First year center console was offered?

rsnodgrass · rsnodgrass's Garage

Does anyone know what the first year the center console behind the gear shift knob was offered? I know at least my 1976 as the M590 option code can be found listed in places. I also believe it was a popular period "upgrade" to install these. Does anyone know if they were offered in 1974 or 1975?

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Believe the option was available 76 forward. No reference in this originality book before.

tcar · 06:02 PM

Bob,

August 1976 was the start of the 1977 cars, not 76.

My 1978 Targa did NOT have a console, it was an option, as I think it was in 77.

rsnodgrass · rsnodgrass's Garage

The 2.7-liter Registry indicates this was available for 1974 and 1975, as well as 1976 onwards, but I don't know their source.

"Selon liste d'usine 1974-1975"
"M590 : console centrale devant le levier de changement de vitesses."

rsnodgrass · rsnodgrass's Garage

From period photos in magazine articles about the '75 930 Turbo the center console doesn't exist. I would think that the 930 Turbo would come standard with this (as in later years) if it was an available option as they were typically fully optioned as standard, except for AC and sunroof.

The attached photo of a 1976 Turbo from the November 1975 Panorama also doesn't have the center console, but from what I understand it was an option by then.

javadog · 11-22-2013, 05:39 AM

I don't believe it was available prior to 1976. In fact, it may not have appeared before the 1977 models. I believe it had to do with how air conditioning was installed in the cars. Up through 1976, I believe all A/C-equipped cars had the under dash vent assemblies, upon which the controls for the A/C were placed. In 1977, they changed the dash to incorporate center vents and all A/C-equipped cars used these for conditioned air and no longer had the under dash vent assemblies. The controls needed to be moved and that's why the console was introduced. Any car that was ordered with A/C had the console as standard, which would have included all US turbos, as A/C was standard equipment on those cars.

JR

rsnodgrass · rsnodgrass's Garage

On the back of the center console is a two-digit year date code within a circle that is stamped into the plastic. On the spare one I have there is a 77. I'll have to inspect others that I run across.

JR, you are correct that the A/C under-dash configuration ran through 1976. That seems like a good theory around when the console was introduced, though I've seen consoles without any controls as well.

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

My '76 C3 w/o A/C has one, it's only original function was a storage bin. I used it later to mount the graphic equalizer when I was interested in music in the car

rsnodgrass · rsnodgrass's Garage

I think these might also have been a popular upgrade in period, probably available as an accessory from Porsche dealers. My '76 also had one, but the date code on the back was for 1977.

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsnodgrass

I think these might also have been a popular upgrade in period, probably available as an accessory from Porsche dealers. My '76 also had one, but the date code on the back was for 1977.

It was purchased new 4/20/76 w/ it in place

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcar

Bob,

August 1976 was the start of the 1977 cars, not 76.

My 1978 Targa did NOT have a console, it was an option, as I think it was in 77.

Good eye. I did not catch that.

rsnodgrass · rsnodgrass's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Verburg

It was purchased new 4/20/76 w/ it in place

Bill, do you have an original sales or order receipt that shows this listed? This would be a fantastic data point.

Note: The center console also has a date code stamped into the plastic. It is a two digit year in a circle on the back of the unit. When I removed the console from my 76 built in May 1976 it was stamped with a later year...which was also confirmed by Tony Garcia when he looked at the vinyl covering which wasn't from 1976 (it was different than every other piece in my car).

Thanks.

Flat6pac · 02-14-2014, 01:58 AM

My 76 930 does not have a console but air under the dash.
For 77, if the car has a factory console for the A/C controls it will also have a trombone oil cooler. If the 77 has dealer installed A/C there is no external oil cooler and that was another nail in the coffin of the 2.7.
Bruce