I was quite excited yesterday to receive my COA from Porsche on my car. It led me to a search on the vehicle for something, so this post has a little automotive archeology on it, too!
Basically, my car has a production completion date of 10/05/1968. I thought that was very strange, as every component so far that I've examined has a 1967 date code on it. (Engine cylinders, relays under the drivers footboard, stamps on intruments, etc.)
I was pleased to see that my engine and transmission are the ones it was originally built with, although I suspected they were. Same with paint color (6802 Polo Red) and the interior (Black Leatherette/11). What's the "11" mean? Is it to denote the vinyl basketweave insert?
On optional equipment, it raised some questions.
1. Antenna
2. Loudspeaker
3. Tinted Glass All Around
4. Wheel Caps w/Porsche Crest
5. Wood Steering Wheel
6. Pirelli Tires (135/15)
It makes no mention of a radio, but there is a Blaupunkt AM/FM/SW radio in it that I believe is original. I was underneath the dash last night, and saw the grey antenna wire that goes from the back of the radio. I traced it to the little cardboard panel that is where the gas flller door release knob sort of connects into, and pulled on it a little. (There is no antenna on either fender, by the way). As I pulled on it, I could hear a rattle. Looking from the outside of the car, into the gap between the drivers door and the inner fender area, there was the original antenna! The front fenders on the car have been replaced (reason unknown so far, everything else on the car is original) and when they mounted them, they must have just left the antenna loose instead of drilling a hole for it. Bizarre. It's got a neat little "dew drop" looking tip on it, it's different then the reproduction ones I've bought before. Anyway, it was neat to find. I can't wait to drill the hole in the fender, pull it up, and secure it. All the nuts and everything for it are screwed onto the antenna, so I have all the parts needed to mount it like it's supposed to be. (Mental note: Drill the hole right the first time!)
On the tires, I was surprised to see "135/15" as the option- I thought it was 165/15?
My hubcaps seem to be the original ones, so maybe my 1966 date coded 4.5x15 inch chrome wheels are original after all?
The only real pity here is that someone has made off with the wood wheel, what's on it is a standard black one with a butterfly horn ring. Oh well, now I know what I need to start looking for!