1974 911 base: steel wheels still standard? More purchase ?s

jkarolyi · 05-11-2004, 02:40 PM

A friend of mine wants to purchase a 1974 911 base model. And I do mean base! It has no sunroof, and 14" steel wheels as seen on the longhood 911s.

The elderly seller has owned it since new and has never rebuilt the engine! It has 78,000 miles and and all reciepts since new. I believe this is the engine with only 150HP, so hopefully the head stud pulling issue isn't a problem. Aren't 1974 models the ones without thermal reactors?

I find it hard to believe that steel wheels were still stock...weren't the cookie cutter wheels standard for the midyear cars? If not, when was the last year of the steelies? Leakdown test is in order, eh? He needs to move fast as the car is only $5000.

Todd Simpson · 05-11-2004, 05:19 PM

I think '74 was the last year for the steels, should be 15's though, I don't think they made 14" steels.

Sounds like a cool car!

Jim Sims · 05-11-2004, 05:54 PM

Slotted rim, steel vatnished silver metallic 51/2J x15 wheels (PN 911.361.022.10) were standard on the 1974 911, "cookie cutters" and Fuchs were available as options. There were not thermal reactors on the 1974's; however even though this car has relatively low miles I would suspect the soft valve guides are about to go or have gone. A PPI is definitely in order. Could be a good find even if it is a base model. Jim

jkarolyi · 05-12-2004, 08:14 AM

I asked the owner the size again, and after checking they are indeed 15s. The reciepts show the valve guides and seals being replaced in 1987. He is arranging for a PPI today, wish him luck!

I haven't actually seen this car yet, any pics of a '74 with steelies? Must look weird seeing those 1950's looking wheels on a big bumpered 911! I bet truly base model '74s are pretty rare.

steve911 · steve911's Garage

Jim's correct on the 51/2J x15 wheels - the original tire size was 165/70 HR 15s. ROW cars came standard with cookie cutters. Sounds pretty cool buying a 30 year old car from the original owner - with receipts.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Could be a very nice car, depending upon the PPI results. I have a '74 Targa and I have been very happy with it. Mine has the front fender-mounted oil cooler, which may explain why the engine and studs are all in good condition (engine hasn't been run excessively hot).

speeder · speeder's Garage

Base model 1974 911s are very common, they only made three variants that year, regular (base) model, 911S, (same car w/ more power), and the Carrera model w/ wider rear fender flares but the same motor, (in the U.S. anyways).

What would be rare is a 911 w/o any factory options, which it sounds like this car is. 911s have always had an option list as long as your arm, many of the features that people think were standard were optional, the guy must have special-ordered the car to be as cheap as possible because it would not have been a desirable piece of merchandise when new. Even most 914s had alloy wheels in '74.

With used 911s it is the same, except that condition and miles trump equipment in importance. Still, in equal condition, more options=more valuable, especially if they are rare options.

Having said all that, it still sounds like an exceptional car and price. I would just throw some nice 15" Fuchs on it, they are cheap these days. What colors is it? Vinyl interior I'm guessing? How about a picture?

jkarolyi · 05-12-2004, 04:19 PM

He did a PPI and the news was pretty good. One cylinder was weaker than the others but still within spec. He's going to buy it! I'll try to get him to join the list, but he is one of those technophobe types who doesn't do much online.

The car is white with a brown interior. He said he ordered it specially with no options because it was almost the same price as a loaded 914.

This car still has the radio cover plate with the Porsche script! He says the engine is the only music you need. (yeah!!!)

One more question...was 1974 the only year for the 150hp 2.7 engine? Why such low HP...low compression?

rzepko6194 · rzepko6194's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by jkarolyi

One more question...was 1974 the only year for the 150hp 2.7 engine? Why such low HP...low compression?

It was the only year for US spec cars. Actually, I think 150 hp was for ROW, the US version had only 142 hp. The US alternative, in 74', was the 2.7 'S' and Carrera with 167 hp. In 1975 thru 1977 only a desmogged version of the 'S' engine was available in the US with 157 hp. The difference between the 'S' and 'T' versions were cams and pistons.

Post some pics when you get a chance.