Description

In 1969, Porsche introduced the “B” series, which had a many improvements over the previous generation, notably the wheelbase was lengthened 2.25 inches to improve high speed handling.  However, the length of the car remained the same, instead the rear wheels were moved to the back.  Also, Bosch MFI (mechanical fuel injection) arrived on the  911“E” for “Einspritzung” (German for injection) and also on the 911S.  Also a “Sportomatic” model was added, which utilized a torque converter, and automatic clutch to assist the operation of the four-speed transmission.  So to be clear, this is not an automatic transmission.  It is a geared transmission with an automatic clutch and a torque converter, similar to, but not as refined as todays F1 equipment.
 
The 911E was designed to slot in between the 911T (Touring) and the 911S (Super) and it was built with the same great brakes as the 911S
 
Today, the 911E Sportmatic is arguably the rarest of the breed, having only 2,826 units being produced, nearly half (954) of the coupe bodies were built in Porsche’s factory, which was undergoing expansion at the time, and the other half (1,014) were built at the Karmann factory (where the VW Ghia’s and convertible Beetles were built). To put it another way, during the 5 year production run of the 911E, (69-73) only 12,159 were produced, whereas almost 17,000 911T’s were built in 72-73.
 
The 911E was also equipped with self-adjusting hydropneumatic front suspension struts that were developed by Boge.  The struts replaced springs, shock absorbers, and antiroll bars, and automatically adjusted the height of the front of the car to account for trunk payload.  Ultimately though, most 911E owners have since swapped out the struts for the base configuration of struts and torsion bars.
 
The 911E was positioned as the luxury model of the T and S lineup, and normally came equipped with the “comfort” package, which included ventilated disc brakes with aluminum calipers, velour carpeting, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heavy bumper rub strips with rubber bumper guard inserts, chrome rocker-panel trim, and gold-colored script on the rear deck.
 
This Brighton Motorsports 1969 Porsche 911E Sportmatic is a true survivor car.  It was purchased by the second owner in 1978, and driven for 6 years, then in 1984 it was put away in storage for the next 28 years.  It has had one inexpensive repaint, probably in the late 70’s, early 80’s, and is still sitting on Michelin 165SR15 ZX radials which are showing a date code of 448, which we believe is the 44’th week of 1978.
 
The 911E has had one repaint, probably in the late 70’s to early 80’s, which did not include the door jambs, trunk area, and engine compartment which are still wearing the original paint.  As you can see this car is very dry and cancer free.  All body panels are very straight and solid.  The brightwork looks very nice.  The car is sitting on Michelin 165SR15 ZX radials which we believe were made in 1978.
 
The original interior is in very good condition, with minimal wear evident but does have a cracked dash – which likely happened when it was in a sunnier climate than Oregon! The difficult to find original Porsche key and leather pocket-type fob is also included.
 
We cleaned the fuel system and have the car running and driving but because of the front suspension riding on its stops we have only driven it around the block a few times.  The transmission and clutch are working but we have not had the car up to speed.  To our relief and surprise, the engine has very good compression in all cylinders – no stuck rings.  It should have the injectors cleaned and perhaps the pump pressure set to run better.
 
The odometer indicates 11,212 miles.  It seems unlikely that this is the original mileage, but judging by the amount of years the car was parked, and the overall condition, 111,212 does not seem likely either.  We have no way of knowing the true mileage.
 
1969 911E Production: 2,826 units,
854 Targa,
954 Porsche Factory Coupe,
1,014 Karmann Factory Coupe
VIN: 119220818
Curb Weight 2,249 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 16.4 Gallons
Top Speed: 134mph
Indicated Miles: 11,212