1973 Porsche 911 T Coupe Numbers Matching Low Mile Survivor Engine Rebuilt to 2.7L

When the 1973 ½  911 T was introduced with its all-new Bosch CIS injection system, it was in high demand.  Not only did these ‘73.5 Porsches produce more usable low-end power, but they also proved to be far more reliable and easier to maintain than their carbureted or mechanically injected predecessors.  Furthermore, if you wanted to bump displacement to a 2.7L, these engines had the same thicker case(7R) as the ’73 RS, which allowed for a larger bore.  This unique model was strictly a U.S. model, so only 1,944 CIS coupes were ever built.

This 911 was built in May 1973 and we believe was sold new by Porsche of Tysons Corner in Vienna, Virginia (just outside of Washington D.C.).  It was ordered with the following factory options:

• US Equipment
• 5-Speed Manual Transmission
• Stabilizer Bars (Front & Rear)
• Comfort Equipment
  • Velour carpeting
    Aluminum door sills
    911S rubber moldings on bumpers and below doors
  • “S Trim”
  • 911S instruments/gauges
    Rubber bumperettes
    Aluminum rocker panels
• Forged Alloy Wheels (15×6 Fuchs)
• Chrome Fender Trim/Strips
• Tinted Glass All Around
• Blaupunkt Frankfurt Radio (US Band)
• Pirelli Tires

The MSRP was around $9,000.

Although not much is known about this Porsche’s early life, probably the first owner was Harvey Cherner, a longtime car dealership owner in nearby McLean, Virginia.  Harvey was an active member of his local Potomac region PCA (Porsche Club of America) and regularly competed in his local Concours events.  He had many cars and reportedly kept his 911 for over 3 decades.  The oldest service records we have were from September and October of 1993 at 24,492 miles when he had engine work performed at the selling Porsche dealer.  The work included:

• Install updated Carrera chain tensioners
• Replaced all chain guide rails with new style
• Replaced several oil lines
• Replace fuel vent hoses
• Engine tuning

Around 2010, the car was sold to Sandro Lee in the San Francisco area with 25k miles.  He was a long-time Porsche enthusiast who had owned many air-cooled Porsches.  He owned the car for around 5 years and during his care he had the engine and transmission rebuilt/upgraded by Harry Hayashi, the highly regarded longtime Porsche specialist who owns Pacific Motors in Burlingame, California.  The work took two years to complete as both the owner and Harry wanted to preserve as much originality.  The work included:

• Remove undercoating installed by dealer and back to original factory condition
• Undercoating removed by hand using lemon juice
• Repaint black suspension components and new correctly plated hardware
• Full engine rebuild
• Blueprinted and balanced engine
• Bored from 2.4L to 2.7L
• Mahle 2.7L pistons and cylinders
• Modified crank to S-type
• Case work included case savers for durability
• Rebuilt transmission with upgrades (not sure exactly what)
• New synchros

This 911 was sold to a San Diego, California enthusiast with 27k miles around 2015.  They kept the car for about 4 years and added an additional 5k miles.  They provided further diligent care, which included the following:

• Engine and transmission reseal and other misc. repairs (10/17 @ 28k miles)
  • Replaced/repaired clock
  • Repaired driver side window regulator
  • New seatbelts with retractors
  • Replaced door seals
  • Repaired turn signal indicator
  • Autobahn re-stuff original seats retaining original leatherette
  • Remove drive train
  • Send transmission out to Ranch Performance for inspection/resealing
  • Battery ground straps, positive terminals, catch straps, and cross over cable
  • Reseal engine with new gaskets and seals
  • Chain housings and covers seals
  • Intake manifold gaskets
  • Throttle body O-rings
  • Rear main seals
  • 8 main bearing seal
  • Drive shaft gaskets
  • Throttle linkage
  • Mount new tires
  • 4-wheel alignment
  • Service cost – $14,120
• Refinish muffler, repair door handle, repair clock, shift linkage (11/17 @ 28,530 miles)
• Mechanical services at Personalized AutoHaus/Wayne Baker (3/18 @ 29,757 miles)
  • Replace all fuel injectors
  • Replace outer window seals
  • Throttle return spring
  • Repair oil pressure gauge
  • Repair fuel gauge
  • Replace intermediate plate bearings in transmission
  • Clutch kit
  • Replace breather gasket and thermostat O-ring
  • Rebuild front brake calipers
  • Front brake pads
  • New flex brake lines front and rear
  • Brake fluid flush
  • Inspect fuel distributor and rebuild warm-up regulator
  • Modify fuel lines to accept later style regulator
  • Repair ignition system wiring
  • Disassemble, inspect, repair, and reassemble fuel system
  • Check ignition timing, tuning
  • Nut and bolt safety inspection
  • Service cost – $11,021

• Lubricate driver window regulator/reposition guides (6/18 @ 30,258 miles)
• repairs at Makellos Classics (8/18 @ 30,688 miles)
  • Replace rear ’73.5 rubber bumper guards with chrome units
  • Replace front large rubber bumper guards with chrome units
  • Repair window frame and door seal to reduce air leaks
  • Install factory short shifter kit
  • Service cost – $3,420

• Oil cooling and other repairs at Makellos (11/18 @ 31,048 miles)
  • New front fender oil cooler kit by Elephant Racing
  • Lines down side of car to fender oil cooler by Elephant Racing
  • New engine oil cooler
  • New thermostat
  • New seat belts
  • Repair quarter window base latch
  • Oil service
  • Adjust shift linkage
  • Service cost – $5,503
• Replace fuel accumulator, test system, monitor pressure (3/19 @ 31,495 miles)
• Paint and install factory S steel front bumper – $3,688 (4/19 @ 31,550 miles)

That owner sold this 911 in 2019 to another local San Diego owner.  For the next few years, this owner added another 5k miles before selling it in late 2021 to the current SF Bay area owner.  For the past 4 years, that owner has added another 7k miles of light weekend touring.  Shortly after he purchased the car, he did a post-purchase inspection with a top local specialist and they found this 911 to be in exceptional, low-mile, and original condition.  They found no signs of prior damage or rust.  Services under this owner’s care include the following:

• Install new Pirelli tires, 4-wheel alignment, inspect suspension (9/21 @ 37,984 miles)
• Inspection/Porsche Classic Technical Certification at Porsche of Monterey (10/21)
• New Recaro Classic LX leather seats w/houndstooth inserts & new sliders (10/21)
• 2 step paint correction and ceramic coating including glass & wheels (3/22)
• Oil service and inspection (12/22 @ 41,764 miles)
• Tune/repair ignition, throttle, and fuel systems (1/23 @ 41,817 miles)
• Replace permatune CD & coil, repair windshield washer system (5/23 @ 42,922 miles)
• Brake fluid and transmission fluid service (2/24 @ 44,359 miles)

Unfortunately, due to recent hip surgery, the current owner is finding it too difficult to get in and out of this 911 and as a result is driving it less. He asked us to help find the right next caretaker for this special reference example survivor.

The exterior of this 911 is exceptional with minimal signs of wear.  The paint is in remarkable condition and might be original based on paint meter readings and expert evaluations.  Regardless, the finish is correct and there are minimal signs of use.  The front nose (part way up hood/front fenders) was recently covered with PPF to preserve the finish.  Most of the deco trim and brightwork is original and in very good shape with minor scratches from use/age.  The glass appears to be all original, including the windshield.  The proper factory stampings are present.  There are no significant chips or scratches on the glass.  The factory Fuchs wheels appear to be wearing their original finish and are wrapped in the correct size Pirelli P6000 tires.  They were installed 3 years/6k miles ago (date stamps from end of 2019) and have more than half-life remaining.  The brakes appear to have about half-life remaining with no lips on the rotors.

The interior is equally as nice and very original.  The front seats are wearing their original factory leatherette and have been refinished from the inside by Autos International less than a decade ago.  There are no tears or rips.  A pair of new (much more comfortable/supportive) Recaro Classic XL seats in leather with houndstooth inserts was previously installed on custom sliders.  They have been removed and the stock seats reinstalled.  They are available for purchase separately*.  The rear seats are original and unused.  The headliner is in great shape with no tears, rips, sagging, or stains.  It appears to be original.  The headliner lights work.  The original sunvisors are also in good shape with mild puffing.  The S Haargarn carpet is original to the car and in excellent shape with no major wear marks or stains.  Custom CocoMats further protect the carpet.  The door panels are also very nice and original with the correct door pockets, which are in outstanding condition.  The original dash has no cracks or warping.  The original speaker grill is also in great shape with just some light warping.  All the gauges work, including the clock.  The Becker Europa radio works as well.  Upgraded speakers have been installed and sound very good.  The Hirschman antenna appears to be original.

This longhood 911 is a joy to drive.  It starts easily on the first try with no drama.  The hand throttle works to help hold an even idle while the car warms up.  Once at operating temperature, the throttle response is impressive.  It pulls hard, especially on the lower end thanks to the larger displacement engine.  The power delivery is smooth with no hesitation or other issues.  The handling is light and nimble.  It feels made for a twisting bit of pavement.  On the open highway, it tracks straight and is compliant on uneven surfaces.  The brakes have a great initial bite with no fading or pulling.  The pedal action and engagement point are perfect.  The transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears with no grinding if operated properly.  The clutch engages properly with no slipping.  It feels like a sports clutch with a slightly heavier pedal feel and tighter engagement point.

This 911 T has current California registration paid to November of 2025 and it is exempt from California smog.

This 911 comes with 3 keys, owner’s manual with vinyl cover, Porsche Classic Technical  Certificate of Authenticity, 3-ring binder with most recent service records, custom Cocomats (front), original blue CA license plates (2), original pair of flat Recaro seats, leather luggage straps, and correct/original full size Fuchs spare wheel with tire.

*Extra pair of Recaro Classic XL seats in leather with pepita/houndstooth inserts and sliders available for separate purchase.