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My 12/72 date code '73E, #579, has the black early bumper guards:
http://www.911e.org/microsite.php?9113200579
Thought I read somewhere that during MY'73 for a period these were optional with the rubber ones, and at some point the rubber ones were manadatory.
For example, Tom McMahon's very original '73E, which is date code 9/72 #098, has the rubber version.
http://www.911e.org/microsite.php?9113200098
Bob
As I know from nearly 40 years of dealing with 356s anything and everything is "ORIGINAL" on vintage Porsches! I have been told many times that part is "not original Porsche never made those". Even when I have the part in my hand and a photo of the car when brand new with the part on it.
That being said it does seem odd that a 1972 #836 (with the oil filler in fender) would have black metal guards. Since normally the other trim (horn grilles, trim around TS lenses etc ) is chrome. But again anything is possible...
If memory serves, this guy has some VERY nice, low mileage, original cars including RS #815, (Blood Orange) and an UNBELIEVABLE 70 (or 71) Conda Green 'S' which has shown up at a few events over the years.....:D
I agree, it was strange. But, what can I say? It is what it is.Quote:
Originally Posted by execmalibu
I'm sure stranger things have happened on early/late model year cars.
Could they have been changed by the original owner at the dealer after delivery when he saw them on early '73's when they came out? Sure. As you said, anything's possible. The rear guards were the same black, too. It did have the blackout "Targa" emblems on the silver roll hoop cover. Also, the engine grill, "911S" and "PORSCHE" emblems on the rear deck were all black, too.
However, since the car came with factory AC, it had the front condenser/blower installed under the front license plate. As such, it also had the protection bars for it installed. That required special front bumper guards which had a large hole on the bottom for mounting the protection bars.
When I acquired the car (1985), one of the front bumpers was damaged in that area from scraping the protection bar on a driveway or something. I placed a "Wanted" ad in the PCA's Panorama and recieved a call from someone in Oregon that had a pair. So, I immediately bought them.
Anyway, that's how the car came when I bought it. I was the third owner. The original owner special ordered a new car every 2 years, from Bob Smith Porsche Audi in Hollywood, CA. This one had paint to sample as indicated by the "999" on the paint color plate and confirmed in writing from the factory. This was before they offered the COA service.
I bought the car from the second owner who bought it from the dealership in 1974, as original owner traded it in on a new 1974 model. The second owner kept it parked most of its life, as it only had 32k miles when I bought it in 1985.
Through the years (40 year PCA member) I have seen only 2 or 3 other late 1972's with the black guards. Not many, that's for sure:D
I thought that the black bumper guards (not the all rubber 73.5 USA only guards) were the Euro guards?
They appear to be somewhat transitional as "late '72" guards. I have them on my 2/72 build car.