1967 Porshce 911S
Per the Kardex, this an exceedingly rare Italian-market 911S coupe (1 of only 28 delivered in 1967) was completed at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen, Germany factory on 22 March 1967 and delivered shortly thereafter to Autogerma of Bologna, Italy. It was specified in Bahama Yellow (6605) with black leatherette upholstery and optioned with a Webasto gas heater. After ownership by at least two Italian citizens over the following 18 years, this 911S was exported to the United States in 1985. Interestingly, the Kardex notes that its original 2.0-liter engine was replaced with a correct-type 1968 unit by a licensed Porsche dealer at approximately 30,000 kilometers.
In late 2012, this 911S was acquired by the noted Porsche enthusiast, marque author, and vintage racer Ben Shahrabani of Venice, California. By September 2013, he had aligned a consortium of Los Angeles-area shops to execute a complete restoration. Mechanical and suspension work was entrusted to Tony and Marco Gerace of TLG Auto, Porsche specialists in North Hollywood, California. The Geraces rebuilt the period-correct 2.0-liter, flat, six-cylinder S-specification replacement engine and similarly refreshed its correct Type 901 five-speed transaxle. Importantly, the correct Weber Type 40IDAS3C “interim” carburetors have been retained.
During its disassembly by the well-regarded John Esposito’s Porsche Repair, also of North Hollywood, various parts of the car’s structure and componentry were found to be original. Having been refinished in its correct shade of Bahama Yellow, some tasteful minor improvements were made, including adding Pepita houndstooth upholstery inserts, headrests, and Hella driving lamps (these have been since removed to keep the car period-correct). In 2023, the car was purchased by billionaire investor Ron Burkle and garaged at Neverland Ranch, until I purchased the car in April 2025. Upon taken possession of this wonderful vehicle, I commissioned a mechanical refresh by noted Porsche restoration shop European Collectibles in Costa Mesa, CA. Additionally, I had full paint correction done by IAM Detailing. Moreover, correct sport seats have been added.
Since being restored, the car has been shown at notable Porsche events, including Luftgekühlt V and VI, the 2018 PCA Los Angeles Concours (best in class), PCA Santa Anita Concours (class runner-up), Los Angeles Auto Show Porsche display, Rodeo Drive Concours, and the 2019 PCA Westlake Concours (best in show). Notably, this car has been featured in such magazines as Road & Track (https://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/a35048894/1967-porsche-911-s-first-drive-review/) and 000 Magazine (https://000magazine.com/products/issue-008?srsltid=AfmBOooYkV6NVrx2dd26g_hQTHwA4998wpfa0wiZmWSbhd8p0L2ZSDkH). Best of all, this car was selected as one of six featured in a Porsche marketing campaign video "California Dreaming the Porsche Way" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzmg7DEpWpQ).