THE OLDEST 901 IN THE WEST TURNS 50

Everyone loves anniversaries. Porsche first announced the 50th for their 911 last fall. There’s only one catch – that celebration was for a pre-production model shown at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show, a car with a non-operational engine and a 356 rear suspension.

For the first complete 911s, named 901s, their golden anniversary has finally arrived. Coming soon to a newsstand near you is an Excellence Magazine feature on 901 #032, Dean Watts’ October 1964 build Porsche race car. This example is one of less than 235 made that year, and one of the very few that are actually 901s – because Porsche changed the model designation to 911 right after this car was built.

This iconic example was airfreighted to California on or about November 19, 1964, making it one of the very earliest to arrive on these shores. Having stayed with west coast owners ever since, it is the oldest Porsche 901 to remain here 50 years later.

There are other 901s reported as having been brought to America early on. Chassis #300012 (or #300013) is said to have appeared at an auto show in California in late October 1964. Another early 901, #300064, is described as having been imported to a midwestern U.S. dealer in early ‘65.

Of particular interest is a Metallic Grey example #300049. This car originally belonged to Ferry Porsche and was later sold to a German doctor. It spent some time in South Africa and is now owned by Jerry Seinfeld in the U.S. Because it was a special order car, #049 is thought to have been built out of sequence in November after about eighty 901s had been made. It’s documented to be the first car to leave the factory with the new 911 designation.

Perhaps the most famous U.S. delivered early car is #300128. This black 911 is documented to be the first to arrive Florida. It was originally used as a test vehicle at the Brumos dealership in ‘65. Later it was sold to Jack Ryan who had Brumos prepare it for the 24 hours of Daytona. It finished first in class at the 1966 race, making it the first 911 to achieve an FIA win.

Watts is a charter member of the CSRG (Classic Sports Racing Group), as well as an original member and entrant to the Monterey Historics. At the very first Monterey Historic Automobile Race on August 10th 1974 he entered one of his Porsche Abarths. After that he participated in 36 Historics in a row. He even beat Stirling Moss once. In the process, Watts acquired the nickname “Spinner” for his aggressive driving style, a trait that belies his laid back off-track personality.

Pat Costin confirms that impression, “I first started vintage racing with Dean in 2000. We have probably gone to eight events every year since then. Dean was my mentor and is a very talented Porsche driver. He was always uniquely focused and able to instantly see and execute race moves. When we raced together he was all business and out to win – and amazingly capable at late braking.”

Although it’s been said that Watts can be tough to get to know initially with his no-nonsense attitude, once you break the ice you have a friend for life, says Costin, “He’s generous, caring and one of the funniest people I’ve known. We’ve had meals on the road where you didn’t have time to eat because you were laughing so hard. There was always a cooler of beer in the pits for an after-race cool down. Racing was fun, and the post-race conversations hilarious.”

Paul Christensen concurs. Watts invited him to go to Seattle for the PNW Historics. This trip took on the title of “Two weeks, two guys, two coolers and too much fun”. They made it from Reno to Bend that first night after taking a wrong turn, losing a set of eyeglasses, and running over the trailer light harness. After seeing the “nice” $175 hotel room chosen by Watts for the night, Christensen said, “We can do better”.

The owner of the motel picked by Christensen assured them it was clean. But a pervasive smell of curry made Watts nervous. In place of wainscoting the walls had carpet. The room’s only door was not carpeted; it was upholstered with Naugahyde. After that night Watts made all the lodging arrangements. And so the story goes…

It was a pleasure to research and photograph this unknown legend. Congrats to everyone who contributed to the article!