1973 Porsche 911S

The Porsche 911 was conceived as a sportscar built with much the same flair and style as the outgoing 356 it replaced. The replacement search for the 356 had begun in 1959, as Porsche was seeking a more powerful, larger, and more comfortable replacement. The prototype 901 made its debut in September of 1963 at the Frankfurt Motor show with production beginning a year later in 1964 alongside the last of the 356s. In 1967, the model range expanded with the addition of the 'S' model marking the beginning of the 911 as a car with genuine performance, suitable for both road and racetrack.

The 1968 model year was the beginning of government influence on automobile design and emissions. For 1969, the wheelbase was lengthened, and weight became better distributed throughout the chassis. By this point in history, the 911 lineup consisted of the T, E, & S. The latter two were equipped with a mechanical fuel injection system, and all were now powered by a 2-liter motor. From 1970 to 1971, engine displacement grew even further, to 2.2 liters. The 1972 and 1973 engine displacement again increased, now to 2.4 liters in an effort to retain power lost from compression ratio reductions required in meeting low-octane leadless fuel. A stronger and more user-friendly H-pattern type-915 5-speed replaced the outgoing dog-leg of the generation prior.

In mid-1968, Porsche engineers replaced the aluminum engine cases with magnesium. Even though the magnesium flat sixes performed fine within the limitations of the material, extreme conditions proved challenging. To rectify the problem, an oil cooler was fitted to the right front fender on all S cars beginning in 1969. The cooler became an optional accessory in 1973 and was recommended in warmer climates if the car was to be driven aggressively.

1973 was the final year for the T/E suffixes. The 911S had a 2341cc six-cylinder engine with an 8.5:1 compression ratio and delivered 181 (SAE) horsepower. The later F-body 1972-73 models offered higher torque than the earlier 2.0-liter cars, thanks in part to the revised 915 transmissions.

Body styles consisted of a 2+2 coupe or a Targa, with pricing beginning at just over (USD)$10,000 for the 911S.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2019