www.QV500.com - Porsche 911 (1965 - 69) Part 2: 911 2.0 A-series
 
In August 1967, the O-series 911 was replaced by the A-series, this model initially being produced in either standard or S trim and with Coupe or Targa body styles. All A-series 911's got dual circuit braking, black-finish windscreen wipers and re-styled door handles, the entry level car also getting an aluminium dash facia. Introduced at the same time was the new Sportomatic transmission, an option available initially only on the basic 911. Fitted with a conventional gearbox and a vacuum-controlled clutch operated by a touch-sensitive gear lever, cars equipped as such got Typ 901/07 engines.
   
911's destined for the USA were equipped with catalytic converters to meet the increasingly strict Federal emissions legislation, these early examples receiving Typ 901/14 engines. After 1215 A-series Coupe's and 268 Targa's, a new line-up was introduced. The 911 would now be made in the following three variations, the flagship 911 S, the 911 L (to replace the standard 911) and a new basic variant, the 911 T (to replace the four-cylinder 912). Once again available in Coupe or Targa form, the L, T and S could all now be specified with the Sportomatic semi-automatic transmissions. 911 T's received Typ 901/03 engines (901/13 if fitted with Sportomatic transmission), but whilst retaining the familiar 1991cc displacement, several important revisions were made. Output was reduced to 110bhp at 5800rpm, a result of a lower 8.6:1 compression and milder camshafts. In order to further reduce costs, T's were also fitted with cast-iron cylinders instead of alloy, a four-speed gearbox taken from the outgoing 912, steel wheels and solid brake discs. The interior was less luxuriously trimmed and meant the 911 T weighed in much lighter than the intermediate L. This meant performance was equally spirited, a 123mph top speed and 0-60 in 9.7 seconds making the T a very popular choice.
 
Somewhat confusingly, the 911 L also featured a Typ 901/03 engine, albeit one that retained all the essential characteristics of the outgoing Typ 901/06 unit. Output and compression went unchanged (130bhp at 6100rpm and 9.1:1), the L (for luxury) directly filling the void left by the stock O-series 911. 911 L's fitted with Sportomatic transmission received Typ 901/17 engines whilst those destined for the US got Typ 901/14's. During A-series production between September 1967 and August 1968, only L's were able to comply with the ever-tightening emissions requirements being imposed in the USA.
   
It was inside that the L's most obvious attributes could be found, cockpits having been more luxurious than either the S or the T although the extra weight did blunt performance a little. Top speed was 131mph, 0-60 taking 8.9 seconds. The flagship 911 S meanwhile retained the old Typ 901/02 engine that produced 160bhp at 6600rpm. The S was now available with Sportomatic transmission and examples equipped as such received Typ 901/08 engines. However, few were sold in this guise as most drivers preferred the more sporting manual shift. Now featuring gold Porsche scripting on the engine lid, the 911 S (as with the A-series 911 T) did not comply with American emissions legislation and consequently only a few were ever imported. A-series 911's can be distinguished from earlier O-series examples by the new black windscreen wipers, recessed push-button door handles and thicker top and bottom cooling slats on the engine covers. Those 911's constructed as Targa's could now be specified with a fixed wraparound glass rear window instead of the removable canvas of previous models, but this remained a cost option until 1971. A-series production was discontinued in August 1968 after 7068 examples had been constructed. Both O and A-series 911's are often referred to as short wheelbase examples as the B-series 911 that followed featured a slightly stretched wheelbase.