Black painted metal bumperettes?

[JPlonghood]

Were the black painted metal bumperettes introduced in MY '72, and only installed on European spec cars? I found an all original, and super low mile, early production 1973 T(Chassis #9113100124) that does not have the oversized rubber front and rear bumperettes. How would this have come to be? Purchased at US dealer for European/tourist delivery? The production month is 7/72, but the first date of sale/ delivery paperwork is dated 12/72. This is a no paint work (not even spot painted) vehicle that has never been apart - would have to been produced this way.

[912]

I remember seeing them only on early 73 911's (up to 12/72). From then they were the larger foam filled type.

Ken

[72targa]

I have them on my late '72

[edmayo]

JP I have seen them on early USA delivery cars. I believe the reason is that the D.O.T. requirements for the big foam bumper guards would have started with cars sold after Jan.1st 1973. Since Porsche knew that was coming but they weren't required to have them on cars sold before Jan. 1st, so in order to use up stock of existing bumper guards (remember, they don't throw anything away!) they painted them black to sort of blend in with the later black foam guards.

[JPlonghood]

Thanks guys!