Porsche 911 Prototype Resurfaces Many Years Later in Private Hands
Nothing about this 911 added up, and as it turns out, there was a very good reason for that.
Something Isn't Right
Porsche connoisseur and dealer Walter Hoffmann has bought and sold his fair share of cars over the years. But when he came across this particular 911 back in 2008, it really threw him for a loop. From the first time he saw it, Hoffmann knew that something wasn't quite right about the car, which wasn't registered until 1974. But as he recalled to Porsche, Hoffmann managed to pry it away from the owner and planned on returning it to original spec. That is, until he later found out just how special this particular car was.
Photos: Porsche
Non-Original Equipment
The 911 had a 3.0-liter engine and a Turbo wing, things that weren't available at the time this car was produced. The engine was also fitted with the newer fuel-saving Bosch K-Jetronic instead of an intake-manifold fuel injection system. Hoffmann figured that these things were added later on by some former owner, and originally planned on swapping in a spare 2.7 he had at the house. After doing a little digging, he quickly realized that would be a mistake.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about this 911 Prototype right here in Rennlist.com.
Royal Ownership History
After doing a little research, Hoffmann discovered that this particular car was a test vehicle used by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ernst Fuhrmann - the first Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG - from July 1974 to January 1976. Fuhrmann was one of Porsche's first employees, and worked alongside Ferry Porsche on a number of historic projects, including developing the 356's legendary 1.5-liter boxer engine.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about this 911 Prototype right here in Rennlist.com.
Prodigal Son
Fuhrmann eventually left Porsche after he failed to receive the title of Technical Director. He went on to fill the same position at the engine parts manufacturer Goetze. Many years later, Fuhrmann would return to Porsche as it's the first head external manager, initially as Spokesman of the Executive Board, and from November 1976 as Chairman of the Executive Board.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about this 911 Prototype right here in Rennlist.com.
Test Bed
Fuhrmann was instrumental in the development of the 924 and 928, then helped save the 911 by pushing forward the 911 Carrera RS 2.7 and the development of the brand new Turbo. Amazingly, this exact 911 was a test bed for many of the components that wound up on those cars. And it has survived all these years in completely original condition, as nothing has been changed in all the years since it served as Fuhrmann's preferred ride.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about this 911 Prototype right here in Rennlist.com.
Rediscovering History
This 911 would likely have remained lost to history had Hoffmann not trusted his instincts. And because of that curiosity, he rediscovered a car with an incredible story, once owned and driven by one of the most important people in Porsche history.
Photos: Porsche
>>Join the conversation about this 911 Prototype right here in Rennlist.com.
For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.