Early 911 Spotters Guide

1965-1966 2.0 Litre 911

The first models were Identified by their 4.5 inch steel wheels, and Porsche script with connected lettering at the base of the engine lid. Towards the end of 1966 the lettering of the script was spread across the entire width of the engine lid. These were the first of the short wheelbase models with the tortion bar covers immediately behind the rear arches. These models also sported chrome windscreen wipers and horn grills. The Engine ran on triple choke solex carburettors until early 1966 when they were replaced by the better performing Webber IDA carburettors. The interior of the first 911 featured wood rimmed steering wheel and wooden lower dashboard section.

1967-1968 2.0 Litre 911S

The 911S between 1966 and 1968 still ran on the short wheelbase and provided a very different driving experience to the more forgiving Long wheelbased models made for the 1969 model year. SWB cars are known for being more "tail happy" and were more nervous in the handling department when driven to their limits. The 911S featured dual circuit brakes with vented discs and in 1968 light alloy front brake calipers were introduced. From its introduction in late 1966 the S came with 4.5" Fuchs alloy rims, but from the latter part of 1967 the rims were incresed to 5.5". At the same time as the introduction of the LWB model the rim sizes were increased again to 6". The engine featured two rows of triple choke webbers.

1969 2.0 Litre 911S, 911T and 911E

For the 1969 model year the 911S had its rear arches slightly flared and all the models now featured the better handling longer wheelbase. This years 911S also featured major changes in the engine department, gone were the Webber carbs and coil ignition, to be replaced with a mechanical fuel injection system and capacitive-discharge ignition giving 170 bhp. However the other models available at the time didnt offer this level of power. The base model offering the 911T of this year has been labelled the least powerful 911 ever at only 110 bhp. The mid range E offered a respectable 140bhp but some models featured the front mounted Boge self leveling hydro-pneumatic suspension units and didnt provide the most precise handling, these cars can be identified by their 14" rims instead of the standard 15".

1970-1971 2.2 Litre 911

The cylinder capacity was increased to 2.2 litres for the 1970 model year, these models can be identified by a 2.2 sticker in the center of the rear window and 5 vertical fixing bars under the engine lid grill instead of the earlier models 6. for the 1971 model year ther is a second sticker in the right hand rear window "marken weltmeister 1969 1970" celebrateing the models success in the world championship of makes.

1972-73 2.4 Litre 911

For the 1972 model year the cylinder capacity was increased yet again to 2.4 Litres and mated to the new 915 gearbox, eliminating the dog leg configuration of previous models. The 2.4 engine can be identified at a glance from the air intake trunking pointing to the left and not the right as in previous years. All 2.4 cars were supplied with 6" fuchs alloy wheels. The 2.4S recieved a styling change, with its revised front air-dam which became an option on the T and the E of the same year. In 1973 the new air-dam was standard on both the S and E models.