Porsche 911S

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Since the first prototype was unveiled in 1963, the Porsche 911 has gone on to become perhaps the most famous sports car of all time. A classically Germanic blend of engineering excellence and austerely beautiful design, it remains to this day perhaps the only supercar that can be reliably used every day.

It was initially powered by a dry-sump, air-cooled, 2-litre, flat-six engine, overhung at the rear and allied to a five-speed manual transmission. In 1968, the 911's wheelbase was increased by 57mm, the rear overhang reduced by the same amount and wider 6-inch Fuchs wheels fitted. The front suspension mounting points were also moved forward 14mm to make the steering lighter at low speeds and reduce road shocks through the steering wheel. At the same time, some 22lb was saved from the engine crankcase by manufacturing it in magnesium instead of aluminium – all changes which greatly improved the car's feel and handling.

So what is the relevance of this to the mid-80s example that you see before you? Look a bit harder and under the wide-arches and late-model wheels you will find a B-Spec LWB 1968 911S just waiting to break free. Not only was this 1968 car delivered in full RHD ‘S’ spec, it was sold to the well-known Irish racing driver Cecil Vard. Vard, a successful Furrier by trade, had come 3rd in the 1951 Monte Carlo Rally and raced a Frazer Nash in the 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours before he purchased the Porsche to use in competition.

A well-known local competitor, he drove the Porsche to 12th place in the 1970 Galway Rally going on to further successes including an overall 7th place in the 1971 Circuit of Ireland, driving this car alongside a number of International teams and drivers.

The paperwork includes the original Brown Irish logbook which shows Vard as its first owner plus two further names, as well as a bill of sale from 1977. As can be seen in the photos, it is still registered in Ireland WZO 911, the number it has worn all of its life and depicted in the numerous online photo references of its period rally history.

Its current long-term owner decided way back that it was looking a little tired and dated and as was the fashion in those days, and as the owner of his own bodyshop, decided to give it a makeover – call it what you will. There are photos on file of the transformation, which mercifully kept the shell, doors, mechanical underpinnings and dash architecture intact.

Originally painted bright orange, it retains a period engine which would appear to date from a 1970 model according to its number, along with original fuel injection and electronic ignition.

It would be perfectly feasible to own, drive and enjoy the car as it is, but we suspect that its new owner will want to return it to its correct and original specification, colour and even its rally spec – its early International Rally competition history giving this car the credentials to gain entries on the historic rally circuit.

Hidden beneath this ‘80s Supercar lies a historically significant, rather special, 'S'-spec, late ‘60s 911. Its time to raid the piggy-bank…