Known as an “Olklappe”, more on that to follow, this 1972 Porsche 911T is a bit rough around the edges. Still, it’s an important cog in the evolution of Porsche’s iconic 911 series cars, and certainly worthy of a review. Squirreled away in Burleson, Texas, this forlorn-looking 911 is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $38,500, OBO.
According to Hemmings, the 911T was introduced as an entry-level model in 1967 and continued through 1973. The early911registry.com website breaks things down in finer detail, stating that total 911T production reached 4,400 units in ’72, with 2,900 being U.S spec versions, and that’s out of a grand total of approximately 13K 911s, of all stripes that left Stuttgart that year. That said, I have found other production volumes that vary with this stated body count. The seller advises, “100% complete car but needs full restoration due to sitting for many years in the sun. Not original paint but similar color…” There is obvious surface rust – no surprise for a 911, but the body and underside appear to be sound – mostly, except for the floor pans beneath the rear seat bottoms. Nice to see are the Fuchs-style wheels, but the seller says they’re fake. Too bad; they appear to be in decent, non-corroded condition.
This 911T’s engine is a “flat” 2.4-liter six-cylinder engine that generates 130, 140, or 157 HP, depending upon which source you consult (anyone with a more definite answer is encouraged to comment). Generally, the T was carbureted, except for U.S. models, which used fuel injection (MFI); the seller claims, “All MFI parts are there and intact.” Unfortunately, this one’s a non-runner, and the seller adds, “Engine isn’t fully seized, but it only moves a small amount at this time. I intend to soak the cylinders to try and free it up, but with the original engine it’ll deserve a full rebuild.” This stuck engine is attached to a five-speed manual transaxle. Of note is the dormant A/C compressor.
That “Olklappe” description refers to the oil filler door on the passenger-side quarter panel. It was a one-year-only feature and served as an access point for filling the dry sump oil tank. Note the “Oil” sticker; apparently, more than one of these Olklappe-equipped Porches ended up getting a gasoline fill-up via this entry point. It’s also a bit ironic that the engine seems to be partially seized – diluted oil maybe?
The interior is rough! The seller refers to seats as Recaro (Wreckaro, maybe?), but they look more like something you’d find in a VW Bug. There’s detritus everywhere, the headliner is falling out, the underdash A/C unit is all askew, the steering wheel is molting, and on and on. Yes, it’s gonna need a lot of work.
At first, I was taken aback by the $38,500 price tag for a “T” – especially in this condition. So I did some research and found restored examples with selling prices between $80 and $120K. That being the case, perhaps the price is not out of line for this “Olklappe” equipped example. What’s your thought on that matter?
“Yes, it’s gonna need a lot of work.”
I concur, like absolutely for sure.
“We’re gonna need a bigger wallet”.
For a hardline Porschefile, this might be worth the restoration, especially as a model that saw more than a few engines blown through tank refill inattention.
“Wreckaro” seats?!?!!? I’m using that one. This 911 would wreck a wallet for many of us but kudos to those who can bring it back from the edge.
Just because it’s old and 100% perfectly restored models can bring 80k, doesn’t justify the ridiculous asking price. It defeats the purpose. Hunt a little. Find a similar one that won’t require 50k worth of parts and time to make it worth a little more.
38k$ for THAT pile of JUNK?? hahaha haha it’ll need 100k in parts & labor.
Talk about DELUSIONAL
100% the guy also owns a 1 of 1 of 1 of 1 of 1 vette that’s actually a malaise Era smog dud w/the same chopped interior & he thinks its worth 50k
It might be worth $3,850, but not to me.
Porsche had the right idea with the oil fill port. They assumed their prospective owners had enough brain cells to keep from putting hi-test into that filler. Unfortunately there were so many stupid people pumping gas into oil tank, Porsh had to discontinue the feature, along with reassess the actual IQ of its customers.
Oregon was the last state to allow self service fuleling in the US. The had their share of dumping fuel into the oil tank. Was in Florida at the time and remember a few in the wrong tank fills. Dumb move by Porsche.
We flew into Philly last week from Phoenix and headed to the Jersey shore and stopped for gas,the attendents still pump your gas.
I remember going with my dad to get gas in the late-60’s or early-1970’s, only a few stations had self service pumps, usually on a separate island. My dad was cheap and would drive past several full serve stations to get to one where he could pump his own gas. I think Bob is right, it was often the gas station employee who was unfamiliar with these cars that pumped gas into the oil reservoir.
Steve R
Self service fueling still prohibited in New Jersey.
Not true. We still don’t fill our own tanks in NJ to this day.
Put a lock on it!
If the quirky oil fill method is all that separates this version from others makes me wonder.
Is this why anyone would pay extra?
Did someone say “a bit rough around the edges”? This car is all edges :-)
No way, 38k.! This is a rolling cash pit.
The seats are indeed Recaro’s. They made the standard seats as well as the optional sport seats.
With shops quoting 25k for a karman ghia paint job , this is way over priced. 10 k at best