Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Rare Classic: 1970 Porsche 911E

The owner of this 1970 Porsche 911E Coupe claims that it is 1-of-1,088 cars built in that model year. I haven’t been able to verify that figure, but I have been able to confirm that it is still a rare car nonetheless. This one presents nicely, and it has received an engine upgrade that should endow it with better performance than the average 1970 model. Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, you will find the Porsche listed for sale here on eBay. It seems that people like what they see because there have already been an astonishing 81 bids submitted at the time of writing. This has pushed the price along to $50,200 in a No Reserve auction.

The Black Porsche generally presents well, with paint that shines richly. There are a few minor chips and marks, but nothing that is too horrendous. The owner admits that there is a bubble in the paint on the passenger door, but he claims that it isn’t penetrating rust. This raises an interesting point because there is also a mark visible on the lower front fender on the same side. I initially thought that it was a reflection, but it remains in the same spot when viewed from different angles. It could be some form of dirt, but it probably should be checked. We do get some clear shots of the 911’s underside, and it looks clean and structurally sound. The trim is in good order, as are the Fuchs wheels. The Porsche has also retained all of its original glass, and this appears to be free from marks and flaws.

The 911 is not a numbers-matching car because a previous owner has upgraded the engine. The original 2,195cc flat-six motor has made way for a 2,341cc unit of 1974 vintage. That change will have boosted power outputs from 155hp to 165hp. Those German thoroughbreds find their way to the rear wheels via this car’s original 5-speed manual transaxle. Traditionally, normally-aspirated Porsche engines tend to produce surprisingly low power figures, but this shouldn’t mislead potential buyers. It isn’t the available power that is the key here, but how the car utilizes it. That is the 911’s strong suit, and it explains how a car with such modest power can still cover the ¼ mile in 15.1 seconds. This Porsche runs and drives well, with no odd noises or smoke. The owner supplies this YouTube video of the car in action, and it sounds very crisp and healthy.

The buyer won’t need to spend much on this Porsche’s interior because it presents pretty well for an original survivor of this vintage. There are no issues with the upholstery, while the carpet is equally as impressive. The dash itself is in good order, although the speaker cover is missing. It appears that there is an aftermarket radio/cassette player installed, but the interior remains otherwise unmolested. However, there could be a problem that the buyer will need to tackle. In his YouTube video, the seller acknowledges that the tachometer doesn’t function. He states that he will be investigating this. He doesn’t acknowledge that there is also a warning light illuminated, the temperature gauge is cycling up and down, and the oil pressure gauge reads zero while the car is on the move. That suggests that there could be an electrical gremlin lurking somewhere in the Porsche, and it will need to be traced if the seller doesn’t rectify it before the sale.

The owner’s claim that this 1970 Porsche 911E Coupe is 1-of-1,088 could potentially be correct, but I haven’t been able to confirm this. I have found two other production figures. One is 1,294, while the other is 1,304. I tend to believe that the former figure might be correct because that’s the one that correlates most closely with the available VIN data for the model. The United States was the biggest market for these cars, and 729 found their way onto the roads in the hands of lucky American owners. That does make it a rare car, and with what you now know, would you be tempted to join the bidding party?

Comments

  1. bobhess bobhess Member

    I never did understand where Porsche was going with the 911E. 14″ wheels, odd shocks designed to do something I never did figure out, and the smaller of the available engines. Nice car here.

    Like 1
    • Ralph

      The 911 E was the “entry” level 6 cyl. model for the 911 series.
      At least that’s what the factory PORSCHE reps told me back when I was working for the company.
      Not 100% certain, but it made sense to me then.

      Like 1
      • Alan Brase

        Actually, not correct. the models were: 911T, 911E, 911S. The T models were softer cammed, smaller ports, lower output. The E was in the middle, with nearly the output of the S. The S model was very peaky and quite a revelation to drive, but perhaps too explosive for a daily driver. So the E model was marketed as the slighlty more comfortable high output ride for the tech savvy buyer. It was nearly as expensive as the S. the taller section 14″ tires and hydropneumatic front suspension were hoped to make it a little more attractive to upscale buyers.

        Like 2
  2. Bluetec320 Bluetec320 Member

    If you watch the video, he will tell you that everything works and the car is “mechanically sound”, but the tach doesn’t work and there is barely any oil pressure. Some fool is about to part with their 50K on this thing, but I’ll PASS!

    Like 5
  3. Alan Brase

    Says original paint but I see a bit of green peeking out, So I think it’s about like George Washington’s axe.

    Like 3
  4. Joe Kearns

    The 2.4 is actually a downgrade as the 2.2 E engine is or rather, was, injected (MFI) and was quite a hot engine. This cars value is directly tied to that original engine.

    Joe in NH

    Like 2
  5. Ralph

    This one needs a very thorough examination before laying down the big bucks.
    Anyone who drives one of these with a non functioning oil pressure gauge, is either a fool, lazy, or both. This is a huge red flag about the owner’s priorities.
    Other items mentioned being not right point to a broke owner, or someone who does not give a damn, and rides on luck.
    Not my kind of seller. YMMV though.

    Like 1
  6. Joe in NH

    The E stands for the German “Einspritzung”, which means injection. This “mechanical fuel injection, MFI” was developed by Bosch and Porsche. The “911S” was the top of the line “Sport” model and the 911T was the base or entry level car.
    Joe in NH

    Like 3
  7. Curt Lemay

    Too rich for my blood, but seems pretty nice.

    Like 1

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.