A week ago I spent a wonderful day driving round trip from Spokane to Portland area in order to inspect a 73 hotrod built by owner Barrett Smith et. al and Jeff Gamroth (Rothsport). The car is a 73T (non sunroof) with a 77 3.0 T motor shoe horned in the back and has had extensive work performed on the suspension, brakes, etc. Many R Gruppers are likely familiar with this car as it has an exhaust note much akin to Satan gargling single malt scotch, hidden inside a pale yellow happy little frog exterior. The car is set up very well (at least below triple digit speeds) and provides a driving experience that is extremely unique (300 hp minimal lag turbo in a 2200 lb. car..... very very fun). I have lurked on air cooled forums for some time in hope of getting into one someday as in the past my P cars have been the water cooled variant (997 C2S and 997 Turbo). The siren song oozing from the air cooled cars finally became too much to resist, hence the hunt for an old school hotrod.
This car checks all the boxes that I desire, big power, very unassuming (at least until fired up), raw, unique, and built by someone who is very knowledgable. I cannot speak highly enough of Jeff Gamroth and his enthusiasm for these cars as well as the amazing shop that he has in Tualatin, Oregon (some pretty unbelievable cars stabled there awaiting work). Earl the parts manager is also a great guy to work with and a first class Porsche fanatic.
The car is being readied for sale with some minor adjustments including a rebuild of the 915 gearbox (which will be reinforced) and I will likely add a second oil cooler, wevo short shifter, and have Jeff throw the motor on their dyno for some tuning prior to delivery. Part of me still thinks I am crazy for not picking up another late model 911 but the personality of this car was simply too much to resist. The true longhood cognoscenti will likely turn their noses up at this car but I have a hard time believing any true car lover would be capable of suppressing a grin when they hear this car go on throttle. Perhaps the most telling quote describing this car came from Gamroth himself, "This car is badass!"
I hope to be on this forum well into the future and will certainly be joining as a contributing member after taking delivery of the car. Also I am hoping the increasing interest in earlier 911s helps limit loss exposure I tend to suffer with newer model vehicles (being aware that a stock restored 911 would be a much better investment but in my mind a whole lot less fun).
Here is a link to pics of the car: http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...nt-killer.html
Cheers!
-Getz
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Originally Posted by getz
