So, you’ve decided that your next inexpensive hobby is historic motor racing. Has to be more interesting than battling with language learning off a phone app, right? Thing is, you’ll need the perfect German sports car. Luckily, there’s one for sale right now: this stunning 1965 Porsche 911 Cup 2.0. Meticulously prepared by Dutch marque specialists Duel to FIA specification, it’s in somewhat better shape than the first 911s that took part in motorsport in the 1960s. Fastidious detailing underlines the 911’s readiness to take you to the chequered flag.
Key racing series that’s ready and waiting for you is the Peter Auto 2.0-litre Cup series, limited to 911s built before 1966, when the longer wheel base version was introduced. This car is the highly desirable short wheel base model, though experienced wheelsmiths warn of the “lively handling” which could mean the rear mounted engine sends you and the Porsche into a spin and the gravel trap. Best avoided, particularly because of the standard of this build.
Duel took a timeless Porsche 911 as the basis and refined it as the Cup version you see here. Full welded-in FIA Appendix K roll cage is naturally installed to the Recaro single-seated interior, with full racing harnesses and the required fire fighting system. Beyond the necessary competition fittings, Duel’s restoration has respected the originality of the classic five dial dashboard - and even the wood strip across the dash is left in place. There’s none of your extraneous carbon fibre here. Just don’t expect air conditioning.
All that power
Exterior retains its original colourway, original that is after a bare metal respray. Striking decals not to your liking? They’re easily removable. Fuchs alloys are exactly as they should be. Open the rear lid, stand back and gasp. There’s the eat-your-breakfast-off-it carburettor-fed 2.0-litre flat six, honed by Duel Motorsport to produce 200 bhp and good for a six second 0-60 mph. Short ratio gearbox combines with your undoubted skill to get ahead of the pack.
The 911 2.0-litre Cup will, happily, stop just as easily as it accelerates. Brakes have been replaced and upgraded, along with all of the 911’s suspension. With just shakedown driving since the restoration, this 60-year-old 911 is just about brand new. You’ll be joining a long tradition of 911s in competition, beginning with a fifth place in the Monte Carlo Rally.
This is the sort of historic racer that all too easily could end up in an air conditioned private collection. To prevent that from happening, you might think it’s worth adding to your garage and - with the Duke of Richmond’s permission - campaigning this 911 2.0 Cup at the Goodwood Revival. Tempted? The Octane Collection is asking £239,995 which won't even buy you an oh-so-common contemporary used 911 GT3, so surely a bargain, yes? Count us in for a Goodwood guest pass.
