Porsche's 911E model of 1969-1973 essentially replaced the short-lived 911L (Luxus). The 911E was designed to be the more comfortable, more drivable model of 911 – fitting between the tamer 911T (Touring) and the high-performance type 911S (Super). In these years, the least-expensive model in Porsche's range was the 4-cylinder 912, followed by the type 914.

Einspritzung
The 911E's designation derives from the German word for injection: einspritzung. The mechanical fuel injection “MFI” system used on the 911E (and 911S) was jointly-developed by Bosch and Porsche. It is similar to the injection system used in the Carrera 6 of 1966. In addition to more precise control of the fuel-air mixture and equality of distribution among the cylinders (compared to carburetors), the MFI contributed toward meeting the nascent emissions control regulations of the time. The 1969 types 911E and 911S also featured a new high-voltage capacitor ignition system that addressed the spark plug fouling problems experienced in earlier 911s.

Hydropneumatic Struts
Another signature feature of the 911E is the self-adjusting hydropneumatic front suspension struts. Developed by Boge, the struts combined the functions of springs, shock absorbers, and antiroll bars – while also automatically adjusting the height of the front of the car to compensate for weight in the trunk.

These struts were standard equipment on 911E models from 1969 through 1971. This innovative design may have been a little too clever, as 911E owners have almost universally swapped these struts out for traditional struts and torsion bars.

Intended as the luxury model, the 911E came standard (in most markets) with the “comfort” package of features: including ventilated brake discs with aluminum calipers, velour carpeting, a leather-covered steering wheel, heavy bumper rub strips and rubber guard inserts, chrome rocker-panel trim, and gold-colored script on the rear deck.

911E Production

  1969 1970 1971 1972 1973
Targa 858 933 935 861 1,055
Coupe 954 1,304 1,088 1,124 1,366
Karmann Coupe 1,014 667 - - -
  2,826 2,904 2,023 1,985 2,421

 

Long-time supplier Karmann GmbH built Coupe bodies for Porsche until the factory expansion was fully functional and Porsche was finally able to produce enough Targas and Coupes to meet demand.