Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2025 - Collectors' Cars on Saturday the 22nd of February, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG. By 1967, nearly half of Porsche’s 911 production was destined for the US, however increasingly stringent emission and safety regulations necessitated that Porsche had to develop the car further to continue to enjoy buoyant North American sales. Dual-circuit brakes were not a problem as they were already on the drawing board but the emission targets would take Porsche some time to meet, so an interim model, the 911L, was designed to overcome the problem and the US-market 911S was dropped from the catalogue.
Production began in late 1967 for the 1968 model year, fitting in neatly between its two A-series, 1, 991cc, short-wheelbase siblings, the 110bhp 911T and the 160bhp 911S. The new car featured the superior comfort and equipment level of the 911S and was powered (for the European market) by the torquey Type 901/ 06 power unit rated at 130bhp. For the US, the 1968 ‘L’ was fitted with the Type 901/ 14 engine equipped with an air pump to keep emission levels below the legal limit. 1, 603 were produced in total with 499 crossing the Atlantic.
For the 1969 Model Year, changes to the 911 were extensive, perhaps the most significant being the lengthened wheelbase (by 57mm) and the new range consisted of the 911T (Touring), 911E (Einspritz) and the 911S (Super) so, effectively the 1968 SWB 2-litre was a one year only production model and by definition is now very collectible.
This particular 1968 911L is a German home-market example, built in July 1968 and initially delivered through Porsche D’Leteren in Belgium. According to its accompanying Porsche COA, it was finished in Bahama Yellow/ Code 6805 with a black leatherette Interior, halogen headlamps, alloy wheels and optioned with a sunroof.
A few years ago, it was subject to a ground-up, bare-metal restoration on behalf of our vendor, the quality of which is evident from the many photographs on file, with the intention of returning this rare 911 back to its former glory. The work included a professional glass-out respray in its original Bahama Yellow, a full re-trim using original parts where possible and correct new/ old stock parts where not, a comprehensive engine rebuild, brakes, suspension, running gear etc. and the 5-blade Fuchs alloys were refurbished. The 5-dial dashboard looks excellent and the 'Blue Spot' PB radio is correct, however it is fitted with a modern Moto-Lita 'Prototipo' steering wheel and would benefit from an original. The overall appearance is super but the chrome, whilst good, is not perfect, however it's totally usable and a delightful example of a 1968, SWB, 2-litre 'L'.
Recently subject to a German TUV in May 2024 (equivalent to a UK MOT) it has H-Kennzeichen Historic Status, but is also UK-registered with a V5C and all duties paid, so can be used in the UK without issue and is not subject to EU import taxes. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a desirable German-market 911L, one of the last of the short-wheelbase cars, in a striking colour, with dual registration and offered at a very sensible guide.
