1968 Porsche 911 TR

To homologate the 1968 911 for competition purposes, Porsche began with the Spartan 911 T which was a full 54 kg (118 pounds) lighter than their 'S' siblings. Porsche offered clients the opportunity to buy a 911 T outfitted with competition equipment directly from the factory, and the resulting cars have become known as the 911 T/R. They were built in low quantities to a range of specifications depending on their intended competition purposes. Most were fitted with either a standard 911 S engine with 160 horsepower or a 210 horsepower, twin ignition, 906 spec unit. The 'S' engine had single overhead camshafts, dual Weber Triple-Throat carburetors, and developed 160 horsepower at 6,600 RPM. They were backed by a five-speed manual transmission and hydraulic disc brakes were placed at all four corners. The 911 T/R used an independent suspension system with MacPherson struts in the front along and semi-trailing arms in the back, and torsion bars at all four corners. Additional standard performance items included a limited-slip differential, a lighter flywheel, a stronger clutch, and a separate oil-cooler positioned in the front right wheel well. Among the list of performance options were special exhaust systems, a roll bar, larger 100-liter fuel tanks, wide Fuchs wheels, 911R paint stripes, and a Type 901 five-speed gearbox. All examples were devoid of sound-deadening material, carpeting, and non-essential items.

It is believed that 35 or fewer 911 T/Rs were built in 1968 and were officially referred to as a 911 T to help with the homologation process, however, they were commonly known as the 911 T/R.

The 911 T/R proved very successful by privateers, scoring numerous victories in the Group 3 class of the World Championship rounds. An outright victory was earned by Erwin Kremer, Rolf Kelleners, and Willy Kauhsen at the Spa 24 Hours.

Further development of the 911 resulted in the introduction of the S/T model equipped with an even larger and more potent 2.3-liter version of the flat-six engine.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2019