Estimated Price: £75,000 - £90,000

Few sports cars have influenced automotive design and engineering quite like the original Porsche 911. Introduced in 1964 as the successor to the 356, the 911 quickly established itself as the benchmark sporting GT, combining its distinctive rear-engined layout with superb engineering, everyday usability and a driving experience that remains as engaging today as it was over half a century ago.

Offered here is a highly desirable 1968 Porsche 911 2.0 Short Wheelbase (SWB), one of the final examples produced before Porsche introduced the longer wheelbase B-Series cars later that same year. Finished in striking Solid Tangerine, this left-hand drive, matching-numbers example was built for the North American market and was supplied new on 9th February 1968 to Colonel Rob Rodden of Carmel, Monterey, California.

Colonel Rodden retained the Porsche for an extraordinary 35 years, maintaining it with the meticulous attention one might expect from a career military officer. The accompanying history file contains an impressive record of servicing and maintenance carried out throughout his custodianship, together with a touching letter from his son explaining the decision to part with the family Porsche following his father's passing.

The car benefited from a sympathetic restoration in 2005 before being imported to the UK in 2010. Documentation within the history file from Porsche Cars GB confirms that it retains its original matching engine and gearbox.

Iconic Auctioneers had the pleasure of selling this exceptional early 911 to its current owner in 2017, since when it has formed part of his Collection. During this period the car has seen only limited use and has been correctly stored. Prior to the sale it is being professionally recommissioned by widely recognised Porsche specialists, Sports Purpose, and information about this work will be available in the auction hall.

Adding further to its appeal, the car retains the desirable factory five-speed manual gearbox and sits on the correct 15-inch Fuchs alloy wheels. The history file includes the original owner's handbook, service book and wallet, numerous invoices documenting its maintenance, service records from new, spare keys and Porsche correspondence confirming its matching-numbers status.

It also enjoys period editorial significance, having featured in a six-page buying guide in Total 911 magazine shortly after arriving in the UK, where it appeared as both the feature car and front cover example.

The earliest short wheelbase 911s possess a purity of design and driving character that has become increasingly appreciated by collectors. Light, communicative and mechanically engaging, they deliver an analogue driving experience that later generations simply cannot replicate. As one of the final SWB cars built, boasting matching numbers, exceptional provenance and long-term enthusiast ownership, this beautifully presented 911 represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of Porsche's most charismatic and collectible early models.