The Porsche 911 is one of the most iconic cars ever conceived. Designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, Ferry Porsche’s son, the first 911s arrived in 1964, bearing the badge of brilliant performance. But that wasn’t its only virtue: the car was quality-built, perhaps best in class. Early cars have become intensely expensive, shouldering out most enthusiasts. But collectors often make compromises away from perfection in order to put a 911 in the garage. This matching numbers (Porsche COA on order) 1968 Porsche 911 coupe might offer that opportunity. It is for sale here on eBay, bid to $46,700 reserve not met. This car’s Sportomatic gearbox and the color change in its history might result in enough of a discount to justify purchase for a would-be Porschephile.
The 911 was issued in several iterations by 1968: the T, the S, the L, and this one, the plain old 911. Only the latter two versions were shipped to the US, due to emissions regulations. The motor here is a 2.0-liter flat six-cylinder mounted in the rear. Capable of 130 hp and almost 135 mph, early 911s can be tail-happy in the wrong hands. This car is equipped with a four-speed stick-shift Sportomatic semi-automatic gearbox working through a torque converter. Our seller indicates that the 43,000 miles recorded on the odometer are believed to be original, given that the car spent a number of years without seeing the road.
The interior is substantially original with leatherette seats and factory-ordered headrests. The grey Perlon carpet and rubber mats are in good condition. The rear seats are excellent. The car comes with its tool kit and spare tucked into a tidy trunk. Hella fog lamps and spot lamps lend a business-like appearance up front. The seller represents the car as “driver quality” both in and out.
The car’s original color was Irish Green, but it was repainted twenty-five years ago to Polo Red. The listing contains no comment about the European license plates which appear to be Austrian, but I’m no expert! Instead, the car is represented as a Mid-Western car. No underside shots are provided. So questions abound: why the plates? is there any rust? documentation supporting the mileage? This is a car I wouldn’t consider without a personal visit and with eyes wide open regarding the Sportomatic, which will keep this car’s value depressed versus a manual. How would you approach this seller?
Nice car. The longer wheel base introduced in ’69 was a direct result of complaints about the tail happy handling of the cars. Made a huge difference. If I bought this car back then I’d change the color too. Can’t comment about the asking price as it’s been all over the map on these cars.
The sportomatic is such a rare option. I’m sure many were converted to a 915 5-speed and at one time if I would have if the opportunity presented. Back in late 2000’s when I was working in Santa Barbara I made a house call to a customer who had a car we worked on with a no-start condition. On the other side of the garage was an early 911 in Irish green with its engine removed. That car was a sportomatic and when I saw that it let the wind out of my sail. Hindsight is always perfect but I do regret not showing interest in the car. Probably could have bought it for a few thousand back then. Just think I might have owned the first generation Porsche Tiptronic:)
Dear Michelle, you are right. It is a special Austrian license plate:
.Green license plates may be used by private individuals and temporarily attached to the vehicle. They are intended (without exception) for transfer journeys from Austria to other countries. The plate on the Porsche was issued in Steyr, Upper Austria.
Thank you!! It took me about a half hour to make a guess at that, after that long researching it, so glad to be on target!
We currently own a ’68 Targa Sportomatic, and a few years ago had a nearly identical ’68 S Targa Sportomatic. Properly set up, they can be a blast to drive: spool up for quick acceleration, keep your hands off the shifter until you need to shift, blip throttle on downshifts. Because of the vacuum servo controlled clutch, there’s less wear and tear on the drivetrain. In 1967, Porsche entered two 911s so equipped in the grueling 84 hour Marathon de la Route, the Porsche 911R Sportomatic of Elford/Herrmann/Neerpasch winning by more than 30 laps. There’s a reason why Peter Gregg and Jurgen Barth preferred them… it’s a manual with an automatic clutch, and that American automotive press (particularly Car and Driver) published the “manly men” BS still lingers. That’s a shame. Do gearheads think the same of Cotal or Wilson pre-selector gearboxes?
Yes, Sporto and the color change may hold the price back, meaning that a savvy buyer will take home a nice low mileage example.
Had the same comments about my Olds powered Studebaker coupe with the 4 speed hydromatic in it… that is until I waxed them on the drag strip.
Mine is the 2001 Carrera 4 with the automatic gearbox. Good things: you forget about clutch service & you can be faster in gear changes when starting from zero speed than a manual. Porsche’s little secret here is that they provide the auto with a small dose of more horsepower so that it achieves the same terminal speed with the manual
Beautiful car. Excellent post BH. Sounds like the Sportmatic is actually quite desirable, until something happens to vacuum and an owner gets disillusioned over a mystery. Now that you explained it, other than paint color change, it sounds like it should be more desirable. I normally don’t care about paint color change if it was done fully and properly. And even then it’s easiest to go for an original color. But this presents beautifully. It will always have value. I see lots of Barn Finds that are tasteful updates. This appears to be one. Considering the crazy money the 356 series commands and this the successor with world’s apart improvements, I really can’t imagine price. If numbers match, probably something with deep pockets will drive it a while then do a full original restoration. If values on 356 are an indication.
Ooh! This is a sweet baby! Worth every dime!
Beauty, eh? I prefer the chromed disc wheels to the Fuchs mags.
I think you have confused Ferdinand and Ferry. Dr. Ing. Ferdinand Porsche was the engineer & founder of the company, and Ferry was his son, responsible for the wonderful 911.