OVERVIEW
1973 Porsche 911S Coupe
VIN: 9113300153
Very original 55,299-mile 911S
Paint to sample color Champagne Yellow
Matching numbers engine and transmission
Original interior
Includes original books, tools, jack and spare
Intensive and detailed preservation work carried out by Canepa with records
The unique textures, smells and finishes from an original Porsche beg the riders to take in as much as they can, producing an unmistakable charm that cannot be replicated. This original 1973 Porsche 911S coupe, specially ordered by mid-western Porsche distributor Don Marsh and in its original Champagne Yellow color and original black interior, is nothing short of exemplary. Add to the fact that Canepa carried out an extremely detailed and documented 767-hour preservation restoration of all of its systems and components, this 1973 Porsche 911S coupe is an ideal example of a well-cared for motorcar.
This 911S Coupe was specially ordered and delivered to the mid-western Porsche distributor and partner of multiple car dealerships, Don Marsh, who Bruce Canepa had known since the late 1970s. A purveyor of significant cars over the years, including even a Porsche 917, Don Marsh was very passionate about the Porsche brand and was always looking forward to getting his new Porsche. Sold to Marsh on October 14th, 1972, being a distributor granted him special benefits such as ordering cars in unique colors from the factory. His wife, Jackie Marsh, wanted to have a 911S Coupe that was painted Porsche 356 Champagne Yellow, and she would be the main caretaker for a couple of years before they would sell the car.
F. Eugene Wirwahn of Powell, Ohio became the next to own the car until May of 1977 when John Fergus of Lewis Center, Ohio purchased the car. Fergus drove the car regularly before storing the car away, owning the car for 36 years before he sold the 911S Coupe to Canepa in 2013. Upon arrival, 54,412 original miles were on the odometer. It still retains its original matching numbers engine and transmission, along with its original books, tools, jack and spare. The air-cooled engine was rebuilt at 40,000 miles as a precaution due to its age.
When the 911S rolled through Canepa’s doors, it was immediately inspected from front to back and it was deemed to be the perfect candidate for a preservation restoration. With such an amazing original and low mileage car, a complete restoration was unnecessary. With Canepa’s past experience with original cars, the 911S only needed to be freshened in order to return to the road. However, with this being Canepa, the preservation process is unlike any other and brings it to another level.
The preservation process beings with a complete disassembly of all of a car’s systems and components, servicing everything needing attention or refinishing to original condition. The original engine and transmission were first removed from the chassis and carefully cleaned by hand. The engine was taken down to the long block to ensure that every component was inspected, serviced, cleaned and, if required, refinished. All the fuel lines and hoses were removed and replaced. While the engine was out, the flywheel was surfaced and a new clutch assembly was installed. The factory exhaust was beautifully refinished, and a new firewall pad was added to the engine bay. With the engine and transmission now serviced, new engine and transmission mounts were fitted to complete the engine bay.
Ensuring that no stone was left unturned on this well-preserved 911S, suspension and brakes were the next items. All of the Porsche’s suspension hardware and brake tins were removed from the car, disassembled and correctly replated. New Koni shocks were installed, while all of the suspension components were powder coated. New bushings were installed all around, and the CV axles were built to factory spec. The brakes received an equal level of treatment, with the front and rear calipers being rebuilt and replated, new wheel bearings installed, and new brake pads on all four corners.
While the mechanical work was being completed the entire chassis was hand cleaned, taking extraordinary care to preserve all of the original finishes. New seals were installed for the windows, doors and hood. While the windows were out, the Champagne Yellow paint was polished to bring the special paint color to a show-quality luster.
The original 911S interior is like new and a shining example of how amazing rare originality can survive decades of time. All of the gauges were removed, cleaned and serviced. The heater system was rebuilt. The shifter and linkage were completely rebuilt for smooth shifts with the original 915 gearbox. All the controls were checked and all systems tested to ensure a fully functioning 911S.
After hours of meticulous work had been performed, the car was reassembled, tuned, given a final detail and then thoroughly road tested. With a total of 767 hours of preservation work performed at Canepa, it was one of the finest 911S preservation restorations Canepa had ever performed. Shortly afterwards, the car was purchased and it would be enjoyed for a little over 4 years with the same owner.
The 911S would return to Canepa only recently with only 887 miles added since it completed its preservation restoration. With the previous work performed in 2014, the car was inspected, serviced as needed, and detailed to a show quality finish. With it’s Champagne Yellow paint now glistening, its mechanicals in period-correct fashion, its original interior in pristine condition and a dialed-in driving experience, this 1973 Porsche 911S is ready to have a new owner enjoy its award-worthy originality.
