First released onto the Italian streets in 1969, this Porsche 911 S started its life as many sports cars did during this period, it was enjoyed to the absolute fullest. With its original silver paint, smart black leatherette interior and optional Recaro sports seats, this late 60s dream machine could have had a rather relaxing life, had it not been spotted by Sportwagen’s workshop Principal Carlo Noce three years after its purchase, who in 1972 decided it was the perfect example to be converted into a race-ready ST variant.
Upgrading the standard 2-litre engine to allow for more power and a higher rev range, Sportwagen extended both the front and rear tracks to make way for race-ready fenders. In this freshly prepared configuration, race driver Salvatore Patamia made his debut in August 1972 at the Hillclimb San Giustino-Bocca Trabaria in Umbria region, claiming a mightily impressive 5th overall.
What followed was an intense few years of competition for the 911, travelling all around Europe in search of glory, even tackling the infamous Targa Florio with the Sportwagen race team. Whilst testing at some of Italy’s finest circuits, De Tomaso works driver Odoardo “Dino” Govoni spotted the spritely 911 and couldn’t believe his eyes at the sheer pace of it compared to the race-prepped Pantera. Of course, the monstrous V8 of the Pantera had the grunt down the straights, but at almost half of its weight, the 911 was noticeably more agile and balanced, making it a far more capable car on the track. Dino was so impressed he bought the 911 from the original owner on the spot!
Despite a lifetime of dealing with Italian race outfits, Dino Govoni felt most suited to the 911 ST. A new life for the plucky race car had begun, thanks to a race team known as Autorlando. With Dino behind the wheel, the ST took part in plenty of races in 1977, including the 6 hours of Mugello in which it returned home in a commendable 11th position.
As technology advanced, and Porsche’s line-up focused more on the out-of-the-box racers built specifically for track use, you’d expect the 911 ST to retire with dignity and grace. Instead, it was given a new life and converted into a road-legal racer that could tackle the school run as well as Europe’s finest race tracks. Now repainted in the original livery it carried with Dino Govini behind the wheel, this incredible piece of Porsche history is more than ready to be enjoyed for another 50 years!
This stunning example is currently available at Gulfblue.it, and is a must for any Porsche or motorsport collection. Discover more details of it in this detailed video here!
