History
It’s a 1977, 3.0L Porsche 911. These are the earlier 3.0’s 911’s, prior to 76 the capacity was 2.7L. This is a period of 911 referred to as the ‘impact bumper’, introduced to comply with US low speed crash testing. They used to be considered as an ‘ugly duckling’ compared to the slender chrome bumper pre 73 cars but I’ve always loved them. Over the years many were ‘updated’ with later model bumpers and more recently the trend has been to ‘backdate’ replacing with the pre 73 chrome bumpers – not being one to follow a trend I persisted to retain the bumpers and as it turns out they have now started to come into their own.
When and how did you come to own it?
I purchased it off a Solicitor who at the time commuted in it daily. It was far from a perfect car but it was straight and a pretty honest example. I had the previous owners mechanic (reputable Porsche specialist) look over it and give me the full run down, whilst I was into 911’s like all old cars they can be a minefield so you definitely want to ensure you know what your getting yourself into before you make the deal. After a period of negotiation and getting some mechanical items attended to I drove it for the first time, out of the workshop!
In what condition was it when you bought it?
The car is originally a US delivered car so it’s been converted from left hand drive. This can be an exercise done well or very poorly. Fortunately this car has had a tidy conversion done so all was well in that regard. It had a few areas of rust in the typical spots for these cars (under the battery and front floor pan). This was all cut out and repaired. Overall it was a relatively straight and honest car, a good base for my first 911.
What were your intentions back then? Stay stock? Modify? What was your vision?
Initially I just spent time and money getting the car tidied up, nothing concourse, but just to get it to a level as a presentable ‘driver’ and enjoy it. The car remained relatively stock for a number of years (8-9) just carrying out basic required maintenance. They are a very robust car and even tired they can run and still pull strong quite reliably. It wasn’t until my neighbour at the time backed into it (passenger
Modifications
Body + Paint
The car has had a full bare metal respray in its colour of ‘guards red’. There were a few little areas of repair required but generally the car was in pretty good shape body wise. This was a long process, however, I believe it’s definitely worth the result. As mentioned earlier, I specifically wanted to retain the ‘impact bumpers’ as this resembles the original little red 911 that I fell in love with many years earlier. The intention has then been to develop the car into its own identity without losing the essence of the original, just trying to find the balance between modifying to make your own without making a Frankenporsche (not there’s anything wrong with a Frankenporsche, just not my style)
Interior
The interior has been completely redone but utilises the original dash. It has a deleted back seat (RS style), full roll cage with RS door trims and 2 x BF Torino period basket weave Recaro seats complete with a driver’s 4 point harness. A Momo Mod 07 wheel and wooden 917 inspired shift knob complete the spartan interior. It’s no fuss, fit for purpose as a classic 70’s Porsche racer should be.
Engine/gearbox
The engine is the original 3.0L capacity but has been completely rebuilt to a high performance but still reasonably driver friendly specification. This included stripping the engine back to a bare case and replacing everything including all new pistons and barrels, cams and it’s running a 2 in, 1 out custom sports exhaust with SSI’s – it howls. I’ve retained the original 915 gearbox but this has also been rebuilt and despite the negative press on these units, is a tight shift. It does have a long throw and while I’ve considered short shift kits as well as an improved shifter assembly, part of the charm of these earlier cars is the effort and precision required from the driver. They ask for more driver input and give back a more rewarding experience as a result. They can also punish you much harder too but therein lies the game.
Wheels/tyres
The wheels are custom and utilise an original 901 (early 911) 15” steel wheel. These have then been cast into widened to 8” front and 9” rear aluminium outers with custom backspacing to fit under the standard guards. They are shod with Yokohama/Advan semi slick shoes and I think really suit the track-focussed tough and aggressive style of the car.
Suspension
The original Koni shock absorbers were refurbished including being painted and are mated to Turbo (larger) torsion bars, tie rod ends and all new bushings/rubbers throughout. It’s a track setup but can still be enjoyed on the road - I also don’t want to trailer a car to and from the track.
Accessories
The car currently runs earlier mirrors as opposed to the standard ‘flag mirrors’ of the era, these were originally chrome but like a lot of parts on this car have been painted black. The lower sill deleted, black headlight bezels and mesh rear grille add to the RS inspired touches. Definitely don’t want to overcook it, ‘less is more’ is definitely something that applies to the 911 mantra so any additional mods have been subtle and minimal to keep with the theme.
