The desirability of early 911s has been growing steadily, with collectors searching out good examples of these light and nimble sports cars. The handling characteristics of the first 911s were vastly improved when Porsche stretched the wheelbase by 2.4 in. for the 1969 model year. The wheel openings received slight flaring to accommodate wider wheels and tires. Heating and ventilating systems were also improved as Porsche steadily upgraded its production cars. The 911 E was introduced by Porsche to replace the more powerful 911 S in 1968; it featured all the luxury features of the “S” but was fitted with a slightly lower-horsepower engine to meet increasingly stringent U.S. emissions standards. The E’s suspension utilized an unusual Boge hydro-pneumatic system and 14-in. wheels for driving comfort, but over time this arrangement proved troublesome and most owners replaced the Boge suspension with standard McPherson struts, tubular shocks, torsion bars, and 15-in. wheels.

Offered here is a very attractive 1969 911 E coupe delivered 18 March 1969 in special-order Blue Metallic (6853) over black leatherette upholstery and charcoal carpets. It was factory-equipped with U.S.-specification sealed-beam headlamps and a speedometer reading in miles per hour, tinted glass all around, and a Blaupunkt Frankfurt stereo radio package. The consignor states that this 911 E spent most of its early life in California, but has been under long-term mid-west ownership since the early 1980s. The original Boge suspension was replaced in 2012. This 911 E was then acquired by the Torque Collection in Wisconsin and enjoyed a full cosmetic restoration in 2016, including a high-quality respray in its original color. The engine was replaced in June 2017 with a fresh 2.4-liter, 140-hp flat-six from a 1973 911 T. The Type 915 transmission was also rebuilt.

This elegant 911 E is accompanied by extensive service documentation and receipts dating from the early 1980s, along with early registration records. The correct jack and tool kit have been freshly cleaned. It is rare to find an early 911 this fresh, with just enough improvements to make it more pleasurable to drive.