1972 Porsche 911S 2.2-Litre Coupé

• Delivered new in the UK
• One of only 44 right-hand drive models built in 1971
• Matching numbers
• Professionally restored in the 2000s (bills available)
• Present ownership since 2018
• Circa £25,000 spent recently

A 'modern classic' if ever there was one, Porsche's long-running 911 arrived in 1964, replacing the 356 that had secured the fledgling company's reputation as producer of some of the world's finest sporting cars. The iconic 911 would take this reputation to an even more exalted level on both the road and the racetrack.

The first of countless upgrades came in 1966 with the introduction of the 911S. Easily distinguishable by its stylish Fuchs five-spoked alloy wheels, the 'S' featured a heavily revised engine producing 160bhp, the increased urge raising top speed by 10mph to 135mph. A lengthened wheelbase introduced in 1969 improved the 911's sometimes wayward handling, and then in 1970 the engine underwent the first of many enlargements, to 2.2 litres, in which form it produced 180bhp on Bosch mechanical fuel injection when installed in the top-of-the-range 'S' models.

This 2.2-litre model was supplied new by Porsche dealership AFN in Isleworth, Middlesex on 2nd April 1971. It is a matching-numbers example and one of only 44 right-hand drive cars built in 1971. The accompanying Porsche Cars GB dating letter confirms that the car is finished in its original colour scheme of Bahia Red with Black trim. Notable features include the five-speed gearbox, electric sunroof, and Fuchs alloy wheels.

The Porsche has had only three former keepers from new, the last of whom acquired the car in 2002 and commenced a full restoration two years later. This rebuild was undertaken by specialist restorers RGA Porsche Centre in London. The restoration is documented by a photographic record and invoices totalling some c.£20,000 for the main restoration and a further £12,000 for the engine rebuild. In 2006 RGA rebuilt the gearbox and carried out various other works at a cost of £4,258. RGA fitted a new heated rear screen and uprated heating, etc in 2008 at a cost of £2,753, making the total spend c.£40,000. The odometer reading at time of the engine rebuild in May 2005 was 10,164 miles and is now 16,646, so only 6,482 miles covered over the course of the last 21 years.

In November 2011 the then owner sold the Porsche to its next custodian, who went on to cover a mere 3,200 miles over the succeeding six years. When our vendor purchased the car in 2018 it had been in storage for the preceding three years. Since acquisition the vendor has spent a further £25,000 or so with Porsche specialists Greatworth Classics of Banbury on various works to include stripping the engine, retro-fitting a front oil cooler, and installing a rear anti-roll bar. Ready to enjoy, this extensively restored Porsche 911S is offered with a history file of bills, past registration documents, expired MoTs and current V5C.