www.QV500.com - Porsche 911 (1970 - 71) Part 2: 911 2.2 ST/Rally
 
For the 1970 season, Porsche made a handful of very special competition-prepared 911's to take advantage of the new 2.2-litre engine. These cars were split into two categories, the ST/Rally with its 180bhp 2195cc engine or the 2.3-litre ST/GT for racing. Rally versions were virtually standard in most respects, weight being reduced to 960kg whilst engines were only occasionally tuned. The less highly stressed Typ 911/02 production motor was deemed sufficient for the special stages, displacement and output remaining unchanged at 2195cc and 180bhp at 6500rpm respectively.
   

This proved to be more than adequate and 911's went on to secure the 1970 World Rally Championship. Lower gearing meant that the ST/Rally was typically good for 115mph in most configurations, startling acceleration times including 0-60 in 5.8 seconds. 100-litre fuel tanks were normally fitted as standard. Occasionally Porsche would install Group 4 engines with 250bhp and Weber carbs, but these were normally reserved for works cars contesting non-championship tarmac events. Outside, lightweight aluminium panels were used for the doors and engine cover, the bumpers and front lid having been fibreglass. Initially all ST/Rally's were completed with standard looking narrow bodywork but before long, flared arches became commonplace as seen on the GT. The interior was stripped of every surplus piece of trim, Recaro buckets being installed for driver and navigator.

 
 
Three works cars were built for the 1970 season and were the foundation of Porsche's victorious championship campaign. For 1971, Porsche restricted their main effort to the Safari Rally (pictured above). Three new cars were built specifically for the African event whilst two more were constructed for more traditional events. All retained the standard 180bhp S engine, the Safari cars getting Monte Carlo ratios and suspension raised to its highest level for maximum ground clearance and spring travel. Weighing 980kg (20kg more than before) all three Safari-spec cars encountered problems en route. Porsche's best placed finisher was Zasada in fifth, Waldegaard crashing and Andersson being forced out with broken rear suspension.