1972 911 T Oelklappe is One Cool Piece of Porsche History

Thanks to one unique trait, this "oil cap" model is a bit more special than most vintage 911s.

By Brett Foote - December 28, 2020
1972 911 T Oelklappe is One Cool Piece of Porsche History
1972 911 T Oelklappe is One Cool Piece of Porsche History
1972 911 T Oelklappe is One Cool Piece of Porsche History
1972 911 T Oelklappe is One Cool Piece of Porsche History
1972 911 T Oelklappe is One Cool Piece of Porsche History
1972 911 T Oelklappe is One Cool Piece of Porsche History

One Unique 911

To us, any classic 911 is special, but the rare Oelklappe (oil cap) model of 1972 is a bit special thanks to one unique trait - the fact that its oil cap is located on the right-hand side of the car. Timeless Garage recently got the chance to take an up-close look at this beautiful Canary Yellow Oelklappe model, and the results of that coverage are quite stunning to look at.

Photos: Pedro Ramos Santos for Timeless Garage

Tiny Problem

These cars only lasted one year in production because of one tiny problem with that oil cap location - gas station attendants mistook it for a gas cap, and as a result, some cars wound up with a bit of fuel in the oil. Thus, a little over 1,500 examples are believed to have been produced in total.

Photos: Pedro Ramos Santos for Timeless Garage

Thoughtful Touches

This particular car just finished going through its extensive redo at the hands of Timeless Garage, and it's most certainly not a stock resto job. In fact, it has received a few custom touches that make it truly stand out, though nothing so radical that it ruins the original charm of the classic 911.

Photos: Pedro Ramos Santos for Timeless Garage

Few Updates

Those updates include a fresh paint job, a new clutch, unspecified engine and brake upgrades, a wooden Momo steering wheel, and an RS-style front bumper, while black Fuchs wheels give the car a stealthy look. Even better, the car is currently up for sale, though no price is listed.

Photos: Pedro Ramos Santos for Timeless Garage

Quest for Perfection

Today, this oil cap 911 is a fantastic example of Porsche's never-ending quest for perfection. The automaker chose to relocate the oil tank from behind the rear wheels to just in front of them to help even out weight distribution and improve the 911's handling characteristics, not realizing at the time what problems could occur from moving the filler cap.

Photos: Pedro Ramos Santos for Timeless Garage

Cool Piece

The fact that Porsche was quick to abandon this idea also created a very interesting footnote in the iconic 911's history, as well as a rather rare offering for those in the know. And if you don't mind the fact that this one has a few upgrades, it's would also make a very cool addition to any discerning collection.

Photos: Pedro Ramos Santos for Timeless Garage

>>Join the conversation about this 1972 Porsche 911 T right here in the Rennlist Forum!

For help with maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section of this forum.

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