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  Porsche 911 ST 2.5      

  Article Image gallery (28) 911 230 0538 Specifications  
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Country of origin:Germany
Produced from:1971 - 1972
Numbers built:24
Price new:DM 49,000
Internal name:M491
Predecessor:Porsche 911 ST 2.3
Author:Wouter Melissen
Last updated:April 18, 2016
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Click here to download printer friendly versionConsidering Porsche's racing pedigree, it was no surprise that the 911 was immediately successful on the racing track. The German manufacturer were also keen to develop a proper competition version but throughout the 1960s struggled to find a configuration that would be competitive in international events and also meet homologation requirements. Instead of offering complete racing cars, Porsche generally only sold conversion kits for customers to convert road cars.

Ahead of the 1970 season, the latest package was known internally as the ST and was created specifically for road rallies, where the 911 Rs and T/Rs had proven very successful in 1969. A regulation revision for 1970 allowed the track to be widened, which enabled Porsche to fit considerably wider wheels and tyres. Considerable weight was stripped from the 911 by using thinner gauge steel for the roof and part of the floorpan. Depending on the customer's wishes and budget, the ST could also be equipped with aluminium doors, plexiglass windows and a choice of fuel tank sizes.

The stripped down chassis was powered by a modified version of the 2.2-litre flat six available in the road cars. As only the bore was allowed to be increased, the competition engine displaced 2.3 litres, which was well short of the 2.5-litre limit for the class the 911 ST 2.3 was due to compete in. Equipped with a pair of triple-choke Webers and high compression pistons, the engine produced in excess of 230 bhp. While some cars were fitted with the standard 911 gearbox, some also boasted the sturdier Type 915, five-speed gearbox. In its lightest configuration, the 911 ST 2.3 tipped the scales at just 840 kg.

It is understood that Porsche produced three dozen 911s to ST specification, using the lightweight shell. Each was built to custom order, so no two were exactly alike. The were also raced extensively and for several seasons, and many were upgraded to ST 2.5 specification, using a further enlarged version of the flat six engine. Porsche also fielded these cars in important events, like the Monte Carlo Rally, which the very first ST immediately won at its January, 1970 debut. It was the start of a hugely successful season, which saw Porsche crowned International Rally Championship. Porsche 911s would also dominate the GT class at international events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Encouraged by the success of the 911 ST, Porsche finally committed to a series production competition version of the 911; the Carrera RSR of 1973, and the rest is history. Little known today, the ST was hugely successful both in road races and rallies during the early 1970s.

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  Article Image gallery (28) 911 230 0538 Specifications