Bill Yates Cal Club 911S ~ 1970 - Information Sought

[tinkll1]

Hi gentlemen, This is my first post. My second Porsche after a new 912, 1966, was a 1969 Porsche 911S purchased from a Garden Grove CA VW-Porsche dealer, Don Burns, and spec'd by Alan Johnson, whom I never met, but had some connection to the dealer. It was an airport course gear box and ring and pinion, and I loved the car. I never raced it. I did go to watch CSCC races, and my recollection was that Bill Yates, a VW-Porsche dealer in San Juan Capistrano, in the late 60's and early 70's, ran a red Porsche 911 with factory wheel wells, and the general appearance of what I believe is the 911ST. The car was absolutely gorgeous, and Bill seemed unbeatable. I thin it was in about 1972, that I had my car modified with an enlarged engine, and Al Martinez, who was said to have done Bill's body works, welded on factory wheel wells, which were a source of grief, as the welds began to appear though the paint in 6 months, and despite trying to repair this at least 2-3 more times, Al never got it right. My son is now restoring the car, and my grandson has his eyes on it.

I am curious as to what car Bill Yates was actually racing? Does anyone remember that car and could you enlighten me as to what it was, and its ultimate fate? It was the inspiration for the modifications, and a truly wonderful car that still excites a third generation.

[Chuck Miller]

Welcome tinkll1,

You've probably come to the right place …

No idea what became of any of those cars... maybe someone here does ?

Cheers,
Chuck

[beh911]

Nice first post!

Please tell us more about your 69 911S. Not many had airport gears (901/52).

[davep]

Yes, that 69S of yours sounds very interesting. Being a first owner car still is very unusual, and special. I hope you still have all of the original documentation; that is rare and valuable also.
The factory wheel wells you speak of are what we would call fender flares, and accommodate wider wheels for better traction. The 911ST was a 1970 racing version; and may fit the time period you are speaking of.

A pertinent thread on the ST:
https://www.early911sregistry.org/fo...mate-ST-thread

[Rennman]

[Rennman]

I believe his first 911 racer was a 1968 911T Rally aka T/R. This is the infamous car that showed up at the Hershey swap meet many years ago. The period photos of the car showed up here on another thread and helped me solve the mystery of the car. The Panorama ad I found skimming through old issues which matches the kardex to a T! I then confirmed all of this with an ex Yates employee who remembered the car well. After looking at other T/R kardexes it is safe to say this one was the mother of them all with everything in the book thrown at it when built. Brown was known for bringing in many special models during the 356 and early 911 time period.

[John Straub]

Holtville about 1972

John

(Not my image)

[John Straub]

Bob Brown's personal race car at Holtville, same time.

John




(Not my image)

[Chuck Miller]

John, I have never seen those pictures... SUPER COOL !!!....Outstanding brother !!!!!!

I was at Holtville once in '73 helping my buddy in his GTA Jr....

I remember they were the nicest folks taking care of the crummiest track I've ever been to...

[JimmyT]

I believe that the red car car (911 130 1148) in the initial post was originally Richie Ginther's (RIP) '71 Le Mans ST "Sloopy Jr." He sold it to Bill Yates (RIP) who kept it updated as the "Red Baron." Bought by Dave Morse (RIP) who restored it back to ST livery in '97, and resold it.