1972 PORSCHE 911 S 2.4 MFI

This 1972 Porsche 911 S 2.4 MFI is a very rare classic sports car, presented with a remarkable history file, and with the coveted side oil filler (’Oelklappe’). It is powered by the 2,341cc air-cooled flat-six engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, producing around 190bhp, which is driven through the five-speed ‘915’ H-pattern manual transmission. The odometer shows just 60,628 miles.

Setting this Porsche apart from most of its 1970s siblings is the presence of the external oil filler flap, which appears only on 1972 models - the result of a significant effort to improve the car’s handling balance. To shift the car’s centre of gravity forwards, Porsche relocated the dry sump oil tank to ahead of the right rear wheel, which moved more of the weight inside the wheelbase.

The change necessitated a separate filler cap on the wing, but the story goes that it confused fuel station attendants, and that petrol was sometimes poured into the oil tank by mistake. Whether myth or truth, the design was swapped back by 1973, and thus the 1972 models that feature the side oil filler are now sought after by collectors.

Delivered from the factory directly to the UK, and first registered on 6 December 1971, this 911 S has nine previous registered keepers over nearly five decades. The seller, a keen Porsche collector who often needs to free up some space for new arrivals, has owned the car for just under a year.

Today, the bodywork presents in superb condition, with flush shut lines and even panel gaps around the car. It was the subject of a bare metal restoration in 1998 by a Porsche specialist in Hertfordshire, and is finished in the factory-specification Tangerine hue. The paint itself is smooth and glossy, with only a few superficial scratches in places, and the seller notes that it would benefit from a full detail and machine polish to rejuvenate the appearance. It rides on 15-inch Fuchs alloy wheels, which are in generally good condition, with only a few small scuffs around the rims.

Inside, the cabin is trimmed with the correct black leatherette upholstery, with corduroy cloth for the front seat centre panels. All of the material is in very good order, with no rips or other damage, and only modest wear in light with the age and mileage. The steering wheel appears to be original, and there is a full complement of VDO instrument gauges, which read clearly and work perfectly. There are some very minor scratches around touchpoints such as the armrests and door storage bins, and the floors have black carpeting throughout, with black floor mats. Black carpet is also present in the front boot, covering the full-size spare wheel.

This 911 S is in superb mechanical condition, having been restored and maintained by leading Porsche specialists over the years. When the body was restored in 1998, the engine was fully rebuilt at the same time. A dynamometer report from JZ Machtech in 2006 shows a recorded output of 198bhp – 8bhp more than the original claimed power. A second engine rebuild was carried out by Autofarm 13 years later in 2011, along with other refurbishment work that totalled just under £50,000. It was treated to further restoration work by Paul Stephens in 2014.

The car was previously separated from its original 2.4 MFI engine, but in 2016 it was reunited with the numbers-matching flat-six motor at Canford Classics. This specialist looked after the 911 S for the next few years, carrying out extensive work to get the MFI system running well, renewing the spark plugs, and making adjustments to the handbrake. The last scheduled maintenance on file was in October 2018 at 59,522 miles.

The most recent MOT test on file was on 26 June 2020 at 60,628 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. The tyres all have a good level of tread remaining, but would benefit from a fresh set of rubber on the basis of age.

Accompanying this 911 S is an original driver’s manual and a maintenance record booklet, stored in the red vinyl wallet, as well as a Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche. Three huge files of historical paperwork are also present, detailing servicing and restoration works going back to the early 1980s.

This Porsche 911 S 2.4 is an iconic classic, presented in a vibrant factory colour, and with one of the most desirable engine and model year combinations. An original UK delivery car; this 911 is ready to used and enjoyed. It is increasingly hard to find an original right-hand drive car with the side oil filler, let alone one in such impressive condition. With its fantastic history file, numbers-matching engine and exciting performance, this stunning coupe would make a wonderful addition to any Porsche collection.

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