1970 Porsche 911 S Coupe Numbers Matching Aluminum Deck Lid Complete Restoration

In 1970, Porsche introduced the all-new 2.2L engine for its 911 lineup.  This unique motor was only offered in 911s for 2 years.  Many claimed these were the best air-cooled motors for a production 911.  The 2.2L motors were said to be the last ones directly connected to Porsche’s race program. Porsche specialists consider these as one of the purest 911s.  In particular, the MFI E and S motors produced a unique signature howl at higher RPMs that have created a cult status among collectors.  Afterward, Porsche’s production was limited by costs, government restrictions, emission laws, and other influences.  1,744 2.2 S Coupes were produced for the world in 1970.

This 911 was built in the beginning of 1970 and delivered new to Italy.  It was ordered with the following factory equipment:

• Italy Version
• Antenna (left fender)
• Suppression Kit
• Comfort Kit
• Tinted Glass All Around
• Loudspeaker
• Electric Windows  (possible error)
  

The earliest known owner was James Upshaw, a Naval officer who was stationed in Italy.  He imported this 911S from Sigonella Naval Air station back to the Naval base on Coronado Island in San Diego, California sometime in the 1970s. The car stayed in San Diego for a while until the owner was relocated to the Pentagon in Washington D.C.  He brought the car with him.  During his care, he repainted the car in black and also had Gus with Pacific rebuild the MFI pump.  He eventually sold it in the early 1990s to Charlie Hayward of Lanham, Maryland.  Charlie ordered a Certificate of Authenticity on May 8th, 1995.  He kept this 911S for over a decade. He eventually sold the car on April 5th, 2007 with approx. 112k miles to Bob Britton of New Canaan, Connecticut.

Bob was an active member in both the PCA (Porsche Club of America) as well as the Early S Registry.  He purchased this 911 with plans of restoring it to its original condition.  Within a month of buying the car, it was completely disassembled and the various components were off to the proper specialists for restoration.  In total, he spent $105k over the following year on the restoration, which would be around $160k in today’s dollars. 

Highlights of the restoration include:

• Paint and body by Julio Grosso Restorations
  • Disassemble body and remove glass
  • Dry strip body and parts to bare metal
  • Perform any/all rust repair as needed
  • Prepare body for paint
  • Paint body and parts with single stage Glasurit urethane paint
  • Prep and paint front trunk and engine bay as original
  • Prep and paint wheel wells and under carriage black per factory.
  • All new exterior rubber/seals
  • Rechrome necessary parts
  • 500 hours of work

• Assembly, repairs, and coordinating paint/body by Performance Outfitters Group
  • Gauges sent out for calibration and cleaning.  Clock converted to quartz
  • Rebuild gauges at North Hollywood Speedo
  • Refinished wheels
  • Dashboard and knee pads restored
  • New carpet
  • Restore armrests
  • Interior door and rear panels
  • New pedal kit
  • Wiper motor and windshield washer system
  • Through the horn grill fog lights refurbish/new horn grills
  • New deco trim parts and aluminum thresholds
  • Restore Blaupunkt radio w/Bluetooth adapter

• Engine overhaul, suspension, and brakes by Daniel Jacobs, LLC
  • Complete disassembly of the engine including the case
  • All new bearings
  • New oil pump
  • Machine heads/valve job
  • Magnuflux crankshaft and rods
  • Camshaft and intermediate gears
  • Oil return tubes
  • Rebuild MFI pump
  • Rebuild CDI box
  • Wiring harness
  • Engine oil cooler
  • Correct plating of all hardware
  • Powdercoat engine tins
  • Timing chains, rails, and other area parts
  • All oil lines and hoses
  • All engine seals and gaskets
  • Engine sound pad
  • Engine mounts
  • Heater hoses
  • SSI stainless steel heat exchangers
  • Dansk muffler
  • Wevo 901 shifter
  • Clutch kit
  • Shifter linkage
  • Replace all brake lines, rotors, pads, and master cylinder
  • Parking brake cable
  • Koni shocks and strut inserts
  • New torsion bars (19mm front / 25mm rear)
  • Replace all wheel bearings
  • All new suspension bushings
  • Turbo tie rod upgrade
  • All new wheel bearings and seals
  • Spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor
  • Starter (rebuilt)

• Complete rebuild of 901 transmission by Gary Fairbanks
  • Post restoration/break-in services at Daniel Jacobs (11/08 @ 111,778 miles)
  • Installed WEVO precision shift joint/adjust
  • Adjust pedals
  • Tuning
  • Repair hand throttle
  • Valve adjustment
  • Oil service
  • Torqued rocker shafts and head studs
  • New sway bar brackets and mounts
  • Rear sway bar

• Rebuild ignition control unit (6/12)
  • Electrical repairs and tuning (6/14)
  • Diagnose charging system
  • New alternator
  • Repair engine fuse box
  • Ignition coil and control unit
  • Spark plugs
  • Fuel filter
  • Air filter

Bob kept this early 911S for nearly a decade but only added less than 2k miles during his care.  It eventually was sold to the current Northern California owner in June of 2017 with 114k miles.  For the past 7½ years, this owner has added 5k miles of light weekend cruising.  He’s continued the excellent service tradition and had most of the maintenance done by Peter Sorensen of P.B.R. Restorations.  Highlights include:

• Replace misc. interior switches, knobs, door panel hardware, and inside rear view mirror (2017)
• D’eser sport-style seats in perforated leatherette w/pepita inserts and sliders (2017)
• Post purchase inspection, major service, and repairs (6/17 @ 114,206 miles)
• Valve adjustment
• Valve cover gaskets
• Spark plugs
• Oil service
• Air and fuel filters
• New batteries
• Cap and rotor
• Sigla windshield with new seals
• Reinstall door pockets
• Install new seats
• New quarter window trim
• Install new headliner
• New retractable seat belts (front)
• Turn signal switch with proper decals
• Early shift lever chromed
• Shift tower boot
• Correct leather wrapped original early 911S steering wheel
• Suspension tuning and repairs at Elephant Racing (2017)
• 21mm solid torsion bar set for front
• Bump steer kit for 19mm raised spindles
• Rubber spring plate bushing kit – OEM spec
• Turbo tie rod kit
• Raised spindles for Koni struts
• 4-wheel alignment and corner balance
• Oil service, 4-wheel alignment, adjust e-brake (8/18 @ 114,853 miles)
• Oil service, door seal, left rear turn signal assembly (6/19 @ 116,548 miles)
• Oil leak repairs and MFI tuning/service (10/20 @ 117,520 miles)
• Pull engine and transmission
• Replace clutch kit due to oil leak
• Resurface flywheel/balance to new clutch
• Transmission input seal/transmission service
• Replace MFI drive belt
• Replace MFI velocity stacks
• Replace throttle bushings
• Adjust injection linkage, set timing, set injection pump
• Install 123 ignition system, distributor, coil, and oil service (1/22 @ 118,337 miles)
• Major service in preparation for sale (11/24 @ 118,884 miles)
• Replace all ignition parts
• Adjust valves
• Flush brake system
• Transmission fluid flush
• Oil service
• Air filter
• Spark plug wires
• Distributor cap and rotor
• Brake light switch
• Recommended that fuel tank should be replaced due to dent on bottom
• New Avon CR6ZZ tires – 185/70-15” 
• Set suspension/alignment at West End Alignment (12/24 @ 19,445 miles)
• Index rear torsion bar
• Adjust ride height to proper European specification
• Corner balance
• 4-wheel alignment
• Confirmed chassis was straight and car aligned perfectly

Over the past few years, the current owner’s family commitments have increased and as a result, he has less time to enjoy this 911S.  He drove it over 400 miles down to us so we could help him find the next caretaker.

The exterior is in fantastic shape, especially for being restored 18 years ago.  There are minimal signs of use with no major chips, scratches, or dents.  The panel fitment is excellent as well.  There is a subtle discoloration on the paint near antenna and passenger quarter window.  There’s a light scratch down the passenger side just above the rocker that runs the length of wheelbase.  It’s hard to see unless in just the right light.  There is some paint flaking on the underside of the hood.  All the brightwork, trim, and light lenses look good with some light scratches due to age.  All the exterior lights work.  The glass is in good shape and appears to all be original except for the windshield.  The windshield was recently replaced with a correct “Sigla” stamped glass.  There are some light scratches on the original rear window and passenger roll-up window.  The “deep-six” factory Fuchs wheels are in good shape.  They have a few minor nicks, mild curb rash, and scratches.  They are wrapped in new Avon tires.  The brakes have over half-life remaining.

The interior is equally as nice as the exterior.  The reproduction sport seats look and feel great.  They are some of the best I’ve seen.  The rear seats look original and unused.  The headliner is new and has no tears, rips, staining, or sagging issues.  The interior headliner lights work.  The sun visors appear to be original and also in good shape with no major “puffing” issues.  The S-carpet has no major stains or heavy wear marks.  The door panels are wearing their proper pockets and are in very good shape with minimal warping.  The dash has no cracks or warping issues.  All the gauges work, including the clock.  The Blaupunkt radio works and has been upgraded to plug into a mobile device for audio.  

This 911S is a blast to drive once it reaches operating temps.  It’s cold blooded when starting for the first time in a couple of days, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not too hard.  It takes a few minutes for the engine to warm up before driving.  Once under way, it takes 10 minutes of gentle driving before reaching proper operating temperature.  At this point, the car loves full throttle and pulls hard through the rev range, especially above 5k rpm.  There’s no hesitation or backfiring.  The 901 gearbox shifts smoothly through the gears with sympathetic action.  If shifted properly, there is no grinding.  The clutch engages properly with no slipping.  The brakes have excellent bite with no fading or pulling and are perfectly matched to the power.  The handling is crisp and responsive while also compliant over uneven surfaces.  This example would be a joy on a back road drive.

This 911S is currently California registered to April of 2025 and is CA smog-exempt.

This Porsche comes with an extra key, owner’s manual (appears to be original), original Certificate of Authenticity, space saver spare (not original to car), car cover, tool kit (from later 911), and a 3-ring binder with service/restoration receipts going back decades.