1967 Porsche 911 S
A modern classic if ever there was one, Porsche's long-running 911 arrived in 1964, replacing the 356. The latter's rear-engined layout was retained, but the 911 switched to unitary construction for the body shell and dropped the 356's VW-based suspension in favour of a more modern McPherson strut and trailing arm arrangement. In its first incarnation, Porsche's single-overhead-camshaft, air-cooled flat six displaced 1,991cc and produced 130bhp; progressively enlarged and developed, it would eventually grow to more than 3 litres and, in turbo-charged form, put out well over 300 horsepower.
The first of countless up-grades came in 1966 with the announcement of the 911S. Easily distinguished by its stylish Fuchs five-spoke alloy wheels, the 'S' featured a heavily revised engine producing 160bhp - an increase of 30% over the regular 911, lifting the top speed to 140mph. Other improvements included Koni shock absorbers, a front anti-roll bar for a sportier chassis, and more powerful ventilated disc brakes. Over the past 40 years few sports cars have proved as versatile as Porsche's perennial 911, a model that has proved equally capable as a Grand Tourer, circuit racer or rally car. Success in the latter role came only a few years after its introduction, when works driver Vic Elford became European Rally Champion in 1967. In the modern era the 911 has established itself as one of the most popular and successful cars in historic rallying worldwide.
Bonhams will be offering this example at their Amelia Island auction on the 10th March. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos courtesy of Bonhams.