1967 Porsche 911S ‘Prototype’

From launch in 1963, Porsche knew they were onto a hit with their new 911. Even at a higher price point than the outgoing 356, customers were loving the new car, but many were already calling for more performance.

In response, Porsche began development of the 911S.

From a total of thirteen “Versuch” or “Prototype” 911S development cars, officially owned by “Porsche Testing Department” this Light Ivory 911S, Chassis Number 310001S is the earliest, and the only one with a 310 prefix. 

Originally delivered to the Testing Department in April 1967, there is evidence of lots of new components to upgrade the standard 911 to the sportier S specification, including some V (for Versuch) markings on brake calipers, the first of the famous Fuchs five-spoke wheels (in an all-silver finish), a higher rpm tachometer, various suspension mounting differences, and some delightful details which didn’t make it into production, such as the corduroy seat inserts and elephant-hide style door cards with map pocket. 

The 911S engine got a higher compression ratio, new camshafts, bigger valves and ports, Weber 40 IDS carburetors and a revised exhaust system. A nitrided crankshaft and forged pistons ensured it was a much stronger unit than the base car’s and its 160hp at a heady 6,600rpm delivers a sound and a driving experience which is unforgettable, which is why these high performance 2.0 litre-engined cars are so sought-after today. 

Incredibly, after the car had served as a test bed for the 911S, it seems Porsche used this chassis to test the new, less powerful 911T engine, with a Bosch CDI ignition system, and there is even some evidence they may have trialled the new (for 1969) long-wheelbase suspension on this car too. 

In early 1969, the car was issued with a second Porsche Kardex, with the same 310001 Chassis Number but showing the engine number of the 911T engine, at which point it was sold to the legendary racing driver Hans Hermann - who delivered Porsche their first outright LeMans win in 1970, and had previously competed in the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio and Carrera.

From here, the car’s ownership and whereabouts remain a mystery, it disappeared and reappeared many years later in South Africa, under a mountain of junk in a garage, painted silver and with some questionable bumpers and a wing. 

Once freed from hibernation, and with the significance of the car becoming clear, it was given a full nut-and-bolt restoration by Bailey Cars of South Africa, sympathetic to its prototype status, including returning to S-specification for the engine and gearbox, and a short-wheelbase configuration correct for its original year. It has also remained in the original Left-Hand-Drive. 

Opportunities to own such a unique piece of Porsche’s road-car history seldom come up. 

Please contact us now if you are interested in owning a very special early 911, in the covetable S specification, with a delightful interior which you won’t find on any other 911. The car has been prepared to an exceptional standard to ensure the new owner will derive as much pleasure from driving it as from drinking in the history and unique details.