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.