Seeking Input: '67S Carpet Choices

[jaudette3]

Was square weave carpet a factory option for '67S's? Were there other options?

Thanks,
JohnA

[Silverbullit]

Yes, only the "plush" or "velour" and I believe only in the 'salt and pepper' color

[jaudette3]

Thanks for the input. I'm not doubting it at all. But I had looked in a few books and had found information that is totally ambiguous as I read it.

From "The 911 & 912 Porsche - The Restorer's Guide to Authenticity" by Brett Johnson:

Carpeting

The items previously described were well hidden from the casual observer by carpeting, which blanketed the entire luggage area. The first cars came with carpeting much like that in 912 and 356 models, was a square-weave loop-type carpet as opposed to the plush or "velour" carpeting that was used in the interior of the 911. It is referred to as Boucle in parts manuals. There were three pieces of trunk carpeting, including one piece that made up the floor and back wall and two side pieces. The side pieces were secured in place by glue. The main floor piece stayed in place by its own weight, although at the back leather straps help it up. This piece had a heavy fiber backing glued to it. The carpet was bound on the edges with vinyl. At the time that the windshield washer bottle moved inside in mid-1965, all three carpet pieces were modified. This change also corresponded to the addition of adjustable shock mounts which were left uncovered so that adjustments could be made easily.

A second type of carpet material was also used on SWB cars called Perlon. It was a nylon material looking much like felt. It was less than 1/4" inch thick and had a pressed look to it. It is not clear when this material was introduced, although it is certain that it was used on 911S models and all Targas. This would mean that it was definitely available in 1967 but was not necessarily exclusive to coupes. By 1968 this was the only material utilized.

And here is another citation, from the "Porsche 911 Red Book 1965-1999" by Patrick Paternie:

Interior
Carpet was Black (more of a charcoal gray) in a square-weave pattern.

And another, from "Original Porsche 911" by Peter Morgan:

The 911 began life with a velour interior carpet, which later became the more luxurious option for the higher spec cars like the E and S. From 1967, a cheaper material termed Perlon (with an appearance like felt) was introduced for the basic models (the 911 and later 911T). Until approximately the start of the 1968 model year, you could have any carpet color as long as it was dark gray.

What do show judges believe?

JohnA

[smedley]

Brett's book was a nice opening effort 40 years ago with the information he could gather at the time, but the numerous errors dictated a second edition, which never happened.

Never even bothered with the other books after thumbing through them. Guys like John Paterek or Roy Nielson need to write books ......they've forgotten more than many of us will ever know!

Find the REAL cars, look closely, take notes....and photos.

[jaudette3]

Find the REAL cars, look closely, take notes....and photos.

You're right, of course. But original, really original, cars aren't falling out of trees here in Central Oregon.

JohnA

[Flunder]

Nope. Only one carpet offered... same stuff as you are familiar with.

e

I agree with a footnote: the only exception would have been a very rare bird, a 67S coupe factory built with Rally Kit, in which case it would have been fitted with perlon and rubber mats like the Normale. All other S interior trim remained.

[edmayo]

Thanks for the input. I'm not doubting it at all. But I had looked in a few books and had found information that is totally ambiguous as I read it.

From "The 911 & 912 Porsche - The Restorer's Guide to Authenticity" by Brett Johnson:

Carpeting



The items previously described were well hidden from the casual observer by carpeting, which blanketed the entire luggage area. The first cars came with carpeting much like that in 912 and 356 models, was a square-weave loop-type carpet as opposed to the plush or "velour" carpeting that was used in the interior of the 911. It is referred to as Boucle in parts manuals. There were three pieces of trunk carpeting, including one piece that made up the floor and back wall and two side pieces. The side pieces were secured in place by glue. The main floor piece stayed in place by its own weight, although at the back leather straps help it up. This piece had a heavy fiber backing glued to it. The carpet was bound on the edges with vinyl. At the time that the windshield washer bottle moved inside in mid-1965, all three carpet pieces were modified. This change also corresponded to the addition of adjustable shock mounts which were left uncovered so that adjustments could be made easily.

A second type of carpet material was also used on SWB cars called Perlon. It was a nylon material looking much like felt. It was less than 1/4" inch thick and had a pressed look to it. It is not clear when this material was introduced, although it is certain that it was used on 911S models and all Targas. This would mean that it was definitely available in 1967 but was not necessarily exclusive to coupes. By 1968 this was the only material utilized.

And here is another citation, from the "Porsche 911 Red Book 1965-1999" by Patrick Paternie:

Interior
Carpet was Black (more of a charcoal gray) in a square-weave pattern.

And another, from "Original Porsche 911" by Peter Morgan:

The 911 began life with a velour interior carpet, which later became the more luxurious option for the higher spec cars like the E and S. From 1967, a cheaper material termed Perlon (with an appearance like felt) was introduced for the basic models (the 911 and later 911T). Until approximately the start of the 1968 model year, you could have any carpet color as long as it was dark gray.

What do show judges believe?

JohnA

John, In the first paragraph I think Brett was referring to trunk carpeting being square weave at first, then changing to the thinner perlon,,,at least that's the way I read it. (and have seen the square weave as used in trunks)

[Flunder]

John, In the first paragraph I think Brett was referring to trunk carpeting being square weave at first, then changing to the thinner perlon,,,at least that's the way I read it. (and have seen the square weave as used in trunks)

Ed makes a good point. I know that 305637S has its square weave in the trunk - but it is early production with an August 66 build date.

[jaudette3]

Thank you guys. It's never as simple as it appears.

JohnA

[TeeItUp]

My old 67S which is still owned by one of my good friends had charcoal velour carpet on the interior and perlon in the trunk. I still drive this car occasionally and believe all the carpet is still original. It has about 78,000 miles and the engine has never been apart.