VIN # inquiry - 1970 or '71?

DW SD · 06-04-2012, 08:05 AM

All,
I've been exploring the VIN # for my car. 9111200184.
According to this link, Porsche 911 Chassis Numbers 1970 to 1972 it appears to be a 1970 911E ?

I had always thought it was a 1971 911T. The clear CA title designates 1971 Porsche and the above VIN. That's it. I've checked the stamped VIN # adjacent to the smuggler's box and that matches the title.

It is a non sunroof coupe.

Also, I have no a-pillar tag. Is that illegal?

Thank you,

Doug

DW SD · 06-04-2012, 08:06 AM

Also, can anyone approximate the build date (month and year) based on the sequence?

Thank you!

Doug

70SATMan · 06-04-2012, 08:17 AM

Doug,

That VIN corresponds to an early '71 911E. Probably a late 70 Calendar build.

Any indication that the car was not a US import? The pillar tag should be there for a North American import.

If it was not, then no pillar tag. Take a close look at the vinyl on the pillar and the headliner to see if they have ever been replaced. Feel around the area for holes...

DW SD · 06-04-2012, 08:34 AM

Hi Michael,
Thank you!

I had the vinyl and headliner replaced during my restoration. I cannot feel holes on the A-Pillar, but that doesn't mean they aren't there.

I have no COA from Porsche. Saw no reason to order.

Is there another way to determine if the car was intended for US delivery?

thank you,

Doug

70SATMan · 06-04-2012, 08:49 AM

Sure hope your restorers didn't lose the tag. If it was still attached to the pillar, I'd think you'd be able to feel it under the vinyl.

Other than a COA, I'd be looking for any non US equipment like Euro gauges, Euro seat belts, front signal housings are different for the Euro.

Was there a silver manufacturer's decal under the drivers side door striker? That is also, North American specific.

How far back is your history on the car? How long in SoCal?

djpateman · 06-04-2012, 08:58 AM

Production month was probably Sept/Oct 1970

DW SD · 06-04-2012, 08:59 AM

The car was raped in the 80s. It became a teal short hood turbo-look with all of the 80s electronics, fuse panel, front bulkhead, flares, 3.2, 915, gauges, etc. swapped over. I bought it from Ian Fitzsimons of Northern California 9 years ago. It came with zero paperwork. The trail dies quickly.

It is an original non-sunroof coupe. It would not surprise me if it was a RoW delivery, still, the evidence is long gone.

Is it illegal to drive without an A-Pillar VIN tag in California? Anyone know?

Thank you,

Doug

70SATMan · 06-04-2012, 09:05 AM

Saw Ian at the Parts Heaven swap yesterday...

Anyhoo, I couldn't say as to the legality of driving a US car without that tag. It's legal to drive a non US car without that tag as long it has the importer tags.

The issue is whether you can get it registered or when it was last registered in Cal. If you take it to DMV or CHP runs a VIN check, they are going to look for that tag if the officer is familiar with Porsche tags. Don't know if they'd overlook that if shown the VIN placque and the VIN chassis stamp.

Does the car still have the front VIN plate?

DW SD · 06-04-2012, 09:24 AM

The car only has the factory stamped - in VIN in the front trunk adjacent to the smuggler's box. The front short-hood bulkhead was never changed back to the long hood style. the metal and pan was solid and the car a ba$tard, so while I restored it, I built it around the short hood bulkhead using one of TRE's short hood latch long hoods (in FG).

It is presently registered and insured in California to me. It has been legally registered since I've owned it.

I reached out to an old friend who is a police officer (San Jose PD). Maybe he'll offer some input. I could bring it to CHP to fully legitimize, I suppose.

Doug

ossiblue · 06-04-2012, 05:14 PM

The website you linked to is incorrect on the VIN postings. As mentioned, your car is a 71 model year E, early build.

I do not foresee a need to have the VIN "fully legitimized" as the only one remaining is the permanent, stamped VIN by the smuggler's box and the car is already registered with the correct VIN in California. This is a forty-one year old car that has been seriously modified yet retains the only VIN that cannot be easily removed. You certainly can talk to your law enforcement friend for peace of mind but I doubt you are breaking any laws driving around without a pillar tag or door sticker since you did not remove them and the identity of the car is not in question.