Rare Factory Options?

nick325i · 11-20-2009, 03:41 PM

I bought my black on black 74' 911 about 5 years ago. Despite horror stories, it has been an excellent car for a weekend/nice day driver (after an front oil cooler upgrade). The previous owner had a rebuild done and fixed the normal issues (head studs, chain tensioners, etc).

Anyway, the car is a normal 911 coupe, not an "S" according the VIN. However, it has factory Koni struts/shocks, sway-bars, "S" Calipers, Full-gauge package, and a limited-slip diff.

Is it weird or rare for a non "S" 911 to have all these performance options? Regardless, I really enjoy my car. I am just interested to know how normal these options were.

jurhip · 11-20-2009, 03:43 PM

Sounds like a good combination for a street car. Not sure how rare/normal it was though.

My g50 car has no options. Completely base model.

Flat6pac · 11-20-2009, 05:17 PM

Yes, its weird its not an S.
In the day when you ordered Koni, the S brakes was all that was available so you automatically got the S brakes.
Bruce

Steve@Rennsport · 11-20-2009, 06:45 PM

Front oil coolers and LSD's were rare factory options of that time.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

My '74 black/black targa...not an "S" has... Koni struts/shocks, sway-bars, "S" Calipers, and full-gauge package.

AshEvan · 11-20-2009, 10:16 PM

My original owner 74 911 came from the factory with a lot of the S options you mention and more including the rare, 2 year only, leather sport steering wheel. It even came with a Travel Parts Kit.

Like your 74, my came with lots of nice upgrade options.

AshEvan · 11-20-2009, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AshEvan

My original owner 74 911 came from the factory with a lot of the S options you mention and more including the rare, 2 year only, leather sport steering wheel. It even came with a Travel Parts Kit.

Like your 74, my came with lots of nice upgrade options.

Here is a pic of my 74 with original paint/color fom factory

McLovin · 11-20-2009, 10:27 PM

What's the "Full gauge package" option on a '74?

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

No oil level gauge except in the "S" models.

McLovin · 11-20-2009, 10:40 PM

Never knew that. Was that a "mid year" thing only? Never seen a 911 without the oil level gauge, what is in that spot where the level gauge is? Just blank?

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by McLovin

Never knew that. Was that a "mid year" thing only? Never seen a 911 without the oil level gauge, what is in that spot where the level gauge is? Just blank?

Only for '74..only middie imported to US with both a standard version (with a lower HP engine) and an "S" model. Only "S" version imported '75 and up. The gauge looks the same with a fuel gauge and a blank spot where the oil level would be. Many were upgraded later by the owner. This gauge was the same for 912s.

McLovin · 11-20-2009, 10:54 PM

Interesting, thanks. Would love to see a picture of one of those '74 gauges.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by McLovin

Interesting, thanks. Would love to see a picture of one of those '74 gauges.

McLovin · 11-20-2009, 11:02 PM

Ah, thanks. Very similar to what they did on the 914, where some had an oil temp gauge in that spot, but others didn't.

74-911 · 11-21-2009, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick325i

Anyway, the car is a normal 911 coupe, not an "S" according the VIN. However, it has factory Koni struts/shocks, sway-bars, "S" Calipers, Full-gauge package, and a limited-slip diff.

Is it weird or rare for a non "S" 911 to have all these performance options? Regardless, I really enjoy my car. I am just interested to know how normal these options were.

My PlainJane '74 is equipped exactly as yours with the exception of the LSD (If I have LSD I am not aware of it anyway?). Koni's, front and rear sway bars, "S" calipers and the full gauge package. I have no idea how rare the "S" options in a plain '74 are but per this thread there are at least a few of us around.

nick325i · 01:25 PM

Well, I didn't have a factory front oil cooler, I added that. But I do have the leather steering wheel and maybe travel parts kit too....I have full gauges now, but I honestly have no idea if it was originally that way. If it's not original then they did a very nice job adding it.

Jack, it seems like you may be right. There does seem to be a few of us with these options. Regardless of how rare they are, I'm happy I have them.

74-911 · 11-22-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick325i

Jack, it seems like you may be right. There does seem to be a few of us with these options. Regardless of how rare they are, I'm happy I have them.

Nick,
I also had to add the front oil cooler. Agree 100%, I am most happy to have the "S" suspension.

mkossler · 11-22-2009, 02:35 PM

Not such a big deal, but my 82 SC has option U3V9, which appears to be Zinc Metallic paint for European Delivery cars in that year. I say that because I can find no references to the paint code for 1982 US 911s. I found some 914 registries that listed then removed the code, but I have original order/delivery paperwork for my car with it showing the code corresponding to the paint color. Not exactly edge-of-your-seat material, I know.