4 Attachment(s)
Uncovered! Short-lived third model: The 1967 911 deLuxe"
All SWB Porsche fans,
I think it very likely that Porsche actually planned and even built and shipped three models for 1967: 911, 911S and 911 deLuxe. As the Kardex and photos below show there were at least two "Modell 1967 911 deLuxe R.S. Ex. 13/66" built (there were probably more, so those with Kardex of such cars please come forward and those with Kardex access ("my source in the Alps" would you mind checking chassis numbers around these late 1966 VINs?)) Note on one Kardex "Modell 1967" is actually stamped in the warranty section. So, there is no doubt these are true 1967 models. Remember what is confusing is that the chassis numbers of these two cars would defintely tell us they were 1966 year models! The thought comes to mind since these were built very late in the 1966 model year, that they were sent out to test the waters for such a car, to see how they would sell. Another possibility is that they were special order (selectively offered) for special customers who wanted a 1967 but liked the 1966 trim.
The deLuxe model was trimmed just like a 1966 model except that the badging, at least on the rear deck lid, used the 1967 model design and location. The deLuxe models came with all the same equipment as the 1966: wood dash trim, under the bumper fog lights, dual mirrors! and Webasto, tinted glass, loudspeaker, antenna (there may have been other "options" included.)
I believe what happened was that some in Zuffenhausen wanted a model in between the 911 "normal" (which was now "decontened") and the top of the line new and exciting 911S. However, I guess they realized that: 1. the 911S was very exciting on its own (positive press reaction) and 2. The deLuxe model was going to cost as much to produce (what with its wood dash and all) as the 911S and that would have presented a pricing delimma. So, I believe they just dropped these cars.
We know on the red deck lid (car was originally silver) that there appear to be factory welding repairs where a 1966 slanted 911 badge would have gone. But we see additional holes where a 1967 model year 911 badge goes; same for the gray car. There is difference on the dash emblem. One is 1966 style and the other 1967 style.
We need to find out what R.S. Ex 13/66 signifies. It might have something to do with when these cars were originally conceptualized: 13/66, week 13 but I really have no good idea on R.S. or Ex. My source in the Alps said:
"but for sure the RS does not belong to leLuxe...maybe it reads
R Reutter
S Sonderserie
Ex Export
3 March
66 1966"
But the date makes no sense to me. There should be a bulletin or, for sure, factory documentation but I don't have access to this and all the books I have make no mention of the deLuxe. I welcome all additional information. How many very rare 1967 deLuxes are out there?!
Allen (email DrRSR@aol.com)
PS Thanks to my good friend Richard "304678" without whose help this post would not at all be possible!
UPDATE! ::: Not sure if these were the original images (these posted Sept. 14, 2017) but %^$#! Photobucket went from free to $400 a year! So PO'd..and so it goes.
