The model years 1972-1973 marked the peak of the “jellybean” era, when Porsche offered a number of bright, eye-popping colors to supplement its more usual color palette. Offered is a stunning and beautifully restored 1973 911 S coupe in one of the rarest colors ever to adorn a Porsche. The paint color chosen was Royal Purple/Lilac, which was among 20 special-order hues available.

A Porsche-issued Certificate of Authenticity accompanying this magnificent 911 S shows that it was completed in November 1972, one of just 1,366 “S” coupes produced for the 1973 model year. That year was also to be the final iteration of the F-series “long-hood, small bumper” design. The car was fitted with a 2.4-liter air-cooled six-cylinder engine developing 190 bhp with the aid of Bosch mechanical fuel injection, which it retains today. The Porsche was also equipped with the new Type 915 five-speed manual transaxle and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes as standard on the 911 S. The original buyer specified an electric sunroof, a pair of Sport seats with headrests, Koni shock absorbers, stainless-steel wheel-well trim moldings, an engine compartment light, tinted glass all around, and gold Carrera door and engine cover scripts.

This wonderful and very well-optioned 911 S appears to have been sold new in the Dallas, Texas area. By 2008, it was offered for sale in very original condition, and though running, in need of restoration. At the time it was described as having last been registered in Texas in 1994. The Porsche was acquired by a die-hard enthusiast who embarked on a lengthy and comprehensive restoration by Jerry Woods Enterprises in California with receipts totaling in excess of $358,000. Soon after the car was finished to show level, this 911 S was offered for sale in 2014 and achieved a world record price at the time for a 1973 model, attesting to its exceptional restoration and unusual, yet very attractive color combination.

Today, this very desirable 911 S shows a mere 336 miles since its restoration in 2014, when its instruments were refurbished, and the odometer reset to zero. Today it remains an essentially factory-fresh example, with only the addition of high-visibility European tail-lamp lenses. The car includes a correct Fuchs 6×15-inch spare wheel, COA, tool roll, jack, owner’s manual, spare key, and a file of all the restoration invoices. This stunning 911 S offers the best of both worlds – Porsche concours accolades and thrilling over-the-road performance.