1975 Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 arrived in 1964 and served as a replacement for the 356. It retained the rear-engine layout, but was given unitary construction for the bodyshell and dropped the 356's Volkswagen-based suspension in favor of a more modern McPherson strut and trailing arm arrangement. Initially, the single-overhead-camshaft, air-cooled flat-six engine displaced 1,991cc and offered 130 horsepower. Over time, it was progressively enlarged and developed, eventually growing to more than 3.0-liters and, in turbocharged form, produced well over 300 horsepower.

1966 brought the first of countless upgrades to Porsche's perennial 911 with the introduction of the 911S. Distinguishable features included Fuchs five-spoke alloy wheels, a heavily revised engine producing 160 horsepower, and a top speed of 135 mph (an increase of 10 mph). The wheelbase was lengthened for 1969 which improved the 911s handling, and then in 1970, the air-cooled, 'flat six' engine grew larger - to 2.2 liters.

The Porsche 911 was endowed with many advanced features and technology originally developed for purpose-built racing machines, such as dry sump lubrication and an overhead-cam flat six-cylinder that that was tailor-made for competition. Development reached a crescendo in the early 1970s with such iconic models as the 911 ST and the 1973 Carrera RS and RSR. Following in the footsteps of the iconic 1973 Carrera 2.7 RS was the 1974 Carrera 3.0 RS, the first factory competition offering based on Porsche's new G Series body style. Compared to the previous 1973 model, the newer RS came with a hose of improvements including larger fender flares, wider wheels, 917-type brakes, and a new aluminum-cased 2,993cc version of the flat-six engine. Now developing 230 horsepower (a 20 horsepower increase over the 1973 model), the RS raised the bar in terms of performance capability on both road and track. Just fifty-six examples of the 3.0 RS were built in 1974, a sharp contrast to the 1,500 plus variants from 1973.

In 1974, all 911 variants received the 2.7-liter unit, hitherto reserved for the Carrera, when the latter went to 3.0 liters. The 2.7-liter unit (albeit in non-Carrera tune) produced slightly less power than the old 2.4 unit, but offered significantly more torque over a much wider rev range and offered noticeably improved acceleration. With a tolerance of low-lead fuel, much better fuel consumption, and increased tank capacity, the new 911 was superior to its predecessor in every way as a high-performance, long-distance tourer.

The 911 was offered in 'base' and high-performance '911S' configuration, with body styles remaining a closed coupe or Targa form. Styling was similar to prior 911s, with minor modifications that included body-colored integrated bumpers designed to comply with U.S. bumper-strength requirements. In the front was an air spoiler; the engines received a new Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system; and the interiors received new high-back seats with integral headrests in the front.

A new Carrera option became available and it featured the same engine found in the 911S but had larger wheels and tires at the rear. Other modifications included a rubber-rimmed 'ducktail' spoiler in the rear on the engine cover. On the lower bodysides were identifying lettering.

For 1975, the base 911 model was no longer available, leaving only the 911S and Carrera, with increased horsepower and torque ratings. The Carrera differed from the standard 911S in 1975 via four exterior features that included the distinctive flared rear-fender arches, wider Fuchs wheels (7x15-inch rear and 6x15-inch front), Carrera script along the side just above the rocker panel, and a choice of either a fiberglass duck-tail rear spoiler or a turbo-style whale tail rear spoiler.

A limited-edition Silver Anniversary was offered, and just 750 examples were available. All were painted in Diamond Silver metallic.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2013