1991cc SOHC Flat 6-Cylinder Engine
Dual Weber 40 IDS 3-Barrel Downdraft Carburetors
160bhp at 6600rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes

*Matching numbers example
*European, French delivered car
*Original color combination
*Extremely rare European-model '68S

THE 1968 PORSCHE 911S

1968 found Porsche in a difficult position: New American emissions-control regulations had just been imposed, which would strangle the automaker's flagship 911 "Super", whose horizontally-opposed, two-liter air-cooled SOHC six, fed by a pair of big Weber downdraft carburetors, pumped out 160 willing horses. Unfortunately, that engine, without some extremely careful carb re-jetting and tuning, would not meet the new standards, so Porsche decided to replace the high-performance "S" in the United States with the new "L", or "Luxus", which offered all the normal high-end interior trim, uprated suspension, and big brakes but with the mild, air-pump-fitted 130 horsepower engine from the base 911 in the tail. A few examples of the new short-wheelbase Euro-spec 1968 911S found their way into the US, but nearly all were sold in Europe and other countries.

The 1968 911S in Euro form boasted all the right stuff: a very strong motor equipped with forged high-compression light-alloy pistons, forged and nitrided connecting rods, and bigger valves. Underneath were McPherson struts, rack-and-pinion steering, and large disc brakes with light-alloy calipers all around. There were Koni adjustable shocks, a stiffer front anti-sway bar, and an anti-sway bar added at the rear. As Car and Driver magazine had remarked in 1967, this impressively light (2400 lbs) automobile was not one to be taken casually.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Delivered through Sonauto, the Paris Porsche distributor, on January 22, 1968, this 911S is reported to have come into Canada in the early 1970s through the French Embassy. Found in a Montréal parking garage after a long period of storage, it was repainted in 1996 in the original Polo Red color, at which time the body seals were replaced. The interior, including soundproofing, black leatherette upholstery and red carpets, is largely original.

The 911S was sold to the Oldenburg Family at our 2008 Quail Lodge Auction, direct from its former Canadian ownership. Following its acquisition, it was treated to a complete in-house rebuild of the original engine by a Porsche factory master technician, with receipts on file to the tune of approximately $30,000, this work including new connecting rods and carburetor rebuild. In more recently times the muffler was replaced, and the Fuchs alloys reshod with new tires a couple of years ago.

On file are an original period tool kit, owners' manual, jack components and an extensive documentation binder which includes Certificate of Authenticity confirming that its engine matches its original delivery, together with previous appraisals, period literature and advertisements (many from Sonauto) and other documents including some service records. It should be noted that the gearbox is a period replacement unit.

The Oldenburgs have enjoyed the car immensely and they describe it as a very good roadgoing/driver quality example, which they have maintained properly and used carefully. An extremely rare model to find in America, this is a well-documented and appealing 'S' model.