1968 Porsche 911 S

This 1968 Porsche 911 S is a rare gem, embodying the determination of a die-hard Porsche enthusiast who wouldn’t settle for compromises.

When the car’s first owner entered American dealerships in 1968, he discovered that the 911 S, fitted with Porsche’s coveted 901/08 engine, was unavailable in the United States. So, he took matters into his own hands. After a journey to Germany, he found his dream car and ensured it would meet U.S. standards, modifying it with sealed-beam headlights, DOT-compliant turn signals, a U.S.-spec speedometer, seat belts, and other features. By December 1968, his new 911 S had arrived on U.S. soil, becoming an early example of what the American import version could have been.

Over the years, this 911 S has enjoyed a carefully documented chain of ownership. The car’s second U.S. owner purchased it in 2005 from its original owner, a San Diego building contractor. This second owner eventually sold it in 2006 to a third Porsche aficionado in El Cajon, California, who continued the tradition of meticulous care. The third owner performed select, high-quality restorations to keep the car in near-original condition. This included replacing the original seats with period-correct factory sport seats, refinishing the aluminum window frames, restoring the Fuchs 5.5-inch alloy wheels exclusive to 1968, and addressing a small dashboard crack. He even had a Certificate of Authenticity issued by Porsche in 2009 to validate its originality.

In 2011, the car entered Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours events, catching the eye of its fourth owner, who named it his "Tangerine Dream" after the car’s striking color.

Purchased by Classic Motors in 2017, the car has remained an example of preservation, exhibiting close-to-original features. It stands as a testament to the passion of its owners and the uniqueness of Porsche's early design tailored to U.S. specs by an enthusiast’s own hands. The 911 S retains its original allure, capturing the spirit of the American import that almost never was.