Critical Thinking Regarding the LWB Early 911S

[LongRanger]

Before another 'for sale' thread goes off-piste . . .

. . . in terms of LWB 69-73S models, what model year the one the to have and why? . . .

Personally? --- I think anyone thinking about buying an Early 911 should start the process by considering this subject for themselves



My Take . . .


1969 --- last year for the original 2-liter displacement + 1st year for LWB + mechanical fuel injection = special/one-year-only car. WAY more here . . .
http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...es+1969+unique

Just keep in mind . . . special/unique/one-of-a-kind parts with special/unique/one-of-kind availability at special/unique/one-of-a-kind pricing when something special/unique/one-of-kind goes boink/scatcha-scratcha-scratha/ka-BOOM


1970-71 --- last un-restricted/un-regulated/un-legislated Porsches with all of the company's bells + whistles --- biggest displacement hi-compression motors, dog-leg gear box, alu body work (lids + rear valance). Oil squirters added w/ '71 --- along w/ a handful of sets of odd-ball rear seat 'extenders.' The absolute zenith of the Early 911 . . . IMO *


1972 --- Dog-leg 'box dropped, along w/ compression. Chin spoiler appears --- 1st few in fiberglass. Displacement increases = more power. One-year-only oil door w/ attendant oil system changes


1973 --- Oil door dropped + still more power + last year for MFI = what many consider to be the Ultimate Longhood




None of these cars will disappoint. I think it comes down to . . .
..1) what features you're looking for
..2) what price you're willing to pay
..3) and (most importantly) . . . what's available


HtH --- and enjoy your choices




* I own a '70 . . . purchased after considering these same features

[Ant22]

I'd say whichever you're lucky enough to already own. If you're buying, the best driving / least rusted you can buy from somebody you trust, within budget. If budget not a factor, pick the one in a colour your wife likes / hates depending on how you want to use it!

[911T1971]

All above can also be said for 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968 Model Years...just with different details for those cars and therefore different arguments

[joegt3cup]

what's an lwb?

I've heard that porsche did make cars after 1968, but......isn't that when audi and vw got involved?

...yes !!!

[Chris Pomares]

What's an LWB?

I've heard that Porsche did make cars after 1968, but......isn't that when Audi and VW got involved?

Long live the SWB cars and their limited use of plastics.
Chris

[DOUGS73E]

First off - any year of an early 911 is special to me.

From a styling perspective, my particular preference is the 1969-1973 LWB models. By 1969, the 911 came into its own, (noting 1968 was a transitional year) shedding its legacy 356 characteristics; green instrument dials, narrower wheels, etc. By 1969, with the slightly longer wheelbase, available MFI, flared wheel wheel arches with 6" wide wheels and white on black instrument dials and restyled door panels, the 911 had a more updated appearance. One can argue about the deletion of the door window vents (on the coupe only) as an obvious cost cutting measure. But remember during this era, inflation was rampant. Even though, without the vents, the coupe had a cleaner look.

Then choosing within the '69-'73 model years, it became a preference of engine displacement, carbs or MFI, dog leg 901 racing shifter pattern or the conventional H pattern of the 915 transmission. This was also the time of increasing US emission controls and safety regulations combined with Porsche's efforts to increase its customer base. So air conditioning, power windows and that type of nonsense became available in order to broaden the market appeal of what was expected in an expensive GT/sports car. And when it came time to buy my early 911, I selected the 915 trans model since my first extended driving experience was a 1972 T targa many years earlier.

My two cents.

[raspy2point2]

Yes the LWB cars are much more refined. but at the time I did not like the looks of the flare on the wheel well. Nor the loss of the wind wing on the door. I thought Porsche was really cutting corners fore 1969. Even the placement of the rear wheels for a longer wheel base made the back of the car look wrong. I got over it because when the heavy bumpers cams out, I was done with the 911. Chris

[1QuickS]

Obviously biased reply follows:

More "refinement" is embellishment or "product improvement" on the original. The 356 was a sporting improvement on the VW and its various revisions (A, B & C) developed the original 356 until it was in need of complete revision with the 901; the 356 lovers derided it upon introduction.

I have a 67S (third of four 911 cars, the fourth a 79 SC) and if I took a road trip the 79 got the nod (cruise control, AC, stereo, leather, etc.) but for an invigorating ride the S was hands-down the choice of the day. I sold the SC 30 years ago and kept the S. My priorities were driver involvement vs. convenience as a result of product improvement, each generation of "improvement" diluted the essential character of the original.

So, SWB vs. LWB...the SWB wins. 1969 thru 1971 bests a 1972 and 1973. 1974 thru 1977 vs. an SC???? the question is moot since the essence was diluted too much.

Newer cars are quicker, safer, more efficient with more computers and...you can have them.

Newer car embellishments I reject:

• Power windows: like I can't reach the passenger side crank from the driver's seat?
• Power seats: My car has seen only two other drivers in 37 years; I am the principal driver & haven't changed physical stature much in decades so manual seat adjustment is fine, no need for embellishment & the associated weight for the convenience
• Power mirrors: Ha, ha. What's behind me doesn't bother me!
• 5 MPH bumpers: extra weight allows in-traffic bumper car driving techniques
• Cruise control: OK if WOT cruising is your choice, typically my throttle position changes more frequently & rapidly than in a cruising situation
• Air Conditioning: I open the windows & endure in hot climates; think what the extra heat load is doing to your precious engine oil!
• Emissions control: Driver controlled function of throttle position; few miles driven per year so I rationalize poor emissions are OK
• Self-adjusting seatbelts: I like to strap-in myself, more connected to the chassis (I don't see these installed in 917s)
• Sound deadening: Quiets the Siren's song of the flat six when on-cam...a tragic trade-off

The LWB cars of 1969 through 1971 continue performance improvements over the SWB cars without too much government involvement but after that things go sideways. This does not mean performance degrades but it is changed in its delivery. Analog wristwatches and turntables are big today (among a small audience) vs. digital offerings and I believe this to be due to their being more humanly understandable and therefore comfortable to live with; examples of better performance with revised delivery. I also offer the example of the wood worker preferring hand tools (chisels & planes) over power tools; the end item may not be more precise or at a lower production cost than those made with power tools but the human involvement is much higher which commands more respect from the aware observer.

I do confess of embellishing my car with suspension, wheel & engine upgrades but the fundamental chassis is intact. Still has chrome vs. plastic, analog vs. digital, carburetors vs. "improved" fuel delivery and sports a constantly degrading CPU in the driver's seat.

Biased diatribe complete.

[John Fusco]

What's an LWB?

I've heard that Porsche did make cars after 1968, but......isn't that when Audi and VW got involved?

LOL - and the limited use of plastics thing - and don't forget the chrome