The new Porsche 911 model made its way to dealership showrooms in 1965. A complete redesign to the classic Porsche shape, now fitted with a larger, air-cooled 2.0L horizontal 6-cylinder under the rear decklid offering 130 horsepower along with a 5-speed synchromesh transmission. It was beautifully sculpted and would remain embraced for many decades to follow! This early, short wheelbase, air-cooled, long hood 911 examples are increasingly growing in popularity among astute Porsche collectors as blue-chip investments. Produced through 1968, only 4 model years, finding solid and original examples such as this one has become very difficult! This final year in 1968 would be the first year of US emissions control systems (smog pump), along with the introduction of front & rear side market lamps for added visibility.
Offered here is a beautifully survived 1968 Porsche 911 Coupe finished in Ruby Red over Black Leatherette interior. It comes fitted with its original numbers matching 2.0L Horizontal 6 cylinder with correct Weber 40IDA carburetion and 5-speed synchromesh transmission to produce 130 horsepower and 128 ft. lbs. of torque at 6,100 rpm! Options and features on this example include headrest seats, dual outside mirrors, 15" chrome ventilated steel wheels with colored wheel crests, Pirelli Cinturato 185/70VR15 radial tires, all tinted Sekurit window glass, yellow Hella fog lamps, driving lights added in the horn grills, front 3-point belts & rear lap belts, carpeted floor mats, passenger vanity mirror, Blaupunkt AM/FM pushbutton radio (presently in-op), and VDO instrumentation.
This example was discovered parked in a garage largely unused from a Michigan estate. It has a documented history showing original single ownership from April 1968 until August 1985, then trading hands between two dealers through 1986, then sold to it most recent owner who recently deceased. Said to have been professionally repainted approximately 20-25 years ago from its factory Irish Green to its current shade of Ruby Red, the interior remains 100% original from the headliner to the carpet. The dash, door panels, sun visors, etc. all continue to show extremely well with only the mildest of patina. Sadly, since the owner of the car passed away, much of the history and accuracy of the 43k miles showing on the odometer cannot be verified. It would be serviced to include flushing the gas tank, installing new spark plugs, cleaning and adjusting the carburetors, and new tires installed to be drivable once again.
It was delivered to Napleton Westmont Porsche located in Chicago, IL for a full Classic Technical Certificate inspection in June 2023. The results and full Porsche certification are included in the sale and shown in our image gallery. Only a few minor items were noted in the examination that required attention, but it proved to be a very original Porsche in excellent overall condition! It would come to the St. Louis Car Museum & Sales soon afterward and await a more extensive servicing to be road ready once again.
This included pulling the carburetors completely for a total overhaul including new idle & main jets, rebuilding the electric fuel pump, addition of Pertronix Ignitor II ignition system and coil, replacement transmission shifter coupler bushing and shift level ball socket, new engine oil/filter, new oil sump gasket, new Bosch starter, fresh 75W90 transaxle fluid, new front wheel bearings, turned front brake rotors, new rear brake rotors, all new DOT4 brake fluid, to mention a few items. It required thorough detailing, and the end results truly speak from themselves!
This is a terrific Porsche that survives with a wonderfully solid chassis and accident-free body. It should now prove to be a terrific driver and weekend show car for any Porsche enthusiast looking for a nice, original example! Please feel free to call with additional questions or schedule your chance to review this SWB Porsche 911 Coupe in person! It shouldn't last long! Thanks for looking!
