Uncovered! Short-lived third model: The 1967 911 deLuxe"

[Allen Henderson]

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.

[davep]

I'll be very interested in the results of this investigation.

[jaudette3]

They must have considered it more deluxe to park the wipers on the driver's side.

Cheers,
JohnA

[Allen Henderson]

They must have considered it more deluxe to park the wipers on the driver's side.

Cheers,
JohnA

John,

Good eye and funny! Maybe the wipers set up failed on the gray car and was replaced. But here is the other deLuxe and they park as we expect.
-Allen-

[preS]

I have some additional questions.

- Any one has Christo's from Jan.- July 66 that he/ she can check if there is something written about this deluxe model?

- are there members (lurking) w/ a VIN between 304701 and 304930? Please PM me or Allen.

Richard

[Carl Bauer]

I have some additional questions.

- Any one has Christo's from Jan.- July 66 that he/ she can check if there is something written about this deluxe model?

Richard

Richard,

I'll take a look this evening.

Attachment 63683

[Cliff]

John,

Good eye and funny! Maybe the wipers set up failed on the gray car and was replaced. But here is the other deLuxe and they park as we expect.
-Allen-

By the way, the Koni front damper covers have PORSCHE stamp & not Koni, if that is any help.Cliff

[911T1971]

I found some new infos regarding DeLuxe model:

"During the Sept. 1963 IAA Frankfurt show the new Typ 901 model (VIN 13 325) was shown as a non-running prototype.
Its estimated sale price was 30% more than the 356 precessor (23'900DM versus 17'000DM) and it was difficult for vendors
to justify the planed price tag at the 1963 IAA show.
Sales director Mr. Raether was later able to lower final production price of a 901 of about 1500DM or approx 22% more than a 356.

On a factory notice of 9th December 1963, Porsche initially planned three models:
*901 deLuxe.
Model similar to yellow Typ 901 show car at IAA Frankfurt (Sept. 1963)
Equipped with 6cyl. 130hp engine, full leather interior and full luxury equippment. Price: 22400DM (1500DM less than IAA)

*901 normal
Equipped with 4-cyl. 95hp engine, skai interior, steel wheels without chromed hubcaps, wood steering wheel.
Price 17500DM (i.e similar to 356 model)

*901 S
Equipped with 6cyl. 150hp S engine: Price: 23900DM

A year later, in December 1964, only the first model of the planned range, the 901deLuxe was ready for sale promotion tours as well as having served as a test car for further construction details development (7.February 1964 - 25 August 1964).
Therefore, this single model was later designated as a 901 Coupe.
Porsche held regulary sessions of airodynamic tests (real size models only after March 1964) as well as sessions to improve construction development details on 901 protoypes (1-13/) as well as first-serie 901 cars. (communicated by R.S.?)

On this kind of sessions, Porsche initially abandoned plans to develop a sun roof for its 901 program and only
after sales promotion director Mr. Wagner pushed for it, it was decided to offer Golde sun roofs.
This time delay was the reason on 901/911 cars sun roofs could be ordered only after June 1965.

In October 1964, Porsche showed the final 901 Coupe in Paris where Peugeot vetoed against the x0x model designation
(they held rights only in France) and Porsche changed to 911.
The same happened to the 902/912 while 904 was for a sports prototype car and - showed a year earlier (1963) -
never received a veto from Peugeot."

Therefore It took Porsche more than the planned 9 months to actually sell its first 901/911 model, a time delay cap usually applied to german car manufactors when presenting a new model on IAA car shows.


Source: Aichele

[preS]

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.cm)
PS Thanks to my good friend Richard "304678" without whose help this post would not at all be possible!

Allen

In the for sale section of this board another deLuxe popped up. It has VIN 304817 which fits right between 304748 and 304863.

http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...ad.php?t=28116

Richard

[Allen Henderson]

So, now we think we know "Option Code 11" maybe be described in 13/16 R.S. and, in fact that Option #11 for a late 66 is the same as R.S. 13/66!
This chassis is 304817, as Richard points out above. Does anyone have the list and description of Code 11 for a, late, 1966 model?
Thanks.

-Allen-