Shy of the Carrera RS, the beautiful and powerful 1973 911 S Coupe represents the pinnacle of Porsche’s lightweight sports cars from the early 1970s. The year 1973 also marked the end of the “long-hood, thin-bumper” period of Porsche design, with the following model year featuring five-mph safety bumpers and an increased weight.

The high-performance 1973 “S” had a highly responsive 2.4-liter Type 911/53 engine that packed a wallop: 190 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. It was bolted to a new Type 915 transmission, which offered stronger internals and a simplified shifting pattern. A new front chin spoiler reduced front-end lift at speed by a claimed 40 percent, and it helped pin the front of the car to the pavement. It was so effective that Porsche soon adopted the part across the 911 line. The 911 S was rather expensive when new, bearing a base price of just over $10,000 before any options were added, but it is important for being the last performance Porsche built before “federalization” requirements began robbing power.

Chassis number 911330017 was equipped by the factory with such extras as an antenna, an engine compartment light, a tinted windshield and side glass, and Dunlop tires. It is noteworthy as one of the first 911s brought into the United States in 1973, and it was kept by its original owner in Kansas City until the early 1990s. After passing through two additional enthusiast owners, it underwent a no-expense-spared restoration by its third owner, marque expert Phil Bagley, who returned it to its original factory condition. The body was refinished in the original factory color of Silver Metallic, and as described by the owner, it features a nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration that was performed to the highest standards.

This is a wonderful example of one of the greatest road going Porsches, one whose iconic Fuchs wheels are ready to turn thousands of miles more on endless winding roads for its new caretaker.