1968 Porsche 911 S

the model

After two years of successful sales of their new 911 model, Porsche introduced their first model iteration, the 911 S (for “Super”) in 1966. It featured a much more powerful engine, ventilated brake discs, adjustable Koni shock absorbers and a rear anti-roll bar too.

The engine power was up to 160bhp, from the 130bhp of the standard 911. This was achieved through the use of Weber carburettors, a more aggressive camshaft and a higher compression ratio. Peak torque was at a relatively high 5,200 rpm while peak power was produced at 6,600 rpm with a maximum rev limit of 7,200.

Completed on 16 August 1967 and delivered in March the following year, this 1968 model year car is one of 1,267 911S made. At around the same time, Porsche sales released a document titled “Information Regarding Using PORSCHE Vehicles For Sports Purposes” a highly detailed guide to uprating production 911 derivatives of the day (911 L, T and S) that influenced the restoration of this car.

the car

This 911 was delivered new to Japan via the sole Porsche dealer in the country at the time, Mitsuwa Motors, on 23 March 1968 in the colour scheme the car maintains today, special order Silver Metallic on black interior.

The car was first registered in the UK in October 2012 by Anthony Hansford of H Engineering who undertook a full restoration of the car to a period correct ‘hot rod’ specification. The car was stripped to a bare shell, 911R steel rear arches were added as well as a half roll cage. Continuing the ‘Sports Purpose’ theme, rebuilt Koni double adjustable rear shocks were used, along with a 100L fuel tank and 10,000 rpm tacho.

The engine was built to full 906 specification which included centre lube cams, big valve gas flowed heads, high flow oil pump, twin plug heads, high compression pistons and Paulter con rods. The gearbox was completely rebuilt with Nurburgring ratios and a GT limited slip differential.

More recently, the car has been worked on by Tuthill Porsche. In 2019 Tuthill completely rebuilt the engine with 2.0L ‘R’ type cams, new crankshaft, barrels, pistons and a new exhaust system as well as refurbishing the Webber IDA 46 carburettors.  

The car has been set up for fast road use and is now thoroughly sorted with the Sports Purpose upgrades significantly enhancing the already sharp driving experience that is associated with these early 911S. Since the engine rebuild was completed in March 2019, the car has been used sparingly and is ready to be enjoyed as intended.