Unknown Issues the Factory could Answer

[RandyWebb]

What are some of the unresolved questions about the early cars?

I'm thinking of things that a historian at the factory (or an archivist) could answer.

esp. things where the various books published differ...?

[CurtEgerer]

Ride height. I still contend there was no ride height difference between Euro and US 911's prior to the safety bumper cars. I say the ride height was raised because of the revised NHSTA bumper regulations issued in 1973 for the 74 model year. I believe the standard required protection in "the region 16 to 20 inches above the road surface". My 71 has a 14.5" height at the front bumper and 15" at the rear and is at stock ride height. Some have siad early cars had a higher ride height because of a US headlight-height regulation. I haven't been able to find anything regarding that.

[Carl Bauer]

I don't think Porsche has problems with individuals visiting Werk 3 for research purposes.

Klaus Parr is no longer with Porsche as the head archivist. Dieter Landenberger replaced Parr 2 months ago.

http://www.autokiste.de/start.htm?si.../0506/4361.htm

Parr had been with Porsche for 20+ years and basically created the archive we know today.

[Cornpanzer]

Curt,
There was a US headlight limit that many automakers had difficulty with. In California during the 70s the CHP would pick on all of the Cal-Look VWs with thier lowered ride height by measuring thier headlight heights. At stock height they were already at the lowere limits. How or if this applied to the 911, Im not sure, but the laws did exist.

[Carl Bauer]

Curt,

The book for Tech Specs for my '79 SC has the ride heights (mm) in the back for both RoW and US cars. The US heights are in brackets off to the side. If you have the spec book for any <74 911 you may find your answer.