1972 Porsche 911

Several significant upgrades occurred in 1966, just two years after production had commenced, resulting in the introduction of the 911S. Changes included Fuchs five-spoke alloy wheels, and a revised engine offering 160 horsepower. The base model for 1967 was the 911 T (Touring), initially with the 2.0-liter engine in 110bhp form before adopting the 2.2-liter unit along with the rest of the range in 1969, by which time the 911's wheelbase had been extended by 57mm to cope with the sometimes wayward handling. Demand quickly outpaced supply, which led to a substantial proportion being manufactured by coachbuilder Karmann at its Osnabrook factory.

By this point in history, models included the entry-level 911T, middle-ranking 911E, and top-of-the-range 911S, all of which were available as either a closed Coupé or Targa convertible. With the 2.2-liter engine's arrival, a common type of cylinder head was adopted, the differing power outputs being determined principally by valve timing rather than valve sizes. In 1972, all models were fitted with the 2,341cc (nominally 2.4-liter) unit, which in 'S' specification produced around 190bhp, 60 more than the original 911 of 1963.

In addition to the larger engine for 1972, the 'E' series received two revisions including a new front spoiler incorporated below the bumper. In an attempt to moved weight as much as possible towards the center of the car, the oil tank was repositioned inboard of the right rear wheel arch, resulting in the introduction of an external oil filler cap on the right-hand side rear wing behind a flap ('Oel Klappe'). This design was quickly changed after numerous petrol station attendants filled the oil tank with fuel.

The base price of the 911T Coupe 2+2 in 1972 was $7,250. The top-of-the-line 911S Targa had a base price of $10,230. The 911T was powered by a horizontally opposed, overhead cam six-cylinder, air-cooled engine with a 142.8 cubic-inch displacement and produced 157 (SAE) horsepower. The 911E had the same 2341cc engine with a higher compression ratio of 8.0:1 and produced 185 (SAE) horsepower. The 911S had an 8.5:1 compression ratio and delivered an impressive 210 (SAE) horsepower. The 911T and 911E were mated to a four-speed gearbox with an optional five-speed manual or four-speed Sportomatic transmission. The 911S had a five-speed manual with Sportomatic optional. Disc brakes were located at all four corners.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019