Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024 - Cars on Saturday the 9th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. Introduced in September 1975 for the 1976 model-year with production only running until 1977, the interesting Carrera 3. 0 is rightly regarded as somewhat of a special and rare model amongst the impact-bumper era 911 model range.
Following on after the MFI-engined Carrera 2. 7, the 3. 0 Carrera heralded the adoption of the newly developed Bosch K-Jetronic CIS fuel-injection engine. This torque-rich, smooth and free-revving 3-litre engine with a distinctive ‘cam' effect from 4, 000rpm produced 200bhp and was effectively a naturally aspirated version of the 930 Turbo's drivetrain.
During its short two year life span, only 3, 687 cars were built - a tiny amount compared to nearly 58, 000 911 SCs and 76, 500 3. 2 Carreras produced. Of these, 2, 564 were Coupés and 1, 123 were Targas with only around 1, 064 Coupés being manufactured in right-hand drive. Very few right-hand drive cars reached the UK and with just a two-year production run, only 121 Carrera 3. 0 Coupés are verified by their chassis numbers with Porsche Club GB - and this is one of them.
The car presented here is a 1975 (1976 M-Y) Porsche 911 3. 0 Carrera Coupé and as confirmed by its chassis number, #the details below, it is an early-production example of the highly-revered 3. 0 Carrera. We know some of its early history; it was first registered in the UK on 13th November 1975, wearing registration RWS 113 (which it wore for 11 years). By 2007, its registration was MHR 570, it was Midnight Blue and it was not adorned with a rear spoiler, having covered 88, 508 miles (according to an old MOT Certificate). At this time, according to the DVLA, it was exported out of the UK. In 2015, it was specially sourced by classic Porsche specialist Jon Miller of ‘Classic Carreras’ in Limerick, a business so well known and respected that Porsche Club Ireland members used to make an annual pilgrimage to it! Jon imported the car into the Republic of Ireland, selecting it for his own Collection/ potential future project and by 2022 it was indeed the subject of a ground-up, nut and bolt restoration to the exacting standards expected of Classic Carreras (see images of it attached in their workshop).
Towards the end of the restoration process, our vendor – himself a collector of best of breed classic cars – approached Jon with the intention of buying the car. A deal was struck and our vendor has enjoyed the car for the last few years, using it sparingly on dry days only around roads of County Clare. It has not disappointed, being a proper driving machine and turning heads wherever it goes. It is now being offered for sale at a tempting auction estimate, considerably less that it would cost to source and restore such a desirable 1970s Porsche.
As one of the rarest UK-market production 911s, and considered perhaps the most ‘en-vogue’ model of the marque’s back-catalogue, this fully restored example represents good value against the 930 Turbo and is the smart choice for those who respect history and rarity.
Please note VAT will be due on this lot at a rate of 5% on the hammer price and buyer's premium plus the prevailing rate on the buyer's premium if the car is to stay in the UK.
