Turnkey Survivor: 1971 Porsche 911 T

The Porsche 911 is one of those rare creatures in the automotive world. Like the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette, the 911 badge has remained an integral part of the marque’s model lineup for over six decades. It has undergone numerous changes in that time, but remains faithful to the company’s original design brief. This 1971 Porsche 911 T is part of that heritage and had been with the same family for fifty-two years. It has been modified at various points throughout its life, but the seller includes the parts needed to return the 911 to its factory form. They have listed this survivor here on eBay in Costa Mesa, California. They set their BIN at $109,990 with the option to make an offer.

Porsche introduced the 911 in 1964, and few present at its launch realized it would become one of the “stayers” of the automotive world. The final cars left the line in 1989, although the 911 badge survives as one of Porsche’s staple models. This 911 T left the Stuttgart factory in 1971 and looks stunning in Albert Blue. The seller describes the car as a survivor, suggesting it wears its original paint. They admit that a close inspection will reveal chips and marks, but thanks to a recent polish and ceramic coating, the exterior truly sparkles. The panels are as straight as an arrow, while the underside shots confirm the car’s rust-free status. The trim is in excellent condition for its age, as is the tinted glass. The 15″ Fuchs wheels are a slight mystery, with the listing suggesting that the buyer could secure these for an additional sum. I may be misinterpreting the situation, but if potential buyers don’t wish to splash the extra cash, the factory wheels form part of a collection of additional parts included in the deal.

Apart from a few exceptions, Porsche has adopted a consistent drivetrain configuration with almost every vehicle it has developed and sold. This 911 T demonstrates the design philosophy, featuring a rear-mounted 2.2-liter air-cooled flat-six that drives the rear wheels via a dog-leg five-speed manual transaxle. The engine’s capacity is quite modest, with that year’s Sales Brochure quoting power and torque figures of 142hp and 148 ft/lbs. That doesn’t sound like a recipe for excitement, but the same source quotes a top speed of 128mph, confirming that the 911 utilizes every pony effectively. The seller states that a previous owner rebuilt the engine in the 1980s, adding Weber carburetors to improve its performance. Purists will welcome the news that this beauty is numbers-matching and that the sale includes the original dealer documentation and the Window Sticker. I could almost write a book cataloging the owner’s recent work, but it is worth noting that most of the suspension components, brakes, and tires are new. This 911 T is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives beautifully.

The first thing many readers will notice about this Porsche’s interior is the seats. They aren’t original, and are reproduction Recaro buckets trimmed in Blackwatch Tartan. However, those craving originality will appreciate the news that the factory seats are included. They require a retrim, but that can occur when (or if) the buyer deems it necessary. The carpet is worn, particularly on the driver’s side, but hasn’t developed holes. The dash is excellent, and the leather-wrapped wheel is in good condition. The first owner added an Audiovox AM/FM radio shortly after taking delivery, and the unit remains intact. Overall, the interior presentation is acceptable for a driver-grade classic of this vintage.

I have previously admitted that I don’t feel what I would call a passion for Porsche. Still, I respect the company’s ability to extract impressive performance from almost every car that comes off its production line. This 1971 Porsche 911 T is a perfect example of those traits, and the company’s well-earned reputation for reliability means that it should provide the buyer with decades of classic motoring joy. It had been the cherished possession of one family for over five decades. There is no reason why it couldn’t repeat that feat, and I can’t think of anything that would become a better family heirloom. Can you?