1968 Porsche 911 L

The very first Porsche 911 was marketed as a luxury sports car and this very famous and distinctive  design was introduced in autumn 1963. The shape basically stayed the same until 1989 when it was succeeded by the 964. The 964 was still sold as a 911, as are all current models.

The 911 was a rear engined and air-cooled car. The 911 was modified both by private teams and the factory itself for racing, rallying and other types of automotive competition. The 911 is being hailed as the most successful competition car ever, especially when its variations are included, like the very powerful 911-derived 935. This car won 24 Hours of Le Mans and other major sports cars races outright against prototypes. Pre-74 911’s came in four different model ranges namely a T, E, L and S version. Engine capacity changed from a 2,0L flat six cylinder in the early models to a 2,2L flat six cylinder and a 2,4L flat six cylinder in the last cars.

This specific car is a somewhat rare 1968 911 L, or 911 Lux.  It is rare because just over 400 units were produced in one year only, 1968. This car was aimed at the American market, to comply with their emission requirements and it was also aimed to be slightly more luxurious, with a softer ride quality. The US-specification models feature a V-belt driven air pump, which blows air into the exhaust manifolds when the throttle is closed. The front anti roll diameter was reduced from 13mm to 11mm to obtain a softer ride. Ventilated disc brakes were used front and rear, and the engine was the 2,0 liter, 6-cylinder flat-six producing 130Hp at 6100rpm. Top speed was 132mph and zero to 100km/h took only 8,4 seconds.

The L’s limited production numbers makes the model desirable as a collector’s item, true for most 911’s produced in the 1960s! Other “one off” 911s include the 997 Sport Classic, the 964 C4 Lightweight, the 930 Turbo Targa and the 3,2 Clubsport.

This car is well known in Porsche circles in SA and has been featured in international and local car magazines. It represents an opportunity to own a very rare and collectable 911 from the 60s!