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The 1965 Porsche 911 that won its class in the inaugural 24 Hours of Daytona race is being advertised for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer and restoration shop in Stratford, Connecticut, and is the Pick of the Day.
“In 1963, Porsche brought a new concept car to the Frankfurt Motor Show,” the advertisement notes. “This completely redesigned, streamlined 2+2 coupe was meant to replace the well-loved and highly successful 356 series coupes. The new, six-cylinder DOHC Grand Touring coupe was assigned model number 901.”
When it was discovered that Peugeot had trademarked three-letter car names with a zero in the middle, Porsche opted to christen its new model the 911.
“Designed around the same layout as the Porsche 356 it was to replace, the 901 was larger, more powerful, and far more refined,” the advertisement continues. “Production soon commenced bringing the new Porsche coupe to market as 1964 came to a close, though the 901 designation was changed to the now ubiquitous ‘911’.
“Immediately, the new 911 began proving its worth and taking class wins around the world. On offer, we have 911 #301709, which is a shining, well-known, and well-documented example of Porsche history’s winning traditions.”
The seller reports that 301709 was completed at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen plant in May 1965 and sold by Brumos Porsche of Jacksonville, Florida, to Harold Williamson, a doctor and racer who competed in regional events in the Southeast.
Porsche racer and factory rep George Drolsom approached Williamson about entering the car in the 24 Hours of Daytona. Williamson agreed and the engine was tuned, a new exhaust system installed and the transmission regeared.
“Result: two-man team did what few would have thought possible: they won the two-liter class at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona. They finished an exceptional 10th overall among a superb field of professional and factory-backed entries,” the dealer adds.
They were third a few months later in a 12-hour event on the same Daytona track, and a year later Williamson took third in a 2-hour race at Osceola.
In 1969, Williamson/Drolsom were eighth overall and second in class in the 24 Hours of Daytona and 29th overall and third in class in the Sebring 12-hour race.
“Following their string of endurance races, the car was sold to Dave White, a mechanic and championship-winning race car driver who admired 301709’s accomplishments,” the dealer notes.
The seller adds that the car’s ownership history is documented.
“A unique factor is that all showed respect for this 911’s pedigree such that this car came to its current owner well preserved and much as raced in period,” the dealer continues. “This historically significant Porsche 911 retains its period-correct look and numbers-matching drivetrain.
“The car is still equipped with originally fitted race seats, a roll cage, center-fill gas tank, and fender flares added before its racing career began. 301709 has just been serviced and road/track tested by the Vintage Racing Services support team to be race, rally, or road-ready. With such exciting provenance, this highly-desirable first-year Porsche 911 would be a centerpiece to any Porsche collection.”
The asking price is $550,000. To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
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