Anyone know what a "Euro" whale tail is?

[hilandscott]

When I got my SC, I was given a spare whale tail of all things. As I have a factory Carerra tail that gives the "look of speed", and I really need the $$ from selling the spare, I would like to find out what the extra tail is.

It is in three pieces, freshly painted black (recent paint job on car by PO): fiberglass tail section that looks to have the same height as the factory tail, one large rubber piece that fits around the top edge, and two top screens. I was told by the PO it is a Euro whale tail.

Any guesses, possible value?

Thanks, John

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'78 911 SC 3.0

[jester911]

post a pic

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Jerry
'86 carrera coupe

[Chris79SC]

Probably the tail found on the early Turbos that had a double grill. I believe these are the only one's that are accurately described as "whale tails"...

[hilandscott]

"Early style" whale tail: It does have a double screen design. As I don't have a digital camera I can't post a pic yet.

I'll check to see if this is a factory piece, as it is likely that this was put on in Germany where the car spent much of its life.


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'78 911 SC 3.0

[Eric Coffey]

It is either an older Turbo Carrera tail or a Euro Carrera 3.0 tail. They are both very similar, with the screen configuration being the only difference.

-Eric

[Early_S_Man]

It is more than likely the 'original' OEM factory Turbo whaletail, as few reproductions used the actual rubber edge piece.

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

[GeorgeK]

From the description, it definitely sounds like a Turbo 3.0/Carrera 3.0 tail. There were 3 models: 1 grille (Carrera), 2 grilles, with the rear one being small (Turbo 3.0) and 2 grills, with the rear one large (Turbo 3.0 with AC).
Factory tails always have an aluminum frame, well hidden, but it's there, look for it at the locking pin. There were some VERY good reproductions, that used the factory rubber, without the aluminum, frame.
BTW such a tail in good condition is worth a fortune here in Europe, so don't give it away cheap, espacially if it's a factory unit.
GeorgeK

[Chris79SC]

I think this is the tail you're describing:

[hilandscott]

Here are the pics of the whale tail, as it is in the garage, loosely put together, but not bolted together (screens and rubber tail piece that is), freshly painted black to match the car:

I'd like to know in particular if this is the *desirable tail* (mentioned in earlier post) in Germany-- as this car was purchased and used in Deutschland before coming to the USA.






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'78 911 SC 3.0

[Zendalar]

Heres another shot, was thinking of buying this. Its 2500FIM -> 390$



[This message has been edited by Zendalar (edited 09-28-2001).]

[hilandscott]

Zendalar --

The above (red) tail: is there a rubber section around the tail, painted red? It is tough to tell from the pic, whether it is a combination or all fiberglass.

The screens look right, though the tail section looks broader, unless rubber section is *included* somehow.

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'78 911 SC 3.0

[This message has been edited by hilandscott (edited 09-28-2001).]

[Early_S_Man]

John,

I'm glad you finally posted pictures of the tail, as it is quite unique, and one that has never been documented in any books or magazine that I have seen!

It has the 'main body' structure of the '76-'77 Turbo tail, but the rubber is more blunt ... I presume to meet German govt. restrictions when appendages started appearing on 911s in the mid '70s. Reports of the RS 3.0 being shipped with two tails, one specific for German consumption -- and the other to satisfy esthetics and aerodynamic wishes of the engineers ... surfaced in October 1974 when Paul Frere wrote in Road & Track about the overpriced $25K wonder!

But, pictures of the 'ugly tail,' pedestrian-friendly variant NEVER SURFACED!!! I guess I understand why, now! I guess I just never understood why some govt. beaurocrats became fixated on hood ornaments and tails as dangers to pedestrians ... when it was the mass of the object carrying them that kills pedestrians when struck, not how sharp or pointed various trim items might be!

Perhaps Roland can enlighten us about the 'ugly tail?' Sorry, but I don't think that tail has much value, except as documentation of German Govt. beaurocratic excesses via meaningless regs!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

[Early_S_Man]

Zen's pic is of a all-fiberglass IROC/RS 3.0 tail ... note the greater distance between the maim grille, and the secondary grille, compared to the regular '76-'77 whale tail!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

[GeorgeK]

John,
That rubber is not a factory part. It was produced by aftermarket companies to emulate the look of the 3.3 Turbo tail when the larger rear lid came because of the intercooler. It could be put on the Turbo 3.0 tail and also on the Carrera tail.
Does the lid have an aluminum frame?
GeorgeK

[hilandscott]

Well, now isn't that something, resurfacing after all those years...and it found its way all the way to my garage in Georgia. Well at least I can sleep easy now knowing that I have made a contribution to the Pelican BB.

So, any Germans interested in a bit of national heritage, albeit of the beaurocratic kind? I was hoping it would help defray the cost of my engine rebuild, oh well.

Ugly, rare, perhaps a museum piece? Would Frere be interested...

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'78 911 SC 3.0

[hilandscott]

GeorgeK --

I looked it over thoroughly and cannot see any metal framing, as it appears to be completely made of fiberglass, except for the metal threaded inserts on the mounting bolts and rubber tale section.

"Ugly tail"... really? I don't think it is deserved of that moniker...

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'78 911 SC 3.0

[GeorgeK]

John,
The ones made entirely of fiberglass were reproductions. If yours is anything like mine, it should be a little wide on the sides, near the middle. I have one of these in the attic. They are of very good quality.
The factory alloy frame is well concealed, being easiest to spot near the lock pin.
I think it is the best looking tail with rubber from the factory, being built in one piece rather than as an add-on, as have about every tail since.
GeorgeK

[hilandscott]

GeorgeK-- Can you be a litle more specific about the lock pin location? Also, would the factory have stamped a logo or number on it somewhere to make it official? I will look over again to see if it widens near the middle and has the "well concealed" frame.

Thanks -- John

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'78 911 SC 3.0

[CamB]

Originally posted by Early_S_Man:
I guess I just never understood why some govt. beaurocrats became fixated on hood ornaments and tails as dangers to pedestrians ... when it was the mass of the object carrying them that kills pedestrians when struck, not how sharp or pointed various trim items might be!

WHat always got me was that there (must be by implication) a problem with cars reversing into pedestrians in Germany.

Sharp ornament on front, potentially dangerous, yes. Ducktail on back, no.

[GeorgeK]

John,
Basically the whole periphery of the lid, plus the strenghtening beam that goes from the locking pin to the lower center of the large grille opening is made of alloy. It is hard to make out because it is covered by a layer of fiberglass, but it should be there. On my replica the beam is of fiberglass and is of a rough texture, especially where the pin is held on it. You can also check on the lower rear lip, where there is some delamination, which you can see as a crack in the paint, but if yours is just repainted, it will not show. The factory lids were also a little wide in the middle, but the replicas even more so.
GeorgeK