• Year of manufacture 
    1973
  • Chassis number 
    9113301311
  • Engine number 
    6339136
  • Lot number 
    347
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Number of seats 
    2
  • Location
    United Kingdom
  • Exterior colour 
    Other
  • Drivetrain 
    2wd
  • Fuel type 
    Petrol

Description

1973 Porsche 911S 2.4-Litre Coupé
Registration no. RGO 73M
Chassis no. 9113301311
Engine no. 6339136

Equipped with the semi-automatic 'Sportomatic' transmission, this Porsche 911S was first registered in October 1973 and delivered via Hexagon of Highgate, London to its first owner. The second owner kept the car for 28 years and it has remained within the London area most of its life. 'RGO 73M' is one of 58 right-hand drive S coupés delivered to the UK in 1973 and one of six supplied in the typically 1970s colour, 'Fleider' (Lilac), re-branded in the UK as 'Royal Purple'. The car was also delivered with the original factory options of a sunroof, rear screen wiper, electric windows and tinted glass.

This car is documented as one of the last five 2.4-litre 911S coupés registered in the UK, being produced in June 1973. Being a late example, it also benefits from the stronger '7R' engine cases, as used on the 2.7-litre 911RS models, which are a rare find on a '2.4'. Complete with Porsche Certificate of Authenticity confirming all details are correct, the car has been verified by Porsche Club GB as one of only two right-hands drive 1973 911S Sportomatic models. It is the only one known to be registered currently and as such is unique. It is estimated that the number of UK-market 2.4-litre 911S models surviving is in the low teens.

'RGO 73M' is offered fresh from a two-year restoration by marque specialists Tech 9 of Liverpool, which consumed in excess of 1,000 man-hours. Tech 9 purchased the Porsche in December 2012 from the second owners, Howard and Lindy Springett of London. They had owned the car since 1984 and had cherished and kept it in wonderful condition. The vehicle had been repainted red in the mid-1980s, the 1970s 'Royal Purple' being deemed 'old fashioned' by then; such colour changes were not uncommon.

When Tech 9 received the car, the red paintwork had stood the test of time remarkably well but it was nevertheless decided to reinstate the original colour scheme. The Porsche-approved body shop, Road & Race Restorations in Bolton, was entrusted with the task of bare metal preparation and repainting in the original colour of 'Royal Purple'. No serious rust was encountered and it was decided to retain the original door frames, replacing the door outer skins with new genuine Porsche Classic parts. Photographic documentation from Road & Race shows the condition of the bodywork, which even retains its original kidney bowls, door jambs, outer sills and floors.

Importantly, the car retains all its original parts. All wheels are matching and date stamped, while the original intake system includes the correct '013 pump', intake stacks and all other period-correct parts. The original interior boasts ultra-rare double locking Sports Recaro seats. It was decided to replace the carpets, as they were looking somewhat tired, but the originals have been retained. Even the original soundproofing material on the floors remains intact.

Tech 9's approach to the wheelarch trims typifies the care taken to restore rather than replace original parts. The original trims were stripped of the anodising, then polished and bright anodised to factory finish. These parts are both extremely rare and fragile, and were personally transported to each repair shop rather than risk the use of a courier. The original suspension pieces were treated to the correct zinc-plated finish, and others powder coated where necessary. The original aluminium front brake callipers were restored by one of the world's leading experts in brake restoration in the USA, to ensure the correct original green anodised finish was achieved.

The engine was completely dismantled and rebuilt with all new consumable parts and it was decided to use a new set of original Mahle pistons and cylinders. The original Sportomatic gearbox and all other associated parts (mostly unique to the S model) have been restored. The gearbox ratios and the engine's flexibility complement each other perfectly; indeed, the car can be driven from standstill to 80mph in one gear making it perfectly suited to spirited driving along country lanes. Since the comprehensive rebuild, the Porsche has covered fewer than 500 miles. We are advised that it drives beautifully and that the performance is stunning.

The car comes with the original service book stamped by Hexagon of Highgate, presented in its correct maroon service document folder, while the original tool kit, jack and compressor - often lost - complete the picture. Accompanying documentation consists of the aforementioned Porsche paperwork; sundry MoT certificates dating back to the 1970s,;a quantity of restoration invoices and a V5C registration document.

Its condition and originality testify to the care and attention of this 911S's former keepers, and it is extremely rare to find such a highly original example as this one, which has covered only 103,000 (documented) miles. Representing an important piece of Porsche UK history, this rare 911S Sportomatic and will surely continue as an appreciating asset in future years.


Bonhams 1793
101 New Bond Street
London
W1S 1SR
United Kingdom
Contact Person Kontaktperson
First name 
Bonhams Collectors’ Car department

Phone 
+44-2074685801
Fax 
+44-2074477401