We typically shy away from trailered cars for our Lot Shots features, but when a track-prepped classic Porsche 911 rolls into the Summit Racing retail store lot, we gleefully make an exception.
As the large number emblazoned on its side indicates, this is a 1971 Porsche 911E. In the early 1970s, the “E” trim slotted in between the base T (Touring) and high-performance S (Super) models. The stock 911E featured an engine with an innovative mechanical fuel injection system and special hydropneumatic shocks that self-adjusted with road contours and weight shifts within the car.
While our team was snapping pictures of this rear-engined beauty, we got a chance to talk to the family who owns it.
We assumed they were heading to a track, but as it turns out they’re on a road trip to pick up a freshly-built Porsche 2.4L engine. That’s a period-correct mill and good for over 160 horsepower in stock trim—we’re guessing a race-bred motor will make considerably more than that.
The owners have had the Porsche for about a decade and, aside from this engine-out maintenance, they compete with the car often. The car has raced at a wide range of tracks across the eastern part of the country, including the famous Watkins Glen International in New York and the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in nearby Mansfield, OH.
In fact, they pointed towards the 911’s rear decklid and a series of track silhouette stickers. Every time they race on a new course, another decal gets added. They’re up over a dozen now, so it’s fair to say that this car is no trailer queen.
As the family jumped back into the truck, they assured us that once the engine is back in its rightful place the Porsche will be back on the track.
….and judging from their enthusiasm, we think that time will come sooner rather than later.
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