Overview
For the 1972 model year the 911 really came of age. The big news was an increase in engine capacity to 2341cc, or 2.4-litre which, in the case of the 911E, upped power to 165bhp.
The extra capacity was achieved by increasing the stroke from 66mm to 70.4mm, and leaving the bore unchanged. In addition, the piston crowns were lowered to reduce the compression ratio to just 8.0:1, so that the car could be run on low-octane fuel (mainly a requirement for the US market).
The other important mechanical change was to the gearbox. The now well-known 915 transmission was a stronger unit, better suited to the extra power. It was also heavier, which had an impact on the car’s overall weight. More noticeable, though, was the fact it had a conventional, H gate pattern in favour of the previous dogleg arrangement which some buyers found off-putting. Sportomatic was proving unpopular and so was only available to special order.
In an effort to improve the car’s handling balance, the oil tank was moved from behind the right-hand rear wheel to in front of it. And this led to a quirky distinguishing factor of the E series cars, they had an external oil filler flap below the right-hand rear window. The only problem was that this opening was occasionally mistaken for the fuel-filler, with disastrous consequences!
Following reliability problems with the 911E’s hydro-pneumatic front suspension, this became an option from this year, and conventional torsion bars, MacPherson struts and Boge dampers returned as standard fitment.
The interior was treated to a leather-look dash finish, with a leather-clad steering wheel, but in most ways remained unchanged.
The 2.4 litre E series 911’s relatively rare cars, the external oil filler only appeared for one year, but that novelty apart there is little to choose between these and the later F series versions.
How to spot
- External oil-filler flap on right-hand rear wing
- Black engine lid grille
- 2.4 badge on engine lid grille
- 911E badge on engine compartment cover
Variations
Targa: The open Targa body-style continued as before. This is the first year that it became available for right-hand-drive cars.
Specification
Capacity: 2341cc
Compression ratio: 8.0:1
Maximum Power: 165bhp @ 6200rpm
Maximum Torque: 206Nm @ 4500rpm
Brakes: Front: 282mm discs; rear: 290mm discs
Suspension: Front: MacPherson struts with telescopic dampers and torsion bar springs; rear: trailing wishbones with telescopic dampers and transverse torsion bar. Front and rear antiroll bars
Wheels & Tyres: Front: 15x6J with 185VR tyres. Rear: 15x6J with 185VR tyres
Length: 4163mm
Width: 1610mm
Weight: 1050kg
Did you know?
0-60mph: 7.5 sec; top speed: 137mph