1972 PORSCHE 911 'TUTHILL SPECIAL'

This 1972 Porsche 911 ‘Special’ is a bespoke classic build, which has been improved and upgraded in recent years by the experienced team at Tuthill Porsche. Under the engine lid is a freshly built 2.7-litre air-cooled flat-six to Carrera RS specification and fed by Weber carburettors, which is coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 95,333 miles from new.

Originally a US specification 911 T 2.4, this particular car is a 1972 model that was built with the external oil filler flap - 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.

Supplied to its first owner by the longstanding Ohio-based Porsche specialist Stoddard Imported Cars, it received an engine upgrade from Stoddard in 1977 at cost of $11,300 (around £45,000 in today’s money), taking the original block out to a 2.8-litre capacity. This owner kept the car until the early 1990s, when it was then sold to another US-based Porsche enthusiast.

Imported to the UK in the following decade, it was first registered here in May 2007. The car was sent to JZ Machtech after import, with the intention of being lightly modified to compete in historic racing. The 2.8-litre flat-six was rebuilt, a roll cage was installed, and a fuel safety cell and fire extinguisher system were fitted. It is understood to have competed in one event at Oulton Park in 2009, but was retired shortly after this to be used for fast road driving instead.

Acquired by its former keeper in 2015, it was subsequently sent to Tuthill Porsche for a bespoke build inspired by the early 1970s S/T model. Just over £80,000 was spent on cosmetic and mechanical upgrades and refurbishment, resulting in a very well-sorted ‘hot rod’ 911.

Central to the transformation of the exterior was the choice of wider S/T steel wheel arches. During the refurbishment of the body to fit these, Tuthill discovered the original side oil filler door behind a layer of filler applied before a previous respray, which is now once again a visual indicator of the car’s 1972 model year status. As well as the modified arches, S/T specification front and rear bumpers were also installed, along with rubber fasteners for the bonnet and engine lid. A centre-fill aperture was also added for the fuel tank.

While the car had arrived at Tuthill with fixed windows and sliding polycarbonate panels, these were changed to standard manual-winding glass to make it a more usable and comfortable car for longer journeys. Reproduction Cibie Pallas bonnet-mounted spot lamps were also fitted, to improve the limited output levels of the original headlights. It rides on a set of 15-inch Fuchs-style alloy wheels, with satin black backings and polished rims and centre ‘petals’.

Its interior was stripped of the race-specification additions, and rear seats were fitted to reintroduce some practicality. Period-style sport seats were installed, trimmed in a combination of black leather and the owner’s family tartan cloth. The dashboard is driver-focused and free of any unnecessary switchgear, and is rounded off by a Momo Prototipo steering wheel.

Upon inspecting the 2.8-litre engine, Tuthill’s team found cracks in the piston ringlands. As an engine rebuild was called for, the decision was made to modify the motor with 90mm barrels and new pistons, taking it to 2.7-litre Carrera RS specification. Weber carburettors were fitted to improve torque, along with SSI exhaust manifolds. A custom 2-in 2-out exhaust silencer was manufactured by Tuthill’s in-house team, which was the perfect pairing for the rebuilt engine. Finally, the suspension and brakes were refurbished, retaining their original Porsche specification.

Today, this 2.7-litre 911 presents in very good order. While exempt from annual MOT testing on the basis of age, it is mechanically strong, boasts a superb custom specification, and has been thoroughly enjoyed by the former owner who commissioned the build. The Fuchs-style alloys are fitted with Pirelli P7 Corsa Classic tyres in size 235/45 R15 all round.

As the car has been repainted in sections at different stages since arriving in the UK, the finish is not flawless or perfectly uniform. Ultimately, it still looks smart when parked up, but would certainly benefit from a respray. Of course, given Tuthill Porsche’s extensive experience with this particular 911, it would be a perfect car to upgrade or modify even further, adjusting the specification to a precise personal taste. Bidders are encouraged to liaise with Tuthill directly regarding options for further enhancing this 911.

Accompanying this 911 is a superb history file, including invoices from Stoddard Imported Cars in the US that date from 1973 right through to 2005 - just two years before it was shipped to the UK. There is also comprehensive detail available about the work carried out since then, most notably regarding the recent bespoke build at Tuthill Porsche.

For those who truly enjoy driving, there are few cars more rewarding than a no-frills classic 911, and this Porsche is a compelling take on the formula. A mechanically sorted example that offers genuinely impressive pace and performance, its unique appearance also means that it stands out in a crowd. The car is offered at a very competitive reserve, which represents a fraction of the cost to acquire and upgrade a 911 to the same specification. This Porsche 911 ‘Special’ is a great candidate for historic racing or hillclimbs, but is also a wonderful ‘hot rod’ sports car that is ready to thrill its next owner.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.