1974 Porsche 911 2.7 flat 6
Summary:
Raw, real, and ready to ravish your checkbook
Faults:
* Car sprung an oil leak, which has caused numerous headaches, including leaky messes and smoke off the heat exchangers.
* Oil "boiled over" in summer driving (NOT good).
* During heavy rain, the car will not re-start (warm or cold) due to faulty ignition/circuits.
* Second gear synchro has made accurate shifts difficult without crunching the gear.
General Comments:
Performance: This is a standard 911 with 150hp and a 5 speed. Because of how light this car is, it will blow your mind in acceleration and handling. At a curb weight of 2,300, I lost more weight by deleting the exhaust and spare (very easy and reversible). I would give this car great overall marks in the performance department, because compared to other cars of the 70's this thing spanks them all (Ferrari 308, BMW's, whatever). No emissions devices either :)
The "driving by the seat of your pants" feeling, along with the buzzsaw sound of the flat six, is irresistible. When this car is on and dialed in, you can't help but smile. Don't be fooled by the old fears of instantaneous oversteer: the car does NOT do that at all! In fact, it's a heavy heavy UNDERSTEER that you usually experience. And even with the tail out, it is not hard to control.
Comfort and Amenities: Little to none! If my example wasn't spartan enough, we replaced the standard door panels with pull straps. No air, no power anything. No safety equipment. This car will ROAST you in the summer. However, this is more or less why I bought it; it's raw and pure, and adds to the experience.
Reliability: Unlike the later SC's, these things are known for a short motor lifespan and of course because of the age, are REALLY quirky. My 928 on the other hand, has been a lot more reliable, only breaking down once in 8 years. The 911 has quit on me 6 times in 6 months!!! I highly suggest investing in a AAA membership :)
Appeal: It's a hot car, period. Girls stare, guys stare, kids stare, everyone wants to race you. In red, it's not for the timid driver.
Do I recommend getting one? Absolutely. It's the definition of what a sports car should be. However, if you don't have the time to learn about the car or a couple grand a year to keep it in good shape, you're looking at a royal nightmare.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st January, 2010
20th Jan 2014, 20:43
As a loving owner of a 1974 911, I could totally relate to your appraisal of the car's good and bad points! Yes, it's bare bones by comparison to today's (2014) luxury sports cars, and is not for the timid. It takes finesse to drive; you must feel for the gears. Double-clutching is a lost art, but comes in handy when you are pushing the 911, to prevent the wheels chirping and possibly breaking loose in a tight turn.
The trick to handling this car in turns is to modulate power and forget about the brakes, especially when the pucker meter is pegged! Enter turns at a controllable speed and apply power as needed. This car can easily out perform my steering skills, which are mainly limited by wondering what's just around the corner that I can't see coming. Think winding roads in the hills above Woodside, California late at night. A deer could really ruin the fun. But, oh the glorious sound of that air cooled flat six in the 4K-6K RPM range!