Is this a 1965 or 1966 911?

[Demetri]

Hi All,

This is my uncle's Porsche. This is the car that put Porsche on my radar. It has been sitting in his driveway for the past 20 years. It might be sitting in mine for the next 20. After looking through several threads and Tobias Aichele's "Porsche 911 Engine Development and History", I still can't tell for certain if it is a '65 or '66 911. I think it is right on the cusp of the two years. The VIN is 303098. The horn grills have four screws. The paint code is 6602. Below are some pictures. Your input is greatly appreciated!

[attamz]

If I'm not mistaken, didn't the ignition in 65 have a brass ring around it vs a plastic one in 66?

[Demetri]

What is keeping you from restoring it?

Time and money. If it ends up in my driveway, it will be restored. Time is going to be the biggest issue for me. We just had our first baby.

[djpateman]

That should be a 1966 model year; the VIN is well above 302000, and the paint code is 66xx.
It also has the large ignition bezel, and the wrap-around knee pad.

http://www.early911sregistry.org/forums/showthread.php?40956-Final-tread-on-transition-from-65-66-model-yr!

That engine number is disturbing though. It looks like a copy of the VIN in place of the serial #. Wrong engine case also; that is a magnesium case, not the correct aluminum case.

[wp935]

I own 303281, it appears mine was build in late December 1965 as a 1966 model year.

[zithlord]

Your car is produced late 65 production car, and it is without question a 66 model year car. Looks to be in quite good condition for a light resto. Something is very strange with the engine number, it should start with the digit 9 and not 3......

John

[Demetri]

Something is very strange with the engine number, it should start with the digit 9 and not 3......

I noticed that, too. The Engine # 303098 is strange. It is the same as the VIN. Has anyone ever seen the VIN stamped on the engine?

[zithlord]

Looking at the engine number, it looks like the base/bridge has been ground down and a new number stamped. BUT the numbers font looks ok. Please move this to the Early911Sregistry(link above) for the experts to comment.

BTW most books confuse model and production year and can not be trusted when it comes to answering model year questions. Please see data collected in treads at the early911sreg forum to establish model year of your cars.

Good luck
John

[Flat6pac]

With the Zenith carbs, its probably a 2.2
I thought the early engine numbers were struck to the back with the face of the fan.
Bruce

[zithlord]

Bruce; please elaborate:

I thought the early engine numbers were struck to the back with the face of the fan.

John

[Demetri]

Please move this to the Early911Sregistry(link above) for the experts to comment.

John,

Should I start a new thread at Early911Sregistry or just a reply to the link above?

-Demetri

[zithlord]

Please start a new tread at the early911sreg forum, and this tread to your new tread. Good luck!

John

[djpateman]

I agree, this thread would get better exposure on the Early 911S Registry; anything longhood, 1973 and earlier.

The aluminum cases (up to early 1968 model year) have the serial facing back to the rear of the car. The magnesium cases have the serial # facing the right side of the car. The case may be a replacement case, and the number stamped could be anything or blank.

[YTNUKLR]

Is the engine lid magnetic? It looks like a 70-71 911S engine lid. And looks like you got a 914-6 steering wheel in leather . Not original, but cool parts . I agree this is a '66 with some one restamping the magnesium(not correct) engine case with the VIN.

[pksystems]

I'd say '66. You have adjustable strut towers in the front.

My '65 built 912 is listed as a '66, and I didn't have adjustable towers

[Demetri]

Thank you for all the input. I really appreciate it! As suggested, I started a new thread over on the early911sregistry. It hasn't popped up yet, but hopefully it will soon. If I end up restoring it, I post lots of pics! Cheers!

[304678]

Originally Posted by djpateman

That should be a 1966 model year; the VIN is well above 302000, and the paint code is 66xx.
It also has the large ignition bezel, and the wrap-around knee pad.

Final tread on transition from 65-66 model yr!!

That engine number is disturbing though. It looks like a copy of the VIN in place of the serial #. Wrong engine case also; that is a magnesium case, not the correct aluminum case.

I agree w/ others who claim this to be a very late 65 production, magnesium engine case and more later parts (seats, door handles, gauges, reflectors on the rear bumpers).

Nice project car. Love it.

Richard

[ajwans]

Appears to have later 68+ white faced gauges.

andy

[Demetri]

Appears to have later 68+ white faced gauges.

Andy, you are correct. It does have white gauges.

This car is getting more interesting by the minute!

How would you describe this car?

I am thinking... a non-original, period correct, '66 911 that has been sitting for 20 years, but is a good canidate for restoration?

[304065]

Demetri, a proper restoration of that car to Concours standards is going to run you in excess of $60,000. It adds up very, very quickly. Engine will need to be sourced and to rebuild a 2,0 liter is at least a $10,000 proposition even if you do the work yourself. You will need to source original carburetors also. Restoring the body will be a major effort-- these cars rusted within about three years of leaving the factory and being parked outside isn't kind-- it's what's underneath that you can't initially see that makes it difficult. Budget another $25,000 for the body. Interior restoration will run about $5,000. It all adds up. Restoring the gauges to '66 specs is about a $1,200 deal. Chrome is about $3,000 if you don't do the window frames.

If you love the car and are willing to overlook the economic aspect of it, then by all means, go for it. Early 911s are a time machine, a throwback to the era between the 356 and when the car became a German hot rod, and are increasingly rare in perfect condition.