Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963, the Porsche 911 is now one of the most iconic sports cars of all time. Initially dubbed the “901” (the designation was changed at the behest of Peugeot), the coupé entered production in 1964. The 911 began life with a 130-horsepower 2.0-litre flat-six engine. An enhanced variant became available in 1967: the 911 S Coupé.

Output was raised to 160 horsepower, while standard features included forged alloy wheels, adjustable dampers, ventilated disc brakes, a stiffer front anti-roll bar, and an additional anti-roll bar at the rear. Besides being faster, the new ‘S’ banished the understeer of previous 911 versions, much to the delight of enthusiastic drivers. Examples such as the one offered here are especially sought after among Porsche buyers.

An accompanying copy of a Certificate of Authenticity and Kardex sheet for chassis 308043S note that the 911 S was completed by the Zuffenhausen factory on 19 April 1967 and duly sold via Autohaus Krauss GmbH of Nürnberg. In its original configuration, the Porsche was finished in Silver Metallic over a Black leather interior and it was equipped with features including a Webasto heater, Blaupunkt Köln radio with antenna and loudspeaker, and an outside thermometer. Its first owner was Georg Bieber, also of Nürnberg.

The car’s history is not documented until it was discovered in the USA and offered for sale as a “total loss” restoration project without a drivetrain in 2013—before this time the chassis number may have been restamped, while the production number found on the lower dashboard was changed. Subsequently returning to its native Germany, where it was acquired by its consigning owner, the Porsche is believed to have been restored by a workshop in Austria. During this restoration, a non-original engine and gearbox was fitted and the crankcase was then stamped with the correct numbers, while some replacement panels were fitted. Visibly poor weld marks in key areas around the car suggest that this Porsche has been repaired or restored to a lower standard than normal, with parts from more than one car.

Arguably one of the most coveted and desirable forms of the earlier 911, this ‘S’ version presents an intriguing opportunity for further improvement.