Need Help With ID of 1966 Porsche 911 - 911S Motor

[lehmdog]

Hi,

This is my first post on this site, as I am a complete amateur when it comes to classic cars. I have a 1966 Porsche 911 that seems to have a 911S motor in it. It is a great car, runs great, was super super fun to drive before I stopped driving it regularly (about 10 years ago), and I am considering restoring it properly. But before doing that, I need to figure out exactly what I have and what makes the most sense in terms of restoring it.

The chassis number is: 303983
The engine number is: *960255*

Some photos attached. It has the fuch wheels on it (which are pretty awesome and one of my favorite parts of the car).

The mysterious part here is that from what I can read, the 911S didn't come out until 1967. But, this seems pretty clearly to be a 1966 car. Can anyone suggest whether this is a super early 911S, or perhaps something else?

Could someone also suggest a course of action for me to start a restoration? Any help anyone can give is much appreciated. I'm the first to admit that I don't know the first thing about classic cars, but I do love this car - bought it when I was 18 years old... and am now 35. I've literally owned it half my life.

Thanks!

- Chris

[Cliff]

All of your questions will be answered accurately soon by people in the know. Might want to post a couple more pictures of the the vin # on that aluminum tag under the hood and the stamped vin # located by the spare tire (upper left as you look into the trunk) it will match the aluminum tag.You should be very glad that you kept this 911....{ looking like a very early 66 with a 67 s engine! }

[lehmdog]

Thanks Cliff!

Here are a couple more photos. I'll look tonight for the stamp you're talking about. Anything other photos you think would be helpful?

- Chris

[Silverbullit]

The motor is from a 67S built around the first week of September of '66. Not likely original to your car.

[lehmdog]

Hi Brian,

Thanks for the reply. We have some date stamped documents from Germany in 1971 which have the motor number and chassis number on it that match what we have in the car now... so at least as far back as 1971, the motor and the chassis were married.

If the motor is from September of '66, is it possible that they had the chassis built earlier in '66, then dropped the new motor in it, then sent it out the door? That seems more likely than someone replacing the motor in between late 1966 and 1971... doesn't it? Also... the wheels on the car are different than the photos I've seen of the 1966 911's. Were they standard on the 911S in 1967? Were the Fuch wheels put on any cars in 1966?

[moito]

hi Chris

in 1966 the 911S was the first Porsche to wear the fuchs(4,5x15) the ones on your car at least 5,5" wide

Kind of strange that one rivet on the vin tag is rusty (steel) and the other not(aluminum?)

gruß

franz

[Bullethead]

If the motor is from September of '66, is it possible that they had the chassis built earlier in '66, then dropped the new motor in it, then sent it out the door? That seems more likely than someone replacing the motor in between late 1966 and 1971... doesn't it?

No, it doesn't... nor does it detract in any important sense. Someone obviously made several changes to their liking, the engine upgrade a nice bonus. Wheels appear to be 5.5" from '68 (or later deep 6's) which is another bonus unless you love driving an S on skinny tires as some of us do.

Welcome to the fold... and congrats on your long-term ownership and decision to do a full restoration... Golfblau is a terrific color!

[lehmdog]

Thanks Russ.

Is there any way to learn more about the wheels? Do they have markings on them somewhere to identify them?

- Chris

[Peanut]

Yes, they each should have a date stamp on the inside. I think you can find a thread on the board here, with the information. If not, I can look later, as I seem to recall seeing one here. Welcome, and nice car.

[lehmdog]

Cliff,

Here is a photo of the stamped vin # located by the spare tire. And I also took another shot of the tag under the hood.