My 1974 Porsche 911, with the 2.7 L engine purchased in the mid-80s with 70,000 miles on the clock, was the best of cars and the worst of cars. I knew little about 911s when I bought it but loved its appearance and the lively feel and precise handling during a lengthy test drive. A mechanical check at a Porsche dealership gave it a clean bill of health and I sealed the deal. I drove it for a couple of months, enjoying it immensely, and then took it to the dealer for a tune-up. While the car was in-shop I received a call from the service manager who told me the valve guides had worn to the point where it was very difficult to adjust the valves properly. He gave me an estimate for a top end rebuild. I still remember the overwhelming sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as this news settled in. Not long after, I learned about the stud pulling problem. I'm in Canada and like most sports car owners here put the car away for winter. I spent that time figuring out whether and how I could get this car fixed properly. I decided on a complete engine rebuild with the new dilivar head studs which I had done at a shop specializing in rebuilding air-cooled engines including for 911s . (Note; Canadian 2.7 L cars did not have the thermal reactors and seldom experienced pulled studs.) The car ran well after that but soon started burning oil. The engine was torn down again revealing 2 split oil seals. That job was done at no cost. I then had 20 years of incredible driving pleasure after that, experiencing only a broken clutch cable requiring a flatbed truck ride to the shop. I put about 5,000 miles on it each summer. We took week long road trips with 1 kid, and then 2 kids in the back seats. When a third was on the way, the kids came up with an idea for a little cradle which could be mounted in between the fold-down seats so all 5 of us could go on vacation with it. We never did that. When the oldest, a rambunctious boy very similar to Bart Simpson, was nearing his 16th birthday, I sold it, saying we needed the money for his college education. I can still feel the pleasure that car gave me. The sense of control, being able to do just a bit more than others on the road, was immense as was the pleasure that gave. I do have to confess that it was occasionally a bit embarrassing to use the car at times. I never really liked people complimenting me on the car; something that made me cringe just a tiny bit. Some do buy cars like this to satisfy ego needs and it will do that! But that's just a bit tacky, yes? Still these are beautiful machines, a great example of what people can do, and we can all admire that.
This is the most comprehensive video I have ever seen for mid year (narrow g body) 911s. Great resource for owners and fans of these cars including myself!
@@juliank911 Much is still relevant to the Carrera 3.0...if you want to go deeper, you might buy a copy of the Carrera 2.7 book which takes things to another level of absurd detail.
I have a white 1974 Carrera us version with the original engine redone and a 2010 Gt3 and I can’t tell you how much fun it is to drive them back to back and feel the Porsche DNA even 35 years apart. When people ask which one I prefer I see both …one after the other.
Thanks for this great trip down memory lane for me. I purchased a 1977 911S Targa in Mexico Blue in 1985. It was the original owner´s vacation car in Hawaii so it only had 10k miles and was kept garaged in the basement of his penthouse condo at the foot of Diamond Head. Yes, it sounds idyllic. My wife was his admin assistant and he only lived in Hawaii part-time. He could afford to do all the required updates on the engine so that was already taken care of by the time I took over. I loved that car for the light weight and responsive engine. The narrow body, silver/chrome trim and silver Fuchs wheels just looked perfect to me. The only changes I never got around to before I had to sell the car in 1992 was updating to an 11 spoke fan and adding the right side mirror. I never raced the car or took long trips in it (Oahu only), so it fared ok with the under-powered 5 spoke fan and no a/c. Regular oil changes and a set of brake pads were the extent of my maintenance bill for that car. I remember always marveling at how good the brakes were on the 911. Point and shoot handling too. I loved the ease of being able to remove and store the Targa top while still in the driver´s seat. I took advantage of that all the time in the warm Hawaiian sun.
I inherited a 77’ from my dad 4 years ago. He raced PCA and SCCA and always had a small a collection of Porsches. The 77’ that I got from him is a euro car that he imported in the early 80’s… I’m pretty sure he was the second owner. The last time it really drove I was about 6-7 years old so anytime around 1990-1992… it has just sat in a garage or barn ever since then. The car does still run (he had his mechanic go through it at around 2015). His mechanic didn’t do much to it other than just get it running. The car is in “decent” shape, it’s brown with (I think) the cork interior… clear coat is almost gone, a little bud of fading in the paint. For some reason there’s a few small holes in some of the body panels, a very small amount of surface rust around the gas lid… other than that the car has zero rust (even being a Minnesota car). He never drove it in the winter obviously, and it has also just been parked for literally 30 years. I’m trying to work on the car but I have zero money to put into it so I’m just going through it a learning as I go… it’s very therapeutic and emotional for me to go through it anyways. When dad was sick and on his way out we talked about what we would do to the car over the next year while he was sick. Unfortunately he only made it another 3 weeks or so after he knew he was sick and we starting making these plans with the car… I would love to know more details about what the car actually is and since it’s a euro car it’s kinda hard to find info on. Like I said it’s brown with cork (I think cork anyways) interior… the car is all original as it wasn’t ever one of his race cars, he built numerous race cars over the years and from basically every air cooled generation from a 72/73 RS (replica), to a G body, and a 993… he also had a 964 cup car at one point… I was so sad when he sold that thing (especially looking at what it would be worth today)… but he sold it in the early 2000’s to fund a 996 cup car, then his last race car before he passed was a 997 cup car. Anyways back to the 77… it’s all original, has a whale tail (original from factory), has a sunroof (that I don’t think works), power windows, black trim (I think), only a drivers side mirror… 66,000 kilometers on the odo, I’m not sure if it’s a 2.7 or a 3.0… but I think it’s a 3.0 as I’ve been told it’s basically an SC since it’s a 77 and a euro car… from what I’m told the euro cars in 77 where an SC and they just didn’t start importing the SC to the US until 78’… It was funny getting the cars started myself for the first time when I took possession of it 4 years ago… I’m looking at the temp gauge and was so confused about why it only went to 120… “the car running at 75-80 degrees, why the hell wont this thing warm up” lol… a friend of mine who lives thousands of miles away from me used to work for Singer tells me it’s it Celsius you dummy lol… Any ways the car needs to be sorted mechanically a bit just to makes sure it’s road worthy (go through the suspension and brakes)… the engine runs and burns a ton of oil but I don’t think the engine needs much work, just needs to be ran and driven… only problem I have with the engine is idle purge… need to get that figured out… Could eventually need a tiny bit of body work and a re spray. The interior is actually in really good shape other than just missing a few pieces of carpet on the floor in the back, and the headliner needs to be re done, other than that the seats and everything else is pretty good… would love to get the seats re done at some point (just to be picky about them) but they are good with only some fade from age, no tears or bad ripples or whatever… so it’s mainly the headliner that is sagging down and just kinda dry rotted or something like that… I freaking live the smell of the interior of the car though lol, and I can still smell even though I still basically have no smell from Covid from 3 years ago lol. Well sorry for the very very long write up… hope that anyone that read all of this enjoyed the long winded story… and if you have any expertise or advice for me with this car please reach out to me!!?? Like I said I’m just sorting through the car myself and learning as I go because that’s about all I can do at this point, someday if/when I have money to put into I’ll tackle the paint and larger mechanical issues with it. I know and have to remind myself that I’m VERY fortunate to have this car and that it didn’t cost me a penny. But I do wish it was still in Dads garage or barn and he was still around to teach me about these cars. He knew these cars inside and out from building his own race cars. His 993 race car was completely built by him self in his garage and it was built from 2 totaled 993’s… one was damaged in the front and the other the rear… so he basically cut the two cars in half and welded the good halves back together lol…
I was so happy to watch this last night and see PCA finally did a video on Narrow Body Gs!!! I own a 1977 911S Targa originally Minerva Blue but PO painted it Windsor Blau (I’ll be bringing it back to original some time soon!) and found this such a great watch (the wife even enjoyed it 😉) one thing I wish was that you had a 77 to do an apples to apples comparison. Mine came with the Comfort package you discussed and I have my original 14 Fuchs… I love my mid year. If you want to do a video on the 77 let me know and you can borrow mine 😆
I have a 76 911 S Targa in Emerald Green Metallic that is undergoing some restoration work now. Your video was so helpful in alleviating my concern that these 74-77 models are not deserving of our love and attention! Thank you 🙏
Enjoyed your great video about the 1970 mid years. I have a 1974 911. The original color is salmon metallic. my production number from the vin is 622. And my car has the original cloth seats that is the burgundy tweed and twill. And I am the about the fourth owner of this car and, I am the one that has to do the very expensive engine rebuild. Trying to save up the money for the engine rebuild now. Very pleasurable car to drive. Since my car was painted with the metallic paint it has been repainted and I am missing the sticker that is in the drivers door jam that has the the month and the year that the car was manufactured it was the 622nd car produced but I just I wish I knew what month and year the car was actually built.
Thank you for that excellent presentation. It helped me understand the options on my 912E. I have the sunroof, 14” Fuchs, 3 spoke wheel and power windows!
Wonderful overview of the 74 - 77 Porsche 911. I learned several things. I have two early 1974 non sunroof Porsche 911 Carrera clone coupes. Neither of the cars are numbers matching. One car has a 1985 European 3.2 liter engine and transmission while the other came without an engine or transmission. I have subsequently purchased what amounts to be a 1974 2.7 liter Carrera CIS. One is black on black and the other is Gulf blue on black. Thanks again for a great video
To add accuracy My dad bought a new aubergine ‘73 911T 2.4 in ‘72 @San Francisco They had three versions; the S, the E and the T which was the base model available ‘72 in USA
13:10-13:20. That has got to be one of your best lines. Right up there with Tom Cruise and his iconic Risky Business declaration. Thanks for another awesome video!
@Nathan, Im Australian and worked at the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant during the 90s - the paint card was still used by them and would travel with the car. I also worked at our local General Motors Holden plant as IT field support we had to take care of all the PCs along the production line during shutdown we had full access to the entire factory it was great, during shutdown and the graveyard shift I had the plant to myself (my shift buddy would stay in the office)- we used to have to go into the paint shop by airlock decontaminating in special overalls, I found it fascinating. The pictures in the book reminded me of those years.
This was a wonderful video, one of the best, transporting you back in time and providing great info. Definitely next model to add to my garage. Thank you!
My mind has been blown! I never thought that the G series presentation could have been topped. What I would give to have that hellgrun! Imagine the original paint- my goodness. I love all the period original completeness. Kudos!
Thanks so much for this great, thorough, thoughtful video that sheds light and detailed information on these midyear narrow-body 911s! This is super helpful as I'm learning about my new-to-me 1977 911S, and falling in love with its unique attributes, and undeniable character. :)
That Ice green Targa is just gorgeous especially with the tan interior. In fact this era of 911's is my favourite - a bit more muscular and purposeful than the early small bumper cars but more elegant and classy than the 80's cars with the whale tail, flared arches and black interiors. There's something just right about a tan interior and light metallic paintwork.
I have a 76 matching numbers, 911 Targa Lux (RHD) in Copper Brown Metallic, full bright trim with cruise control… 50% restored. This gave me the inspiration I need to finish it to a very high standard.
My 77 911S was the absolute worst 911 I have ever owned. 40 years and more later doesn’t make the car better. Ordered it in Germany and picked it up in Zuffenhausen in the spring of 77. Bitter chocolate, over cork leatherette with nice velour. The vinyl they used in the 77 cars was very high quality. Many thought it was leather. Okay, that was the good part. I ordered it minimally, with 15” Fuchs, right mirror, black trim, and cruise control. Living in Germany at the time, I used it as my daily driver, hitting 100 mph every morning going to work. When I would take it to Switzerland on Sunday for lunch, the car really needed a rear spoiler. On the autobahns at speed (120-140 mph) it just got too squirrelly to be safe. As a US spec car it was unsafe at speed at night. Germans had the benefit of real Bosch H1 or H4 headlights while American spec sealed beams were just plain dangerous. For Porsche to stay with magnesium cases to save something like 200-300 lbs was a big mistake carried for far too long. I didn’t have it a week with those terrible thermal reactors and air injection pump when the bolts holding all that together started to fail. Autohaus Mauk in Heilbronn tried very hard to keep it together but the dissimilar metals was not helping. With new helicoil inserts and the newer bolts helping, I still couldn’t wait to lose those TRs once I got it stateside. It was such a disappointment, spending $14,800 on that thing which always ran hot, and got worse when I added the very necessary air conditioning. You simply can’t believe the oil temps I would see! 300°F was not uncommon. By 1983 it was time for a far better car and I traded it for a beautiful 1981 911SC which had been turbocharged to an output of 270PS. It was like night and day. The SCs simply did not drip oil or even use oil. It was fully stocked with dark brown leather throughout over a Bamboo Beige skin. Everything worked better than the 77. It was great to finally experience a proper 911. 9117201923 is out there someplace, but I can’t tell you how much I enjoying having that in my rear view mirror! That car is slightly mentioned in my Feb 2008 article in PCA’s Panamera magazine. I contrasted the ordering process and assembly between 1977 and 2006 when I returned to Zuffenhausen for a new paint to sample Carrera S cabriolet, with hardtop, PCCBs, and a bunch more. Porsche knew that they always had me hooked, since I had been in their cars since 1974. The cabriolet shares a garage with my 64 356C coupe and my 77 Rolls-Royce. While I truly love the engineering behind things Porsche, they learned much on our dimes. The 911 has always had some form of Achilles heel, and clearly the 77 911S was no different. The get-by thermal reactor solution was a total disaster. When Porsche finally came out with the oil fed tensioners in the 1984 Carrera 3.2 engines, that part of the engines benefitted considerably. If you’re in the market for a used (obviously) 77 and you pop the engine lid and DON’T see oil fed tensioners, walk-make that RUN- away. Whoever has owned that car over the decades and hasn’t updated the tensioners is too cheap to own a 911. One fond memory of that car-cruising one evening on the autobahn to a Rhine River cruise with friends, while leaving the car on cruise control at 120 mph and sipping on French champagne. You only live once. Porsche, there is no substitute. But don’t forget to take care of it.
Thanks for sharing your experience. The situation in the 1970s with thermal reactors and such was unfortunate for 911 enthusiasts. Most mid-years nowadays have had their thermal reactors removed and problems caused by them fixed - if they're still on the road being driven regularly.
Very informative video. I owned a ‘77 S and the heat exchangers did cause a bit of grief. My 2003 C2 is a better car in some ways, but I still miss the ‘77.
Another upgrade for the 2.7 is timing chain tensioners. I think they are called 930 tensioners. It’s been awhile since I was playing around with my 1977 911S, but my son and I are currently reviving it from a 20 year storage hiatus. Fuel tank cleaning, new fuel lines and rebuilt ECU which was failing back in the day and was the reason for parking it at the time. That, and I bought a brand new triple black C5 Corvette in 2000.
I have the Guards Red 2006 Cayman S ("Ruby") that I believe you sold before moving, what a great car and she gets plenty of road time along with a 2001 Carrera we have. Great video! I would direct anyone who wants to know the most about the G series cars to this site! Again, well done sir!
I now have a new appreciation for the mid-70s Porsches., including the discussion of the engine issues and how they differed from year to year. The discussion on colors is fascinating, but one question is - what year did Porsche begin galvanizing the bodies? That certainly makes a difference if the car has spent much of its life in northern climates.....
Galvanization started for the 1976 year. My 911s was delivered on the 1st of Jan 76 and is galvanized so i suspect that a few late 75 models may also have had this treatment.
They started (partly-) galvanisation in July ´75 with the start of the production of the MY ´76 (= J-series). My MY ´76 911 S is the 613th (partly-)galvanised car.
Wow…you are the reference authority on these cars. The 3,2 video is also excellent, but the indoor video really allows you to appreciate the vehicles a bit more IMO. Can you do a similar video for the SC?
Excellent and helpful video. I own a 76 911s targa in light yellow and love the mechanical feel and 2.7. I just learned a lot about my car! Thanks for info!
I have a '77 911S, and I absolutely love it. So glad to see they are finally losing some of their maligned stigma. Wonderful, lightweight car that is just a joy to drive, especially with a 3.2L in the back.
The problem is people who don't know anything about Porsches before 2000. It wasn't about top speed in this era. It was about weekends on curvy country back roads and the handling while driving it swiftly. That's how they bewitched you. Porsches now are beautiful, but if you have a lot of fun in them, you're in jail.
Very nice interesting and in depth video! I am restoring my uncle’s 1967 912 that he purchased new in The Bay Area (SFO)- I Brought it back here in Florence, Italy where ai reside most of the year! What resources could I find to get definite info on rear engine bay decals as well as other accessories on interior and exterior? Thanks again! Aimone Castellacci
Without asking any of our Tech Experts (visit the Technical section of PCA.org and you can ask them questions if you're a member), I'd suggest looking into a book called "The 911 and 912: A Restorer's Guide to Authenticity II" www.pca.org/news/book-review-the-911-912-porsche-restorers-guide-to-authenticity-ii
When I was looking for a classic 911, I came across quite a few 1974 - 77's that had 3.0 transplants from the SC due to the 2.7 failing. Magnesium is generally less durable than aluminum engines and transmissions with the main advantage being lighter weight, but for me, the tradeoff wasn't worth possible reliability issues so I focused on the SC which has power assisted brakes although this started on the 1977 2.7. I also struggled with non matching engine transplants selling for the same price as originals. Made no sense to me so I picked up a 82 SC and love it.
Great "master class" video. Many thanks... I have one of the first guards red 911's when the color was first introduced in '74 - sn 4110848, from Oct 73. I'd love to get my hands on a copy of the factory docs, especially the paint card. I was soooo close to pulling the trigger on a white/blk (460 0630) euro carrera. I would have been its 3rd owner in the mid 90s with 48k miles when it lived in Mass. $22,900 was just too much cash for me at the time. I suspect if it was sold today it would be 10x that. At least I had a chance to drive it. I do prefer targas, though.
Thanks Nathan, I have watched this 3 times along with your 3.2 video. I have a ‘74 2.7 Targa in Polar blue with bright trim, it’s just beautiful. You clearly like the Targa in this video but spent very little time on it, any reason? Great video regardless and as always very informative 👍🏻
Rob-Glad you liked it! I do LOVE Targa's and in particular that Ice Green Targa is simply a gorgeous car! I only spent less time on it for two simple reasons: primarily it is a fully restored example that the owner took some very nice liberties with, so when reviewing the cars for what is "original" the HellGrun car was more representative of that. Secondly, I was less familiar with that car then a few of the others and I make my videos as quick unscripted one takes, so being familiar with the car really helps in that process. Enjoy you 74 Targa, brilliant cars!
I loved my 75 Targa, which had the unique fiberglass, non folding roof panel. It also should be noted that the 74 models had the original style heat exchangers, while 75 on had the more restrictive type that carried through until the end of the G series.
I had a 76 with a 5 blade fan that was amazing..... But that was in Australia and it was actually a Carrera 3.0 coupe.... Emerald green metallic too....yes, I hate myself for selling that back in 2000
Amazing video thanks from Italy 🇮🇹 Mine is a 3.0 Carrera '77 converted in rally version, I still have every single original piece obviously, now id like to make it wider but I don't know if there's a reversible way to do it, I don't wanna waste the value.
This is awesome thanks much for a wonderful video! I proudly inherited an original Red 1974 Targa Carrera (grandfather was 2nd owner in 1975). I have a sportmatic transmission which wasn't discussed here. How many 1974's had sportmatic? I am trying to figure out if the cars true original trim was bright trim or black (the arch is silver). I was told that the US dealers were painting the bright trim black? My steering wheel looks more like the 1975 you showed, so would that mean its a 1974 stock sport wheel? The car had a turbo tail installed in 1975, but I am going back to the duck this year. Thanks in advance for the the help!
The sportomatic is fairly unusual, I have not seen an exact count but suffice it to say it is rare. The Sportomatic is an ingenious solution that has its fans but is generally snubbed (I think unfairly) in the marketplace. Many original Sportomatic cars have since been converted to standard 915 transmissions. The US Carrera received the black window trim as standard, with bright a no cost option. As I mentioned in the video, check the small trim items, a bright window car would have items such as the vent window latches in chrome.
@@nathanmerz Thanks much! When I had the car partially restored last year everyone in the garage loved the sportmatic and said it was very rare and to never change it. S brakes and other minor upgrades also present on my car which I am told is rare. I love it personally not having to worry about a clutch peddle. It is a little temperamental if you like to lay your hand on the shifter you can't really do that. The next question will become if and when to do the body with a full strip because there are weak spots opening up the paint. Can't wait to get the muffler changed out for a sport muffler and put the duck tail back on it. I am looking to do more PCA events next year as well. Be Well!
Very good channel. I've been a Porsche person since I was little. Got my first air cooled 75 when I got a little money. How did I not know about this channel?
I just bought and in the process of importing a 1977 911 Carrera "sport" 3.0 from Porsche Classic Center in Lorient France. I'm excited to get it as it will be my first air-cooled Porsche!!! I'm having some degree of difficulty finding much info about these ROW Carreras. Would love to know your opinion of these cars. This is the second G-body video I've seen that you've produced... excellent Thank you, Chad
I LOVE the 3.0 Carrera's, most people assume they are simply an early version of a 911SC and that is not true, they have their own unique characteristics and specs.
And not to forget the Carrera 3.0 which was a very unique car and also very rare. Only built from 75' to 77' with an 3.0 liter engine at 200HP. The same engine as the turbo but without the turbo. It has the same acceleration as the 2.7 Carrera RS but ist has better torque. So please don't forget this car. It was not sold to the US just like the 2.7MFI Carrera.
I certainly would never forget the 3.0 Carrera as it is one of my favorite models. I did not include it for a few reasons: primarily as it was never sold here in the US (same reason I didn't go into depth on the 2.7 MFI Carrera) and I also didn't have an example on hand to use for the video. The other reason is I think the rare models actually need a stand alone video as there is so much mis-information about them! On my to-do list!
Wonderful video with incredible details of these mid year 911 vehicles. I’m currently looking at a 1976 911 turbo, very early production car ( first ten imported to the USA) it has a dashboard with a center vent and no top speaker. Also, the doors do have power locks but, have the knurled knobs. We’re the turbos different than other 911’s? This combo sounded like wouldn’t have been possible on other 1976 models. Just want to be sure someone didn’t switch out the dash and added the knobs somehow during the cars hx. The selling dealership isn’t able to give much history about the car but, provided a title listing it as a 1976. Thx. Phil
Very comprehensive video. I really appreciate it. Thanks!! I have a 74 Carrera US, running with an SC engine. But the CIS installed is the original from the 74 engine. Is there any major difference?
The basic layout and functionality is the same from 1974-1983 BUT there are a myriad of small changes to the various components. In general the newer the CIS system the better it is. With that said, if you car is running well, don't mess with it. A nice running CIS motor is a gem!
the ‘74 Euro in your vid (nice job) has “flag mirrors” on both sides. I was under the impression that the ‘74 Euro version had the silver/metal “original flag” only on drivers side. Yes? No?? THX!!
Thanks for this video. Super informative for a newb. I’m very interested in finding a 1976 921e. The brown example in the video is beautiful. I’m in the process of looking at a white one at the moment with US spec suspension. All of your cars across the board seem to be lowered or at euro spec. Do you mind confirming what the suspension height is on the 1976 912E in your video and the tire sizes for front and rear?
Have a 74 Targa with a 3.2 swap and keep going back and forth on whether or not to invest money in it. It’s. A great driver, always gets admiring glances but it’s overdue for some love if I’m going to keep it.
This was amazing - thank you!!!!! I received the video from a BaT comment you posted on the 1976 Minerva Blue Targa I bought from Norway. Now I'm worried my metallic paint and original 2.7K with 49K miles are ticking timebombs. Anybody have any recommendations to keep the paint and engine from failing?
love the mid years, and especially the desire for a 74 carerra 2.7 mfi euro. Theres a guy in LA- Doug Walker Euro Group that has one. Anyhow, wondering if we can show similar love for the 78-83 911 SC. I love mine!
I own a 74’ Carrera and enjoy learning about it. Wanting to see all the original details. What year is the white one you showed? Everything you talk about in the video shows it to be a 75’ yet it has a 74’ duck tail spoiler on it. Mine is original guards red. Really wanting to compare to another.
Hi, nice video. Really enjoyed it. Just one comment / question: I have a 911S from 1975 and it has the larger "plastic" rear view mirrows. All the best!
Chad there is not a specific book for the 3.0 Carrera but having both the 2.7 Carrera and 3.0 Turbo books both written by Ryan Snodgrass would get you the vast majority of the in-period information, only lacking some of the mechanical specs on the 3.0 (which shares the basic engine with the 3.0 Turbo 1975-1977).
@@nathanmerz Thanks for shooting and editing a terrific video on the 74-77 cars. I agree the 74 - 77 cars have been overlooked for far too long. I have long held that most of these cars have already suffered failure and rebuild or transplant. It would be hard to imagine any of these cars to have survived with all but the most careful driving to this date without some sort of "tending" . I know of 1 local car, a 75, with 16k miles. It is still original and the engine remains as original. The Helgrun car in this video would be another. I have to agree with Chad. I think you missed the chance to introduce many people to the 76-77 Euro 3.0 Carrera. I have been mustering up the stones and dough to plunk down for the 2.7 Book and the 3.0 Turbo Book. There are things I still am learning about my car a 77 3.0. I "restored" my car to my taste, converting it to MFI ( I still have the CIS in a box), it has 178k km and is a very nice driver. I am a fairly adept collector of all things Porsche and admit to loving my 77 3.0 more than any Porsche I have ever had the good fortune of owning. That Hans Mezger chose the 3.0 as his personal favorite reinforces my infatuation with this Porsche odditiy. Please stop calling anything a VIN number - the N stands for number. Everything else you cover in your videos, this and the 3.2, is fantastic. I have learned so much about the differences of the 84-89 changes. I just purchased a 86 with 41k from its original owner. Complete documentation from new. Service records, original bill of sale, original letter from Porsche, original and complete service history for 36 year, all original paint, original keys, books, tool roll, air compressor, etc. Do you know of any other options from Porsche to authenticate the car? Am I relegated to a trip to Chicago or Atlanta for someone to look at and substantiate my purchase? Keep up the good work. The variety of your venues is fantastic....
My 1974 Porsche 911, with the 2.7 L engine purchased in the mid-80s with 70,000 miles on the clock, was the best of cars and the worst of cars. I knew little about 911s when I bought it but loved its appearance and the lively feel and precise handling during a lengthy test drive. A mechanical check at a Porsche dealership gave it a clean bill of health and I sealed the deal. I drove it for a couple of months, enjoying it immensely, and then took it to the dealer for a tune-up. While the car was in-shop I received a call from the service manager who told me the valve guides had worn to the point where it was very difficult to adjust the valves properly. He gave me an estimate for a top end rebuild. I still remember the overwhelming sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as this news settled in.
Not long after, I learned about the stud pulling problem. I'm in Canada and like most sports car owners here put the car away for winter. I spent that time figuring out whether and how I could get this car fixed properly. I decided on a complete engine rebuild with the new dilivar head studs which I had done at a shop specializing in rebuilding air-cooled engines including for 911s . (Note; Canadian 2.7 L cars did not have the thermal reactors and seldom experienced pulled studs.) The car ran well after that but soon started burning oil. The engine was torn down again revealing 2 split oil seals. That job was done at no cost.
I then had 20 years of incredible driving pleasure after that, experiencing only a broken clutch cable requiring a flatbed truck ride to the shop. I put about 5,000 miles on it each summer. We took week long road trips with 1 kid, and then 2 kids in the back seats. When a third was on the way, the kids came up with an idea for a little cradle which could be mounted in between the fold-down seats so all 5 of us could go on vacation with it. We never did that. When the oldest, a rambunctious boy very similar to Bart Simpson, was nearing his 16th birthday, I sold it, saying we needed the money for his college education.
I can still feel the pleasure that car gave me. The sense of control, being able to do just a bit more than others on the road, was immense as was the pleasure that gave. I do have to confess that it was occasionally a bit embarrassing to use the car at times. I never really liked people complimenting me on the car; something that made me cringe just a tiny bit. Some do buy cars like this to satisfy ego needs and it will do that! But that's just a bit tacky, yes? Still these are beautiful machines, a great example of what people can do, and we can all admire that.
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This is the most comprehensive video I have ever seen for mid year (narrow g body) 911s. Great resource for owners and fans of these cars including myself!
Thanks! Glad you found it informative.
Glad you specified narrow narrow body. No mention of the Carrera 3.0.. :(
Indeed very informative. I'm so looking forward to see a similar one for the early 911/912 models (1964-1973). Keep up the great work Cheers!🥂🎩
@@juliank911 Much is still relevant to the Carrera 3.0...if you want to go deeper, you might buy a copy of the Carrera 2.7 book which takes things to another level of absurd detail.
I have a white 1974 Carrera us version with the original engine redone and a 2010 Gt3 and I can’t tell you how much fun it is to drive them back to back and feel the Porsche DNA even 35 years apart. When people ask which one I prefer I see both …one after the other.
My dad had a 76 signature targa. He use to let me drive it to school when I was in the 8th grade in 1976. My dad was the coolest guy I knew.
The good ole days!
I am lucky enough to have a 1976 3.0L , can’t go anywhere without people appreciating it. Great video!
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Thanks for this great trip down memory lane for me. I purchased a 1977 911S Targa in Mexico Blue in 1985. It was the original owner´s vacation car in Hawaii so it only had 10k miles and was kept garaged in the basement of his penthouse condo at the foot of Diamond Head. Yes, it sounds idyllic. My wife was his admin assistant and he only lived in Hawaii part-time. He could afford to do all the required updates on the engine so that was already taken care of by the time I took over. I loved that car for the light weight and responsive engine. The narrow body, silver/chrome trim and silver Fuchs wheels just looked perfect to me. The only changes I never got around to before I had to sell the car in 1992 was updating to an 11 spoke fan and adding the right side mirror. I never raced the car or took long trips in it (Oahu only), so it fared ok with the under-powered 5 spoke fan and no a/c. Regular oil changes and a set of brake pads were the extent of my maintenance bill for that car. I remember always marveling at how good the brakes were on the 911. Point and shoot handling too. I loved the ease of being able to remove and store the Targa top while still in the driver´s seat. I took advantage of that all the time in the warm Hawaiian sun.
I inherited a 77’ from my dad 4 years ago. He raced PCA and SCCA and always had a small a collection of Porsches.
The 77’ that I got from him is a euro car that he imported in the early 80’s… I’m pretty sure he was the second owner. The last time it really drove I was about 6-7 years old so anytime around 1990-1992… it has just sat in a garage or barn ever since then. The car does still run (he had his mechanic go through it at around 2015). His mechanic didn’t do much to it other than just get it running. The car is in “decent” shape, it’s brown with (I think) the cork interior… clear coat is almost gone, a little bud of fading in the paint. For some reason there’s a few small holes in some of the body panels, a very small amount of surface rust around the gas lid… other than that the car has zero rust (even being a Minnesota car). He never drove it in the winter obviously, and it has also just been parked for literally 30 years.
I’m trying to work on the car but I have zero money to put into it so I’m just going through it a learning as I go… it’s very therapeutic and emotional for me to go through it anyways. When dad was sick and on his way out we talked about what we would do to the car over the next year while he was sick. Unfortunately he only made it another 3 weeks or so after he knew he was sick and we starting making these plans with the car…
I would love to know more details about what the car actually is and since it’s a euro car it’s kinda hard to find info on. Like I said it’s brown with cork (I think cork anyways) interior… the car is all original as it wasn’t ever one of his race cars, he built numerous race cars over the years and from basically every air cooled generation from a 72/73 RS (replica), to a G body, and a 993… he also had a 964 cup car at one point… I was so sad when he sold that thing (especially looking at what it would be worth today)… but he sold it in the early 2000’s to fund a 996 cup car, then his last race car before he passed was a 997 cup car.
Anyways back to the 77… it’s all original, has a whale tail (original from factory), has a sunroof (that I don’t think works), power windows, black trim (I think), only a drivers side mirror… 66,000 kilometers on the odo, I’m not sure if it’s a 2.7 or a 3.0… but I think it’s a 3.0 as I’ve been told it’s basically an SC since it’s a 77 and a euro car… from what I’m told the euro cars in 77 where an SC and they just didn’t start importing the SC to the US until 78’…
It was funny getting the cars started myself for the first time when I took possession of it 4 years ago… I’m looking at the temp gauge and was so confused about why it only went to 120… “the car running at 75-80 degrees, why the hell wont this thing warm up” lol… a friend of mine who lives thousands of miles away from me used to work for Singer tells me it’s it Celsius you dummy lol…
Any ways the car needs to be sorted mechanically a bit just to makes sure it’s road worthy (go through the suspension and brakes)… the engine runs and burns a ton of oil but I don’t think the engine needs much work, just needs to be ran and driven… only problem I have with the engine is idle purge… need to get that figured out…
Could eventually need a tiny bit of body work and a re spray.
The interior is actually in really good shape other than just missing a few pieces of carpet on the floor in the back, and the headliner needs to be re done, other than that the seats and everything else is pretty good… would love to get the seats re done at some point (just to be picky about them) but they are good with only some fade from age, no tears or bad ripples or whatever… so it’s mainly the headliner that is sagging down and just kinda dry rotted or something like that…
I freaking live the smell of the interior of the car though lol, and I can still smell even though I still basically have no smell from Covid from 3 years ago lol.
Well sorry for the very very long write up… hope that anyone that read all of this enjoyed the long winded story… and if you have any expertise or advice for me with this car please reach out to me!!??
Like I said I’m just sorting through the car myself and learning as I go because that’s about all I can do at this point, someday if/when I have money to put into I’ll tackle the paint and larger mechanical issues with it.
I know and have to remind myself that I’m VERY fortunate to have this car and that it didn’t cost me a penny. But I do wish it was still in Dads garage or barn and he was still around to teach me about these cars. He knew these cars inside and out from building his own race cars. His 993 race car was completely built by him self in his garage and it was built from 2 totaled 993’s… one was damaged in the front and the other the rear… so he basically cut the two cars in half and welded the good halves back together lol…
I was so happy to watch this last night and see PCA finally did a video on Narrow Body Gs!!! I own a 1977 911S Targa originally Minerva Blue but PO painted it Windsor Blau (I’ll be bringing it back to original some time soon!) and found this such a great watch (the wife even enjoyed it 😉) one thing I wish was that you had a 77 to do an apples to apples comparison. Mine came with the Comfort package you discussed and I have my original 14 Fuchs… I love my mid year. If you want to do a video on the 77 let me know and you can borrow mine 😆
I have a 76 911 S Targa in Emerald Green Metallic that is undergoing some restoration work now. Your video was so helpful in alleviating my concern that these 74-77 models are not deserving of our love and attention! Thank you 🙏
Great video! I could listen to Nathan all day, there is so much wonderful information in every video in which he participates!
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Enjoyed your great video about the 1970 mid years. I have a 1974 911. The original color is salmon metallic. my production number from the vin is 622.
And my car has the original cloth seats that is the burgundy tweed and twill. And I am the about the fourth owner of this car and, I am the one that has to do the very expensive engine rebuild. Trying to save up the money for the engine rebuild now. Very pleasurable car to drive. Since my car was painted with the metallic paint it has been repainted and I am missing the sticker that is in the drivers door jam that has the the month and the year that the car was manufactured it was the 622nd car produced but I just I wish I knew what month and year the car was actually built.
Marion- Your car would have been built in either October or November of 1973.
Thank you for that excellent presentation. It helped me understand the options on my 912E. I have the sunroof, 14” Fuchs, 3 spoke wheel and power windows!
Thanks for watching!
Yes same. My 912E has power mirrors, sunroof, sport seats, 3 spoke wheel, 16" fuchs but no pop out rear windows? LOL!
My 77 S now has 188,000 miles and going strong, one engine rebuild. Since my other car is a ‘66 911 “pre S”, the ‘77 feels very fast. Lol
Love it!
Wonderful overview of the 74 - 77 Porsche 911. I learned several things. I have two early 1974 non sunroof Porsche 911 Carrera clone coupes. Neither of the cars are numbers matching. One car has a 1985 European 3.2 liter engine and transmission while the other came without an engine or transmission. I have subsequently purchased what amounts to be a 1974 2.7 liter Carrera CIS. One is black on black and the other is Gulf blue on black.
Thanks again for a great video
To add accuracy
My dad bought a new aubergine ‘73 911T 2.4 in ‘72 @San Francisco
They had three versions; the S, the E and the T which was the base model available ‘72 in USA
13:10-13:20. That has got to be one of your best lines. Right up there with Tom Cruise and his iconic Risky Business declaration. Thanks for another awesome video!
@Nathan, Im Australian and worked at the Mitsubishi manufacturing plant during the 90s - the paint card was still used by them and would travel with the car. I also worked at our local General Motors Holden plant as IT field support we had to take care of all the PCs along the production line during shutdown we had full access to the entire factory it was great, during shutdown and the graveyard shift I had the plant to myself (my shift buddy would stay in the office)- we used to have to go into the paint shop by airlock decontaminating in special overalls, I found it fascinating.
The pictures in the book reminded me of those years.
Thanks for sharing!
This was a wonderful video, one of the best, transporting you back in time and providing great info. Definitely next model to add to my garage. Thank you!
I own a 1974 911 Targa in Chocolate Brown. Love this video. Thanks for sharing. Porsche’s rock!
Need a video on the SC!! This is a wonderful video on the Middies, and the 84-89 Carrera video is great as well. Give the SC some love!
My mind has been blown! I never thought that the G series presentation could have been topped. What I would give to have that hellgrun! Imagine the original paint- my goodness. I love all the period original completeness. Kudos!
Thanks so much for this great, thorough, thoughtful video that sheds light and detailed information on these midyear narrow-body 911s! This is super helpful as I'm learning about my new-to-me 1977 911S, and falling in love with its unique attributes, and undeniable character. :)
My 77 targa 911s is getting some love today. 😀
Such a fantastic video. Great information - and outstanding cars!
Thanks for watching!
That Ice green Targa is just gorgeous especially with the tan interior. In fact this era of 911's is my favourite - a bit more muscular and purposeful than the early small bumper cars but more elegant and classy than the 80's cars with the whale tail, flared arches and black interiors. There's something just right about a tan interior and light metallic paintwork.
Again a great video learned so much again!
I have a 76 matching numbers, 911 Targa Lux (RHD) in Copper Brown Metallic, full bright trim with cruise control… 50% restored. This gave me the inspiration I need to finish it to a very high standard.
It’s UK car still on a 5 blade fan… thankfully we live in the UK where is really cold
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Great video delivered with the compassion these cars deserve!
Thank you 👍
Thanks for watching!
My 77 911S was the absolute worst 911 I have ever owned. 40 years and more later doesn’t make the car better. Ordered it in Germany and picked it up in Zuffenhausen in the spring of 77. Bitter chocolate, over cork leatherette with nice velour. The vinyl they used in the 77 cars was very high quality. Many thought it was leather. Okay, that was the good part. I ordered it minimally, with 15” Fuchs, right mirror, black trim, and cruise control. Living in Germany at the time, I used it as my daily driver, hitting 100 mph every morning going to work. When I would take it to Switzerland on Sunday for lunch, the car really needed a rear spoiler. On the autobahns at speed (120-140 mph) it just got too squirrelly to be safe. As a US spec car it was unsafe at speed at night. Germans had the benefit of real Bosch H1 or H4 headlights while American spec sealed beams were just plain dangerous. For Porsche to stay with magnesium cases to save something like 200-300 lbs was a big mistake carried for far too long. I didn’t have it a week with those terrible thermal reactors and air injection pump when the bolts holding all that together started to fail. Autohaus Mauk in Heilbronn tried very hard to keep it together but the dissimilar metals was not helping. With new helicoil inserts and the newer bolts helping, I still couldn’t wait to lose those TRs once I got it stateside. It was such a disappointment, spending $14,800 on that thing which always ran hot, and got worse when I added the very necessary air conditioning. You simply can’t believe the oil temps I would see! 300°F was not uncommon. By 1983 it was time for a far better car and I traded it for a beautiful 1981 911SC which had been turbocharged to an output of 270PS. It was like night and day. The SCs simply did not drip oil or even use oil. It was fully stocked with dark brown leather throughout over a Bamboo Beige skin. Everything worked better than the 77. It was great to finally experience a proper 911. 9117201923 is out there someplace, but I can’t tell you how much I enjoying having that in my rear view mirror! That car is slightly mentioned in my Feb 2008 article in PCA’s Panamera magazine. I contrasted the ordering process and assembly between 1977 and 2006 when I returned to Zuffenhausen for a new paint to sample Carrera S cabriolet, with hardtop, PCCBs, and a bunch more. Porsche knew that they always had me hooked, since I had been in their cars since 1974. The cabriolet shares a garage with my 64 356C coupe and my 77 Rolls-Royce. While I truly love the engineering behind things Porsche, they learned much on our dimes. The 911 has always had some form of Achilles heel, and clearly the 77 911S was no different. The get-by thermal reactor solution was a total disaster. When Porsche finally came out with the oil fed tensioners in the 1984 Carrera 3.2 engines, that part of the engines benefitted considerably. If you’re in the market for a used (obviously) 77 and you pop the engine lid and DON’T see oil fed tensioners, walk-make that RUN- away. Whoever has owned that car over the decades and hasn’t updated the tensioners is too cheap to own a 911. One fond memory of that car-cruising one evening on the autobahn to a Rhine River cruise with friends, while leaving the car on cruise control at 120 mph and sipping on French champagne. You only live once. Porsche, there is no substitute. But don’t forget to take care of it.
Thanks for sharing your experience. The situation in the 1970s with thermal reactors and such was unfortunate for 911 enthusiasts. Most mid-years nowadays have had their thermal reactors removed and problems caused by them fixed - if they're still on the road being driven regularly.
What a great overview of the mid-years. It really dispels a lot of the myths surrounding this model.
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Very informative video. I owned a ‘77 S and the heat exchangers did cause a bit of grief. My 2003 C2 is a better car in some ways, but I still miss the ‘77.
We love 996s and mid-years, glad you’ve been able to experience both!
Just picked up a '76 Targa that had been stored for 20 years. Should be a fun project - your video was very informative!
Right on!
Another upgrade for the 2.7 is timing chain tensioners. I think they are called 930 tensioners. It’s been awhile since I was playing around with my 1977 911S, but my son and I are currently reviving it from a 20 year storage hiatus. Fuel tank cleaning, new fuel lines and rebuilt ECU which was failing back in the day and was the reason for parking it at the time. That, and I bought a brand new triple black C5 Corvette in 2000.
Is a 1978-1983 video planned? I hope so!!! Thanks for what you do Nathan and PCA.
I have the Guards Red 2006 Cayman S ("Ruby") that I believe you sold before moving, what a great car and she gets plenty of road time along with a 2001 Carrera we have. Great video! I would direct anyone who wants to know the most about the G series cars to this site! Again, well done sir!
You are doing a great job, educating people about porsche.
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I now have a new appreciation for the mid-70s Porsches., including the discussion of the engine issues and how they differed from year to year. The discussion on colors is fascinating, but one question is - what year did Porsche begin galvanizing the bodies? That certainly makes a difference if the car has spent much of its life in northern climates.....
Galvanization started for the 1976 year. My 911s was delivered on the 1st of Jan 76 and is galvanized so i suspect that a few late 75 models may also have had this treatment.
I have an early 76 and it’s galvanised…
They started (partly-) galvanisation in July ´75 with the start of the production of the MY ´76 (= J-series). My MY ´76 911 S is the 613th (partly-)galvanised car.
Wow…you are the reference authority on these cars. The 3,2 video is also excellent, but the indoor video really allows you to appreciate the vehicles a bit more IMO. Can you do a similar video for the SC?
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An outstanding video, what an extraordinary display of knowledge, thank you!
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Really comprehensive guide, well worth the watch and awesome 911s
Wow! Fantastic presentation! Thank you Nathan and PCA!!
Excellent and helpful video. I own a 76 911s targa in light yellow and love the mechanical feel and 2.7. I just learned a lot about my car! Thanks for info!
Glad you enjoyed it
I'd love to see a vid like this for the 996 generation. Plenty of year-to-year variances there.
Absolutely wonderful, thanks for Your efforts 🙌🏼
I have a '77 911S, and I absolutely love it. So glad to see they are finally losing some of their maligned stigma. Wonderful, lightweight car that is just a joy to drive, especially with a 3.2L in the back.
The problem is people who don't know anything about Porsches before 2000. It wasn't about top speed in this era. It was about weekends on curvy country back roads and the handling while driving it swiftly. That's how they bewitched you. Porsches now are beautiful, but if you have a lot of fun in them, you're in jail.
This was so great!
Fantastic video on these great 911's! Also the one on the 3,2's was great, please do one for the SC's as well!
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Very nice interesting and in depth video! I am restoring my uncle’s 1967 912 that he purchased new in The Bay Area (SFO)- I
Brought it back here in Florence, Italy where ai reside most of the year! What resources could I find to get definite info on rear engine bay decals as well as other accessories on interior and exterior? Thanks again! Aimone Castellacci
Without asking any of our Tech Experts (visit the Technical section of PCA.org and you can ask them questions if you're a member), I'd suggest looking into a book called "The 911 and 912: A Restorer's Guide to Authenticity II" www.pca.org/news/book-review-the-911-912-porsche-restorers-guide-to-authenticity-ii
That book is phenomenal 🙌🏻
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I have 1976 911S Peru Red 3.0l one owner car 293,000 miles from Santa Barbara California. Love it!
Awesome!
When I was looking for a classic 911, I came across quite a few 1974 - 77's that had 3.0 transplants from the SC due to the 2.7 failing. Magnesium is generally less durable than aluminum engines and transmissions with the main advantage being lighter weight, but for me, the tradeoff wasn't worth possible reliability issues so I focused on the SC which has power assisted brakes although this started on the 1977 2.7. I also struggled with non matching engine transplants selling for the same price as originals. Made no sense to me so I picked up a 82 SC and love it.
Great "master class" video. Many thanks... I have one of the first guards red 911's when the color was first introduced in '74 - sn 4110848, from Oct 73. I'd love to get my hands on a copy of the factory docs, especially the paint card. I was soooo close to pulling the trigger on a white/blk (460 0630) euro carrera. I would have been its 3rd owner in the mid 90s with 48k miles when it lived in Mass. $22,900 was just too much cash for me at the time. I suspect if it was sold today it would be 10x that. At least I had a chance to drive it. I do prefer targas, though.
Excellent content. Excellent videography too. Easy to watch. Also thanks for not putting a bunch loud noisy music as a background.
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Excellent presentation !
Awesome video! I now feel like a midyear expert after watching it 😄👍
my favourite porsche videos. keep them up
Thanks for watching!
Thanks Nathan, I have watched this 3 times along with your 3.2 video. I have a ‘74 2.7 Targa in Polar blue with bright trim, it’s just beautiful. You clearly like the Targa in this video but spent very little time on it, any reason? Great video regardless and as always very informative 👍🏻
Rob-Glad you liked it! I do LOVE Targa's and in particular that Ice Green Targa is simply a gorgeous car! I only spent less time on it for two simple reasons: primarily it is a fully restored example that the owner took some very nice liberties with, so when reviewing the cars for what is "original" the HellGrun car was more representative of that. Secondly, I was less familiar with that car then a few of the others and I make my videos as quick unscripted one takes, so being familiar with the car really helps in that process. Enjoy you 74 Targa, brilliant cars!
Rob, awesome color combination on your 74. How long have you had it?
@@nathanmerz thanks for the clarity. Really enjoy your videos and have learned a ton. 👍🏻
@@RyanSnodgrass Ryan, sorry for the delay and thank you! I was fortunate to buy it in late ‘21 from a 34 year owner, I will keep it just as long!
@@RyanSnodgrass do you have an Aircooled? If so do you follow ua-cam.com/users/Rennthusiast
I Really enjoyed this video
thank you!
A true expert Porsche Historian
Glad you enjoyed it!
Old 911's are like m&m's, they look good in any color!
Agreed!
I can't stop looking at the DS E30 M3 behind them :) I do love a good middie though. Nice video thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Super vid, really enjoyed the education. I have so much to learn.
Glad it was helpful!
I loved my 75 Targa, which had the unique fiberglass, non folding roof panel. It also should be noted that the 74 models had the original style heat exchangers, while 75 on had the more restrictive type that carried through until the end of the G series.
Thanks for sharing
I had a 76 with a 5 blade fan that was amazing..... But that was in Australia and it was actually a Carrera 3.0 coupe.... Emerald green metallic too....yes, I hate myself for selling that back in 2000
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Great video. I've owned 3 midyears now. I love them!
What a wealth of knowledge ! Everything I wanted to know and more, thank you!
Our pleasure!
Hope a similar video for 911 SC is coming soon, great video!
Amazing video thanks from Italy 🇮🇹
Mine is a 3.0 Carrera '77 converted in rally version, I still have every single original piece obviously, now id like to make it wider but I don't know if there's a reversible way to do it, I don't wanna waste the value.
Brilliant video. Many thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video! Thank you!! I have a '75 Ice Green Metallic coupe. Love the color.
OUTSTANDING VIDEO!
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This was such a fun video.
How thoroughly captivating. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Great video!
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This is awesome thanks much for a wonderful video! I proudly inherited an original Red 1974 Targa Carrera (grandfather was 2nd owner in 1975). I have a sportmatic transmission which wasn't discussed here. How many 1974's had sportmatic? I am trying to figure out if the cars true original trim was bright trim or black (the arch is silver). I was told that the US dealers were painting the bright trim black? My steering wheel looks more like the 1975 you showed, so would that mean its a 1974 stock sport wheel? The car had a turbo tail installed in 1975, but I am going back to the duck this year. Thanks in advance for the the help!
The sportomatic is fairly unusual, I have not seen an exact count but suffice it to say it is rare. The Sportomatic is an ingenious solution that has its fans but is generally snubbed (I think unfairly) in the marketplace. Many original Sportomatic cars have since been converted to standard 915 transmissions. The US Carrera received the black window trim as standard, with bright a no cost option. As I mentioned in the video, check the small trim items, a bright window car would have items such as the vent window latches in chrome.
@@nathanmerz Thanks much! When I had the car partially restored last year everyone in the garage loved the sportmatic and said it was very rare and to never change it. S brakes and other minor upgrades also present on my car which I am told is rare. I love it personally not having to worry about a clutch peddle. It is a little temperamental if you like to lay your hand on the shifter you can't really do that. The next question will become if and when to do the body with a full strip because there are weak spots opening up the paint. Can't wait to get the muffler changed out for a sport muffler and put the duck tail back on it. I am looking to do more PCA events next year as well. Be Well!
nice enthusiasm nice vid enjoyed thank you
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Perfectly done video... thank you so much! Lovely details and examples!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excelente video, y sobretodo impresionante el 911 verde jade con toda su documentación, hasta libro propio! Felicidades
Thanks for the video. Can’t wait to see the turbo video!
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Outstanding video!
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Very good channel. I've been a Porsche person since I was little. Got my first air cooled 75 when I got a little money. How did I not know about this channel?
I just bought and in the process of importing a 1977 911 Carrera "sport" 3.0 from Porsche Classic Center in Lorient France. I'm excited to get it as it will be my first air-cooled Porsche!!! I'm having some degree of difficulty finding much info about these ROW Carreras. Would love to know your opinion of these cars. This is the second G-body video I've seen that you've produced... excellent Thank you,
Chad
I LOVE the 3.0 Carrera's, most people assume they are simply an early version of a 911SC and that is not true, they have their own unique characteristics and specs.
I love this video, coming from an original Ice Blue 76' Targa owner!
Quite fond of my PTS #624 Anthracite Gray '77 Targa 911s
Glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for your support 🙌
And not to forget the Carrera 3.0 which was a very unique car and also very rare. Only built from 75' to 77' with an 3.0 liter engine at 200HP. The same engine as the turbo but without the turbo. It has the same acceleration as the 2.7 Carrera RS but ist has better torque. So please don't forget this car. It was not sold to the US just like the 2.7MFI Carrera.
I certainly would never forget the 3.0 Carrera as it is one of my favorite models. I did not include it for a few reasons: primarily as it was never sold here in the US (same reason I didn't go into depth on the 2.7 MFI Carrera) and I also didn't have an example on hand to use for the video. The other reason is I think the rare models actually need a stand alone video as there is so much mis-information about them! On my to-do list!
Hear hear! The 3.0 cars are often overlooked. They are fantastic cars.
@@PowellAutos Agreed, the Carrera 3.0 is overlooked. I've driven and ridden in a few, but never owned one.
Thanks a lot for a great video. Just bought an US '77 911s last year and have some studying to do. Hope you will find a 1977 to show sometime. Cheers
Wonderful video with incredible details of these mid year 911 vehicles. I’m currently looking at a 1976 911 turbo, very early production car ( first ten imported to the USA) it has a dashboard with a center vent and no top speaker. Also, the doors do have power locks but, have the knurled knobs. We’re the turbos different than other 911’s? This combo sounded like wouldn’t have been possible on other 1976 models. Just want to be sure someone didn’t switch out the dash and added the knobs somehow during the cars hx. The selling dealership isn’t able to give much history about the car but, provided a title listing it as a 1976.
Thx. Phil
This is valuable knowledge that you share. Nicely done. Where are you located at ? thank you
Very comprehensive video. I really appreciate it. Thanks!!
I have a 74 Carrera US, running with an SC engine. But the CIS installed is the original from the 74 engine. Is there any major difference?
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The basic layout and functionality is the same from 1974-1983 BUT there are a myriad of small changes to the various components. In general the newer the CIS system the better it is. With that said, if you car is running well, don't mess with it. A nice running CIS motor is a gem!
the ‘74 Euro in your vid (nice job) has “flag mirrors” on both sides. I was under the impression that the ‘74 Euro version had the silver/metal “original flag” only on drivers side. Yes? No?? THX!!
Really enjoyed this informative video, I don't even own a Porsche, I own a MR2 Spyder.
Well done, this is a great video.
Another tell sign for a 1974 is the round seat knob
Good eye for the small details, actually the round knob for the seat back release was 1974-1975 and then they transitioned to a square style in 1976.
Thanks for this video. Super informative for a newb. I’m very interested in finding a 1976 921e. The brown example in the video is beautiful. I’m in the process of looking at a white one at the moment with US spec suspension. All of your cars across the board seem to be lowered or at euro spec. Do you mind confirming what the suspension height is on the 1976 912E in your video and the tire sizes for front and rear?
Have a 74 Targa with a 3.2 swap and keep going back and forth on whether or not to invest money in it. It’s. A great driver, always gets admiring glances but it’s overdue for some love if I’m going to keep it.
This was amazing - thank you!!!!! I received the video from a BaT comment you posted on the 1976 Minerva Blue Targa I bought from Norway. Now I'm worried my metallic paint and original 2.7K with 49K miles are ticking timebombs. Anybody have any recommendations to keep the paint and engine from failing?
Brilliant video! Thanks!
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.
love the mid years, and especially the desire for a 74 carerra 2.7 mfi euro. Theres a guy in LA- Doug Walker Euro Group that has one. Anyhow, wondering if we can show similar love for the 78-83 911 SC. I love mine!
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@danielogassian I hear a 78-83 911 SC video should be posted shortly.
Will you do a video like this on the 930 and 928 some day?
I own a 74’ Carrera and enjoy learning about it. Wanting to see all the original details. What year is the white one you showed? Everything you talk about in the video shows it to be a 75’ yet it has a 74’ duck tail spoiler on it. Mine is original guards red. Really wanting to compare to another.
Wealth of information thankyou
I'm looking to find a clean 912
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Hi, nice video. Really enjoyed it. Just one comment / question: I have a 911S from 1975 and it has the larger "plastic" rear view mirrows. All the best!
... Also is there any recommended books that you are aware of that would cover the euro 76-77 Carrera 3.0?
Chad there is not a specific book for the 3.0 Carrera but having both the 2.7 Carrera and 3.0 Turbo books both written by Ryan Snodgrass would get you the vast majority of the in-period information, only lacking some of the mechanical specs on the 3.0 (which shares the basic engine with the 3.0 Turbo 1975-1977).
@@nathanmerz Thanks for shooting and editing a terrific video on the 74-77 cars. I agree the 74 - 77 cars have been overlooked for far too long. I have long held that most of these cars have already suffered failure and rebuild or transplant. It would be hard to imagine any of these cars to have survived with all but the most careful driving to this date without some sort of "tending" . I know of 1 local car, a 75, with 16k miles. It is still original and the engine remains as original. The Helgrun car in this video would be another.
I have to agree with Chad. I think you missed the chance to introduce many people to the 76-77 Euro 3.0 Carrera. I have been mustering up the stones and dough to plunk down for the 2.7 Book and the 3.0 Turbo Book. There are things I still am learning about my car a 77 3.0. I "restored" my car to my taste, converting it to MFI ( I still have the CIS in a box), it has 178k km and is a very nice driver. I am a fairly adept collector of all things Porsche and admit to loving my 77 3.0 more than any Porsche I have ever had the good fortune of owning. That Hans Mezger chose the 3.0 as his personal favorite reinforces my infatuation with this Porsche odditiy.
Please stop calling anything a VIN number - the N stands for number. Everything else you cover in your videos, this and the 3.2, is fantastic. I have learned so much about the differences of the 84-89 changes. I just purchased a 86 with 41k from its original owner. Complete documentation from new. Service records, original bill of sale, original letter from Porsche, original and complete service history for 36 year, all original paint, original keys, books, tool roll, air compressor, etc. Do you know of any other options from Porsche to authenticate the car? Am I relegated to a trip to Chicago or Atlanta for someone to look at and substantiate my purchase? Keep up the good work. The variety of your venues is fantastic....