Bahama Yellow 911 S Was Once a Racer's Beloved Road Car

Fit for a Pop Star

For decades, race car drivers have been known to drive some pretty darn cool cars when they're not on the track, too. This is true today, and it was also true back in the 1960s when Formula 1 legend Jochen Rindt tooled around in this Bahama Yellow Porsche 911 S - a fitting pairing considering Rindt is known as the first "pop star" of that iconic racing series.

Photos: Porsche

Inspired by a Sunrise

By 1967, Rindt was at the top of his game. In addition to Formula 1, he also drove endurance races in 906, 907, and 910 Porsches, from Daytona to Le Mans. In May of 1967, he acquired this 911 S, the first production model from Zuffenhausen with Fuchs rims. It was also equipped with an optional Webasto auxiliary heater and Bahama Yellow paintwork, a color that had only just been discovered by Porsche's paint developers in the light of a Caribbean morning. 

Photos: Porsche

Sparingly Used

In that particular year, Rindt competed in 39 races, winning 13 of them. As such, the 911's use on shorter European trips remained modest. He did take one overnight drive from Vienna to Rouen, ahead of a Formula Two training session that started the next morning. Rindt beat out several legends including Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Jack Brabham, and Bruce McLaren to take home the win. 

Photos: Porsche

Switching Gears

When it became apparent during the 1968 season that Rindt would switch to Lotus, his relationship with Porsche ended and his bond with the 911 also came to an end. Although Rindt was never accused of being overly gentle with his cars, there is only one dent on the front bumper of his 911 on record. From there on out, however, this vintage 911 would live a hard life in the world of rally racing, where it competed for some time.

Photos: Porsche

Second Chance

Many years later, collector and mechanic Heinz Swoboda had spent a considerable amount of time trying to track down this famous Bahama Yellow 911 S, but he eventually managed to purchase it and bring it back to his garage in Vienna, where it resides today.

Photos: Porsche

Some Differences

Swoboda has since had the car restored to its original condition, though the original Fuchs wheels were long gone and had to be replaced by a later set. The same goes for the original Houndstooth interior, which couldn't quite be replicated like the original.

Photos: Porsche

Cool Story

Otherwise, this famous Bahama Yellow 911 with racing ties is living a charmed life now, thanks to the efforts of a huge Porsche and motorsports fan, giving its new owner the chance to tell a pretty cool story to anyone interested in hearing it.

Photos: Porsche

>>Join the conversation about this Bahama Yellow 911 S right here at Rennlist.com.

>>For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section.