The “Long Hood” 911’s as they are often referred to (1965-1973.5 production) have always provided the basis of purity within the 911 experience. Collectors and enthusiasts have regarded them as “genesis” for what we know the 911 to be today. As the market continues on its upward trend, the world of Porsche is opening the doors to those in pursuit of the marque and all it has to offer. The 911 hardly ends in 1973.5, in fact it was nearly getting started with endless possibilities on the horizon today. There is one car that during the switch from the last “Long Hood” Cars of 1973.5 to the galvanized redesigned cars of 1974/1975 that stands out as the crossover car that gives you the best of both worlds.

 

It all started with the 73 Carrera RS of which around 1,500 would be built. Highly coveted today and Porsches most extreme version of the “Long Hood” 911, in period. By 1974 the all new galvanized body rolled down the production line but the old MFI 911/83 Type engines from the Carrera RS were still on the shelves. As a result, Porsche fitted nearly 1,647 examples (in both Targa and Coupe Format) with the fabled RS motor for European production. These cars would become known as the “Euro Carrera”, a mix of the best possible engine in the newly redesigned chassis. These cars were only destined for European Delivery, and Porsche needed to fill a gap for the US Market. The end result is the “US Carrera” which received a near identical body, options, interior etc… but received the slightly watered down 911/44 Type motor with CIS Injection rather than MFI like that of its European Counterpart. Potent, fast, and easily at the top of the food chain for what one could have in 1974/1975 here in the US when ordering a Porsche. They were rare when they were new with only 395 produced in total for the US Market, as a result, they are still rare, and becoming highly coveted.

 

The example on offer here, Chassis # 9115400113 left the factory exactly as viewed today, Silver Metallic (72) over Black Leather (66). The options fitted were recorded as California Emissions, “Koni” Shocks instead of “Boge”, and a Sunroof. A unique standard option on the US Carrera was also the iconic Carrera script on the sides of the car. While the COA does notate it to be a numbers-matching example, it does not notate the very rare and desirable Sport Seats that are believed to have been installed either at the factory or upon arrival in the US, which make for a more aggressive driving position. It was delivered to its first owner on February 22^nd, 1975 via Towson Valley Motors of Towson, Maryland. According to the service stampings in the original manual, it was regularly serviced by its first owner until about 26,275 miles in September of 1976. History at this point becomes bleak, and we can only make assumptions based on hear-say as to its exact location history. Through inspection however it is evident that caring for this car and/or storing it properly was paramount for whoever owned the car prior to 1976. There are factory color inspection markings everywhere including the front trunk, engine bay, and even under the dash. High points of originality are present everywhere you look and the car 100% retains all of its original metal throughout. There is absolutely no evidence of rust repair or previous accident damage The car reflects that of a very straight, solid, one respray example with low-mileage. By 2014, we do know the car had been sold by a reputable dealer in Texas in 2013 to a local collector. As further history develops, this section will surely be updated.

 

While history is always paramount to the value, so is the condition and overall presentation. Good original cars with the right attributes can often speak extensively to the quality of car that they have been previously and are today. Cosmetically, this car is approachable as a car that could be driven or shown with absolutely no immediate needs. We have confirmed this to be a single re-spray (in the original color) car, and otherwise, largely untouched with true original low-mileage. As a result, it is straight down the sides with excellent gaps and proper panel fitment throughout. The paint shows very well with only minor imperfections, most of which would benefit from further wet-sanding and buffing of the paint to get a deeper luster. There is perhaps a chip and/or scratch or two present on the body or bumper, but nothing worth refinishing. The lenses and lighting are all of the correct type per US cars, and all of them, including the lower fog lights are crack-free. All of the rubber appears to be in good condition and the glass is of the same quality, without faults. There is very minor overspray on miscellaneous pieces of rubber that can easily be remedied. The lower valance and rubber pieces for the bumper, along with the rubber on the whale tail are all in good condition and not faded or cracked, as is common with 70’s/80’s Porsche’s. It should also be mentioned that the whale-tail, which is specific to Weisach Editions, Carrera 3.0’s and 74/75/76 US and Euro Carrera’s is the original to the car and in good condition as well.

 

The interior is the part of this car that really gives you a good idea as to how this car has been maintained. The door jams are clean and the original sports seats have a nice patina; indicative of a sub 50,000 mile car. The carpets appear to be correct replacements but the door panels, rear deck, rear seats, and other covers on the pillars and elsewhere are clearly original. While the headliner is original it does have a few blemishes. A small hole, some staining, and a tear near the zipper as well. The second noticeable blemish is the dash, which is fine overall but the speaker panel is warped from heat (an attribute of living in Texas or the Southwest) and should most likely be tended to along with the small tear in the vinyl on the B-Pillar. Everything on the inside does work however; all lights, switches, knobs, pulls and anything electrical down to the radio powers up and operates as it should, including the sunroof. A very nice place to spend the afternoon, inviting as a driver, and overall a driver quality with mostly original interior.

 

The front trunk can tell you a lot on any Porsche. This car shows to be very much untouched overall. All of the important items are present such as factory metal and factory spot-welds. It does appear however that part of the front trunk may have been re-sprayed at one point, but we have also found many things to be original as well. Certainly solid and accident free from our inspection. The engine bay is the number one spot that shows true originality. There are numerous faint yellow markings still present from the factory on many items. Everything is there, stock, and appearing to be largely untouched and in excellent condition throughout. It is full of factory correct finishes and while dirty from use would detail out to be a nicely preserved and original engine bay. To reiterate, the engine number of 6550731 can be found on both the COA and the car.

 

The recent service receipts within the past year total nearly $2,600 for basic service which included a fluids change, valve adjustment, and other minor tweaks. Needless to say, the car is currently “dialed in”, and its road manors easily compare to how up-to-date the service is. It starts easily, idles well, but does have a slight tendency to not idle when very cold. Power is abundant with plenty of torque through the rev range. There are no abnormal noises and the car steers where directed, brakes quickly thanks to upgraded 80’s 930 Brakes, and overall nothing stands out as an issue. It is indeed ready to be driven, feeling like a reliable performer ready to be driven at length and with spirit.

 

Porsches are on the rise, doing interesting things in the market place and are finally coming into their own. If one admires the 2.7 MFI Euro Carrera but can’t foresee the near $300K of the current cost, the US Carrera can provide identical looks with performance that is not too far off. Complete with books, jack, spare, Porsche COA and a few documents, this is a fun and sensible addition to any collection.

 

Available Documentation: (Click on the links below to view the file)

 

• Porsche Certificate of Authenticity

 

• Original Books & Service Stamps

 

• Recent Service Receipts