24, Just graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with undergraduate degrees in Electrical
Engineering & Economics and moved to Denver to get my MBA (and ski bum for a few months).
Special ordered from Porsche KG a NEW 1968 normal 911 coupe through Vern Hagestad
Motor Co. VW-Porsche here in Denver.
Ordered & delivered:
1968 Porsche coupe, 911/5, Burgundy/black - $6,329.00
Cata glass, all - $60.00
Blaupunkt Boston radio - $95.00
(it has not been turned on since new)
Bumper pads F&R - $13.00
911L instrument group - $38.75
Front & rear stabilizer bars - $55.00
Koni shocks - $38.50
(This combination came with ventilated S-brakes – no additional charge.)
4 hubcap colored crests - $6.50
2 headrests - $38.00
No dealer insignia – N/C
Chrome wheels – N/C
Replace horn button with ‘67 ‘butterfly’ type – N/C
Total price - $6,709.25
3% Colorado sales tax - $201.28
Total delivered price - $6,910.53
Deposit - $100.00
Paid check # 1264 - $6,810.53
(That was a
lot of money for me in 1968.)
Over the years it has had dozens of hot-rod and efficiency engines, transmissions and suspension
changes. Engines through 2808 cc, carb & MFI, re-geared 901 and 911 transmissions,
ZF LSD and ’69-> suspension through RSR and some 935. It now has its original 2.0 and
5-speed, un-opened and very few miles.
I immediately installed Fuchs – first 5½x15 then deep 6x15 then 911R 7x15 with 185/70-VR15. It
now has ’73 RS 7x15. I still have the original 5½x15 chrome with my unused spare (Semperet 165/78-SR15).
The only outward changes to appearance are the addition of a ’72 911S front bumper and
no-bumper-guard ‘S’ front bumper trim, Bosch H1 and a ’73 ‘flag’ left mirror in black (it is
always nice to see if anyone is gaining on you
).
The only inside changes are a ’70 914-6GT steering wheel and a pair of ’69 burgundy/black/white
hounds-tooth seats. I did add a ’69 MFI hand throttle and a return fuel pipe.
It has 185K mi., still original paint (although
lots of rock chips). Absolutely no rust. Never
crashed although there have been many close calls. A little dent in RR, compliments
of Milt Minter in a Dino
. It has been on almost every major race track in North America.
It has been driver by four F1 drivers (Jim Hall, Jo Siffert, Mark Donohue, and Ritchie Ginther).
Ernst Furman, Kurt Myer & Peter Schutz have driven it and Dr. Ferry Porsche as passenger. Some
very notable mechanics have serviced it. Someone suggested that I should have maintained a
‘Guest Book’ – they were right.
It is just a nice, now old, 911 with a lifetime of fun.
I still have it, resting quietly.
My son (24) has been co-owner since he was 13.
He will be a good caretaker during
his lifetime.
If he wants, he can re-install all the original (still like new) pieces.
I have encouraged him to keep ‘playing’ while maintaining the ability to return to original.
Best,
Grady