This 1972 Porsche 911T is a numbers-matching example apparently found hiding in a backyard shed. It is yet another undisturbed model that needs a total restoration but also appears to be wholly deserving of such an investment. It’s also worth noting that it has the desirable external oil filler, a one-year-only option made available on the 1972 models before reverting back to the original design. The numbers-matching car can be found here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $36,500.
The body has clearly seen better days, but it’s not a lost cause structurally. The rear bumper is not pictured, so assume that to have gone missing. The Fuchs wheels are a nice touch, and the paint is at least correct per factory data. Whether it’s been repainted at some point isn’t disclosed. The 911 looks decently straight down the sides, and the door panel appears to line up well. The difference in color on the engine lid could indicate it’s been replaced at some point with a lid from another car, or that a poor repaint was performed in the past. The seller doesn’t detail any significant rust issues, but the floors are almost always a problem on these.
The interior appears to retain its factory black upholstery, and the door panels, while filthy, haven’t been cut up for aftermarket stereo equipment. The dash pad looks surprisingly supple for a long-dormant car, so perhaps the shed storage arrangement bought it some time. It still looks like there may be a crack going down the middle, but it’s hard to tell for sure. The windows have clearly been left down, so it’s safe to say the interior will require as much work as the outside. The factory radio is missing, and photos don’t show the condition of the rear seat area.
The external oil filler is one of those details that air-cooled Porsche fanatics salivate over. Don’t ask me why, other than the fact that one-year-only options tend to be a big deal no matter the make or model. One can only speculate that a few too many gas station attendants added gasoline where oil was supposed to go (or vice versa) to cause Porsche to switch back to the conventional setup. The engine remains numbers matching, but no word on whether it turns freely by hand. As a project, this one will need everything, but the price seems to reflect that – depending, of course, on how bad the undersides are.
Or you could have the black gto convertible for the same price, what a friggin joke .
Porsche removed the external oil filler because of increasing safety standards, not confusion between fuel and oil. The oil filler lid has a latch located on the right side door jam. The fuel door and latch was on the left. Plus there was a dipstick that would need to be removed first.
I disagree. There was a reason it was a one-year experiment. We know first hand of engines that were ruined when an attendant put fuel in the oil filler.
Yep, sounds like what Len said.
This is a good way to obtain a fairly rare car that then gets restomodded. Build your own Singer and have the original oil door. Very cool.
I am always dishearten at the non-constructive negative comments that frequent many listings. My mother used to say, “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” I click on “Read More” for fun and curiosity. I’m often edified by knowledgeable readers’ constructive comments, but the ones that grouse about money and personal choices and taste leave me wishing those guys had said nothing at all.
If you are reading more for fun & curiosity, then anything else, beware!
Remember, curiosity KILLED the cat.
It is with THAT one needs to proceed with caution.
I’ve found there are some very INTELLIGENT posters here on this site.
If your feelings get a bit bruised take it in stride, it’s what life is made of.
Best Wishes on your project endeavors, and remember: Rust NEVER sleeps!
Assuming no structural rust, this one would get a full mechanical restoration, a good rear bumper, and a wipe down with linseed oil, if it were up to me. It would steal a lot of attention at any Porsche show!
The car is in about the same condition as the doors to the place where it sleeps.
Neglect is a terrible thing.
Having had two, a ’67 Targa and a 70 sunroof, as you who have been around know, I would tread lightly. If you have that kind of money and are going to buy a P car, buy one from Unicornafornia. Dry and probably better taken care of. The cost of an engine rebuild is beyond hellatious, add in a new interior and stripping down the exterior to the metal to see whats really going on and well……whats the point unless you want to spend the money. Lots of them around, all mostly pricey. Buy the best condition you can find for the least amount of money :) Hey ….thats an original idea!
I think you are better served by buying a nice example. The asking price vs. what it will cost to restore will be a break even or put you slightly in the hole. Now if it were a S model that would be a different story. Worked on a 72 Targa S while i was in CA. Original owner and I pleaded with him to get it restored. I did get it running real well and it was a treat to drive. Old 911’s are wonderful cars.
Phlathead and Mountainwoodie (above) say it all