• Offered from the Gold Collection
• German delivery example
• Recent restoration by well-respected 911 specialist Manfred Hering

The long-hood era for the Porsche 911 was a time of considerable change. Conceived as a sportscar, built much like the outgoing 356 it replaced, it developed over the years a flair and style that served to define the brand for years to come. The search for the 356's replacement began in 1959. Porsche, seeking a much more powerful, larger, and more comfortable replacement, debuted the prototype 901 in September of 1963 at the Frankfurt Motorshow with production beginning a year later in 1964 alongside the last of the 356s. The model range expanded in 1967 with the addition of the 'S' model marking the beginning of the 911 as a genuine performance car, meeting requisites on both road and racetrack. Nineteen sixty-eight marked the beginnings of government influence on automobile design and emissions - later in 1969, the wheelbase was lengthened, and weight more evenly distributed throughout the chassis. By now the model range included three versions: T, E & S - the latter two equipped with a mechanical injection system. All were now powered by a motor displacing 2.0-liters. From 1970 into 1971 with the 912 dropped and the 914 picking up as the introductory car, displacement further enlarged to 2.2-liters.

Porsche delivered the 911 with a larger 2.4-litre engine and a bigger 70.4 mm stroke from August 1971, adding more power to all models and creating a punchier torque. At the same time, though, Porsche introduced an ominous flap on the rear fender. Intended for oil, it was not unusual for drivers to mistake it with the fuel flap, which in turn ensured steady business in the Porsche garages. Originally meant as an extra service, this feature was withdrawn after just one year, making the “oil flap” a rare and coveted item.

This 1972 911 S was special ordered from the factory in the seldom-seen color of Metallic Gold with black interior. First registered in Germany in July of 1972, the car has remained in its native Germany since new. A complete, high-quality restoration to as-new condition was recently completed by noted Porsche specialist Manfred Hering at his workshop Early 911s in Wuppertal/Germany, and has been driven sparingly since. The car wears a full set of correct 6x15-inch Fuchs light-alloy wheels, and it is supplied with its tool roll and spare tire. Any Porsche enthusiast seeking a perfectly restored, mechanical and coesmetically solid example of one of Zuffenhausen's most exciting sports cars need look no further.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/pa21.