Identify Photo Of Early Dash

901to993 · 12-08-2002, 05:22 PM

Please identify which Porsche is shown in this old photo.

dtw · 12-08-2002, 05:40 PM

If I had to guess I'd say a very-early 912 or an early 901 prototype. Did I win?

901to993 · 12-08-2002, 06:03 PM

Yes Dave, it is a 901 prototype dash.

I wonder where the ignition key went? At first I thought it was low and to the right of the steering wheel, but that actually looks like the fuel or temp guage. Is this the same steering wheel that late 356s used?
Does anyone else have photos of the 901 prototype cars?

Do any of the 901 cars survive today? Any in private hands?

Todd Simpson · 12-08-2002, 06:09 PM

Type 754, T7. A 911 prototype with the Carrera 4 cam. Front of the car was almost the same as the 901, but the back was a very different notchback body style.

dtw · 12-08-2002, 06:13 PM

901-
Not sure about the ignition key, I was thinking the same as you about the right side, hidden by the steering wheel. Yes, that is a 356 item. The prototypes had several parts robbed from the 356 bins.

There is only one known surviving prototype, it is here in the US and has been painstakingly rebuilt though it does not have the original test engine, which was probably scrapped.

If you'd like more information on the prototypes, Tobias Aichele's "Porsche 911: Forever Young" is an excellent reference.

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

I don't think that is the dash of the 901 Prototype. It looks like the 1961 Type 695 T-7 Prototype, also designed by Butzi. It is generally considered the forerunner of the 901.

BTW: the T-7 6-cylinder motor was somewhat interesting:

-- Curt

901to993 · 12-08-2002, 06:30 PM

Curt, I don't agree that this is a type 695.

Look closely at the reflection in center of horn button. You can quite clearly see the familiar tappering (rear) side window of a type 901/911 .

Todd Simpson · 12-08-2002, 07:43 PM

The dash is a little different from the 695, this one looks like it came later as it has the flat surface below the dash. I'm stumped by some of the terminology, Aichele's book calls this a 745, while Excellence was Expected calls the twin fan 6 cylinder the 745, and the car the 695.

andyjboy · 12-09-2002, 02:00 AM

Looks like the dash from one of the 10 prototype 901's - possibly #13 327. The dash used two main dials which were 150mm diameter with hand-painted graphics.

Only one of the original 10* prototypes is thought to survive in restored form - chassis # 13 327 - in the US. It was restored by Denis Frick's company, German Classic Cars in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania for Porsche collector Dan Meluzio.

* Porsche contradicted themselves by stating that 13 prototype 901's in their anniversary compilation of 911 models.

Andy Boyle (UK)
'69 911E