisfying including the fantastic stance and dramatic graphics, further enhanced by the optional sunroof.
The interior features a beautifully finished dash with stunning clear and correct satin black instruments including the original 300 kph speedometer, original switches and knobs, and the five-speed manual shift lever. The carpet, headliner, visors, and surrounding interior surfaces are very nicely presented in correct materials with careful attention to details in all areas. The black leather seats, believed to be original with the exception of the carefully replaced small driver’s side seat panel, are in excellent condition. The original rear seating, a beautifully recovered original steering wheel, correct sunroof headliner, and the correct seat belts are among the few of many delightful interior details presented in the interior. The front storage compartment is nicely finished showing correct factory items in place with finishes reflective of the original specifications.
Lifting the distinctive duck-tail rear deck lid, the matching numbers engine and engine compartment reflect once again a handsome combination of originality and restoration. The engine bay and the 2.9 liter upgraded engine have been both cosmetically and mechanically addressed, still showing very nicely with moderate patina and careful detailing including correct factory decals and labels affixed in their original locations.
The undercarriage is in generally good condition showing clean surfaces overall and updated components. At some point in the history of the car, it appears to have experienced minor rear end damage which is evident in the rear fender to engine apron seam lines. While the damage appears to have been limited to localized areas, there is a small metal seam opening in the forward driver’s side rocker panel as it joins the door hinge structure. There is a small indentation under the oil lines on the passenger side. In the forward area, a fastening tab is missing from under the front apron and other front floor areas appear to reflect additional albeit minor metal repair including the smugglers compartment and welding around one of the suspension-to-floor attachment points.
Driving this Carrera, one is reminded of the exceptional performance these cars offered as direct descendants from the RS lineage. The five-speed manual gearbox is smooth and effortless having benefited from a comprehensive rebuild and recent services by performance professionals. The car starts with a snappy bark, immediately delighting anyone nearby with its distinctive air-cooled Porsche sound. The raspy, hunkered down stance and ducktail confidence all come together on the open road. The throttle response is remarkable in all gears with a fantastically smooth torque curve from the 2.9 liter engine. Crisp MFI throttle response continues through all gears, as revs climb more furiously, the engine eagerly asking for more. Cornering is legendary with great grip due to the upgraded RS suspension work performed on the car. Early 911s are always delightful to drive, but an example such as this combining historic import and exceptional mechanical traits is all the more rewarding in the hands of a capable driver.
The car is accompanied by service invoices from prior restoration work, current receipts, a copy of the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, five miscellaneous tools, and a small box of spare parts.
An absolute legend of timeless beauty and performance, this 1974 Porsche Carrera 2.7 MFI lives up to the ambitious performance objectives established by its iconic 1973 RS cousin. Considered among the most famous street Porsche of all time and one of the most enjoyable to drive, this hidden gem, has been previously known only to enthusiasts who recognize the direct connection to the race bred RS. Today, European MFI Carreras are quickly becoming more sought after by astute collectors awakening to the visceral pleasure of these RS descendants. This highly optioned MFI Carrera Sunroof Coupe is ready to be proudly shown and driven with confidence, delighting its next owner with the rarity and engineering excellence emblematic of Porsche’s racing heritage.
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