Introduction & some questions

[neill]

Hey Guys,

I am in the middle of buying my first 911 at present and no doubt the information here will be invaluable.

I have done a hunt around online for a VIN decoder but I can only find fairly basic ones that really just confirm its a 911 and its age.

I am wanting to find out its original engine number (to see if its fitted with the correct one) and learn more about the options it was sold with.

It is a bit of a bitsa at present as its a 1976 911S but has a factory metal slant nose. It also has the 2.8rsr rear guards.

the VIN number is - 9116300013 and the current engine number is 6360035.

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.

[The cap'n]

Chassis: 911/1976/Engine 911,911S for Japan/Coupe/xxxx (serial number).
Engine: 6 cylinder/911 2.7L 165HP/1976/xxxx (consecutive serial number).

That's it. For any other information you'll need to buy a certificate of authenticity. PCA members get a discount, but it's still pricey.

The Cap'n

[neill]

So by going off that am I correct in saying the engine is not the original one for the car being that the serial component of the numbers is different?

[The cap'n]

Not the case. The engine serial number probably never matches the chassis serial number. Nor would the transmission number match either of those. Basically, you have the 13th 1976 chassis off the assembly line, and the 35th 1976 911S engine for cars equipped with a standard transaxle. I suppose there could be a car, maybe even more than one, with matching serial numbers, but I doubt it. It's interesting that you have a chassis with a number which indicates it has an engine type for the Japanese market, but the specs book shows no such engine for MY 1976.

The Cap'n

[neill]

That is interesting.

The car is a Japanese import into Australia. Left Hand Drive but all the gauges are metric.

It appears to have been modified while in Japan also, hence my questions on originality.

My plan is to return it to a twin headlight "normal" 911 nose and sell off the slant nose gear (its really not to my taste).

Thanks very much for your help!

[The cap'n]

Odd. Japan market car would have been RHD, right? When did they lift the no-LHD rules in Australia? Contacting Porsche for a COA would be a good idea, I think. BTW, you should put your location in your member page so it shows in your posts. I believe we have a number of folks here from your part of the world.

The Cap'n

[neill]

When the car was imported into Australia it entered under what is known as the "over 15 year rule". Meaning it can come into the country and does not require compliance to be registered. So in the case of this car it can stay LHD. These rules have now changed to I think 20 or 25 years old.

It is also my understanding that in Japan you were able to order imported cars (ie euros and the like) in either LHD or RHD. When I was there last I saw many many LHD euros old and new. I was told by someone living there its their way of showing off that they have a imported/no domestic vehicle.

I will update my profile soon.

[Nico911]

A '76 911 with factory slant nose. I don't think so. Be careful man.

[neill]

No, no what I am saying is the parts are factory (steel guards, headlight actuators, etc etc) but I know it isn't from factory with those parts. Hence the decision to move back to original.

[Bill Douglas]

I think Nico means the car may be f'ed around with too much. And that a PPI from a reputable Porsche tech might be money well spent.

[neill]

Oh right.

Yes I am onto that today. I'll update with what I find.

[donlan]

Hello, I downloaded the form to get a COA but they only send to Canada and USA even though my car was delivered to USA. [I see on here that the information can be suspect too!] Michael.

[rdrr]

You can get a COA from Porsche Australia, but I believe you have to prove that you are the owner (i.e. give them a copy of the registration certificate).