1969 Porsche 911T

The 1969 model year marked the introduction of a number of important changes in the production of the 911. Porsche’s chassis engineer, Helmuth Bott addressed the early 911’s inclination to oversteer by lengthening the wheelbase by 2.4 inches by incorporating lengthened rear semi-trailing arms and new axles with constant velocity universal joints. A rear roll bar now included as standard equipment, stiffer torsion bars were installed, as well as shorter rubber springs and shock absorbers. The fenders were flared slightly to accommodate a larger wheel and tire package. Together, the changes made the longer wheelbase 911s significantly more stable at speed and greatly enhanced its handling characteristics overall. The magnesium crankcase technology developed for use in the 911R and several race cars was introduced in the production models, a weight savings of approximately 22lbs. With the advantage of the revisions made by Porsche’s engineers in 1969, the 911T can take advantage of every bit of the 110 horsepower produced by its carbureted 2.0-liter engine. 

Chassis number 119100136 is a wonderfully original, numbers matching example with a great backstory. 

Fred Meyer, the original owner, had spent much of his career as a Porsche salesperson when he ordered the 911T in the summer of 1968. It was one of only 349 long-wheelbase cars that were produced at the Werks One factory at the start of 1969 production, and Fred did not hesitate to option the car with all the goodies. Firstly, Mr. Meyer specified the special order Canary Yellow paint which he obsessively cared for throughout his ownership. Inside, sport seats were selected but due to production problems, the car was delivered without them. He remedied this by removing the sport seats from another car on the lot before delivery and paying $99 more. The Comfort Kit package was selected which opted for the S trim. Additional options listed on the window sticker include the five-speed gearbox, electric sunroof, Catacolor glass, and Loud Speaker with Antenna. The 911T also has the Radio Prep package, and the AM/FM radio which is still found in the car today was supplied to Mr. Meyer by a close friend of his who happened to be the Blaupunkt representative in Southern California. A base model 911T with no options started at $5,195. The 911T configured by Mr. Meyers totaled $7,385.14.

The Kardex makes note of a replacement engine just 10 days after delivery. Since Mr. Meyer was a Porsche insider, he discovered that an alignment dowel found in early 1969 911 engine cases was slightly too large and would cause the engine cases to crack. The engine was replaced with the updated fix at his request. 

Over the course of 40 years in his care, Mr. Meyers fastidiously cared for the 911T. The window seals are entirely original, perfectly preserved and free of any cracks, thanks to Mr. Meyers trick of rubbing Xerox copier oil into them. The paint was perfectly preserved, with 95% of the original paint remaining today. The original interior is in exceptional condition as well, with no discernible wear on the bolsters of the black leather sport seats, carpets, or around the leather-trimmed steering wheel. It was regularly serviced, as evidenced by extensive records. It was the recipient of a Class and Division win at the 1973 Porsche Parade in Monterey where Ferry Porsche himself presented the award, as well as the Griots Preservation Award 33 years later at the 2006 Porsche Parade. After leaving Mr. Meyer’s custody, the next two owners only put 1,457 miles combined and kept in the meticulous preservation of this incredible 911T, showing just 44,761 miles today. 

Long hood 911s are still among the most desirable Porsches to enthusiasts for their purity, light weight, and engaging driving experience-offering a tremendous amount of driving fun at any speed. Paired with an incredible history and impossible to duplicate originality, this 911T is an exceptionally special example.