We've all heard similar versions of this story........usually only the dates, people involved, model & model year, and amounts in question change.
A Porsche enthusiast and long-term owner, thoughtfully and enthusiastically engaged in the ownership experience of his newly purchased ____ ( insert model & MY ) passes away. Widow leaves car in garage, and lets it sit....and sit.....and sit some more, for decades in fact. Someone with limited knowledge / interest of early Porsches and Porsche pricing begins counseling & discussing status of dusty 911 in garage with said widow, and eventually, the decision is reached to dispose of the car.
At this point two friends of mine, one of whom had some small knowledge of the car, its history, and its whereabouts enter the picture and conclude a deal in which everyone wins. The 2 friends wind up with a low-milage, wholly original, one-owner '68, but not just any '68, but an ultra-rare, legally imported and licensed '68 911 S, of which a mere handful exist in the US, and the widow is satisfied, having accepted what she considers to be an equitable price.
I was fortunate enough to be witness to the year-long restoration / refresh operation and would like to take this opportunity to present a series of shots of the just finished product. As with the Tangerine car posted recently under the " new star rising " heading, I've been requested not to mention names, amounts, addresses, etc. but have been assured there's no problem showing these photographs, taken yesterday.
The finished project has turned out to be quite stunning. Much effort was expended to retain every possible serviceable, original part, all of which were reconditioned and tested for function prior to re-installation. Parts considered no longer safe, efficient and / or serviceable were replaced mostly by NOS or by OEM replacements. Only exterior paint was resprayed ( doorjambs, undersides of trunk and engine lid ) were left original & blended seamlessly, parts that required it were re-plated, all seals and rubber were replaced. Harvey did the wheels, a new head-liner was installed and the well worn seats were re-upholstered. Mechanically the car is exactly as new in every sense of the word. Feel, smell, drivability and dynamics are all those of this car being driven home from the dealer on the Saturday morning the first and only owner drove it home.
A real time-capsule, and a most creditable testimonial to the abilities and judgement of the principal builder of this historic example.
Enjoy !!
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