1965 Porsche 911 Production History
The 1965 911 was a tiny machine packed with high-tech pieces. In an era where most sports cars offered a four-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, the 911 had five forward gears. Most ’65 cars used solid rear axles suspended on leaf springs. The 911 had a sophisticated semi trailing arm and torsion-bar-sprung independent rear suspension that was also a big step forward from the swingarms used on the 356. Up front, the 911 used MacPherson struts (at a time when practically no one knew what they were) and a precise ZF rack-and-pinion steering gear in an era when steering was typically by recirculating ball. The first 911 also carried four Dunlop disc brakes and rode on P165HR15 radial tyres.
The first 911 coupe (the only body style) was almost delicate-looking, with chrome accents around the windows and bumpers along with chrome steel wheels with flat hubcaps similar to the 356’s. The Porsche name was spelled out across the tail in block letters with 911 in script just above and to the right of the maker’s name, and below a large single air intake at the top of the lid. Breathing in through twin Solex carburettors, the original 2.0-liter 911 flat-six made an impressive SAE gross 130 horsepower, which was enough, claimed Road & Track, to push the 2,360-pound car to 60 mph in 9.0 seconds and to a top speed of 134 mph.
Chassis No: 300828
Famous First Owner and Hollywood connection
Chassis No: 300828 was completed on April 14th 1965 and delivered new into Culver City, California on the June 18th 1965 to its first owner, famous Los Angeles American Footballer Don Paul.
During an eight-year career he became one of the NFL’s toughest middle linebackers in the 1950s. Before there was a Super Bowl, the Rams played in three consecutive NFL championship games with Paul as a defensive mainstay, beating the Cleveland Browns, 24-17, in 1951.
Don Paul had connections to Hollywood movie actress Jayne Mansfield through his long time room mate in LA. They all shared many experiences and went she on to Marry Don’s Buddy.
She was undoubtedly one of the worlds leading sex symbols of the 1950s and 1960s tragically losing her life in a car crash in 1967.
Brief History
Soon after Don Paul took delivery of his 911 the car was experiencing engine issues and after only 3 months of ownership a replacement engine was supplied and fitted. There is nothing documented as to the reason for the engine replacement but correct engine cases were supplied with the casting date stamp of 65-9 (1965-September).
The replacement engine is still with the car today and maintains all of its original features, running to perfection on original Solex set up.
The car remained in California for most of its life and the extensive history file shows several changes of ownership and during its life and a colour change to light ivory.
Chassis No: 300828 was reimported into Europe in 2010 and a comprehensive documented restoration was undertaken. Full details of the restoration works are available on request.
In 2014 the car was purchased by a UK Porsche collector who commissioned further detailing works to be undertaken on the car.
The following pictures show all the cars correct body, engine and chassis number stampings.
Restoration of Chassis Number: 300828
A comprehensive two year restoration was recently completed beginning with the car being carefully dismantled to a bare shell and all parts inspected and documented.
The bodyshell was in very good order having spent most of its life in California and showed no sign of accident damage and minimal corrosion.
The engine and transmission were completely rebuilt. The car had a replacement engine case installed in its early life stamped 65-9 (September 1965). A fresh interior has been installed with the correct special type leatherette used in cars produced 1964 to August 1965 delivered from a Porsche classic authorised supplier.
Additionally all the instruments in a early type dashboard were rebuilt and the odometer reset to zero. All seals and weather stripping are new; all trim including bumpers, doors and handles, window frames and side view mirrors newly chromed or replated. Finally, this beautiful early 911 was fitted with its restored, but original chromed steel wheels mounted with new vredestein sprint classic tryes. Its supplied with a correct spare wheel and tyre, jack and tool roll.
This beautiful 911 has been restored regardless of cost and represents a rare opportunity to acquire a very early chassis numbered 1965 Porsche 911 Coupe, in outstanding condition throughout, complete with a comprehensive restoration file, service books, tool kit and jack.
For more information about this 1965 Porsche 911 Coupe for sale in Newport Pagnell, or to arrange an appointment, please contact our sales team on 01908 216661 or 07956 349877.
