CAR TALES: THE PORSCHE 911 CARERRA BROUGHT NEW LIFE TO SPORTS CARS

Was the sports car in danger of extinction in the early 1970s? 

Due to a convergence of circumstances, it certainly briefly seemed so. First, we had the 1973 OPEC fuel crisis – the price of oil rose by 300%! That was not good for cars that only covered 12 to 15 miles to the gallon.

On top of that a series of new U.S. Federal laws – as well as ones specific to California – were much tighter regarding rules over exhaust emissions and crash resistance.

Porsche 911 fans were worried. Would the now 10-year-old car continue into a new incarnation? Or would that rumored four-seater project – the 928 – push the 911 off into oblivion? 

Well, as we know, Porsche is nothing but resilient. The Stuttgart company fought back, and its engineers and stylists innovated their way out of the problems.

In 1974 exciting new 911 types appeared in motor racing, like the 3.0-liter RSR for customers and the 2.8-liter Turbo Carrera – a 911 like no other. These were cars that would point their way to new chapters in the history of Porsche in racing and of the 911. In fact, due to the assorted crises, the production 911 was on the verge of a new lease of life and would find a new maturity in the changed economic climate of the remaining 1970s.

The 1973 model 911T for the United States had been the first Porsche to use the cleaner-running Bosch K-Jetronic injection, and this ingenious and effective system appeared on the new 2.7-liter 911 and 911S lines in 1974; it provided extra engine capacity combined with more fuel-efficient injection to give the 911 more flexibility, with better power delivery at low revs.

This allowed the 911 to meet the new American legislation for exhaust emissions.

The other change that had to be made for the 1974 models was the introduction of energy-absorbing bumpers to improve low-speed crash resistance. The Porsche stylists introduced impact bumpers, and by a clever mix of design and function, managed to lift the image of the 911.

The transformation of the Porsche 911 was complete. Sales steadied and then started to rise through the mid-1970s. The new 911 had defied its critics.

Right now at Beverly Hills Car Club we have a splendid example of this cultural shift, an extremely original 1975 Porsche 911 Carrera Sunroof Coupe featured with matching numbers and only 61,825 miles on the odometer. With only 395 examples ever made, this particular 911 is #287.

Not only was the sports car not in danger of extinction in the 1970s, you might say it was just getting started…

Whether you are selling a showroom-quality car, or a total restoration project, the Beverly Hills Car Club is always looking to add to their wide-ranging inventory. For cars that are barn-find restoration projects, all the way up to top-of-the-line concours cars; you are sure to find your dream car!

-Alex Manos, Owner – Beverly Hills Car Club

Looking to Sell Your Classic Car? Let’s Talk!

 

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2025-02-14T20:08:53Z