When you hand the keys of a narrow-tired 911 T/R to seasoned veteran like Patrick Long, you can expect fireworks. Clearly, Long is focused on wringing the classic Porsche’s neck and not terribly concerned with its value, but when you’ve driven the variety of machinery he has, at the level he has, you can’t expect him to participate in a processional parade lap.
Patrick Long casually backs the 911 T/R into Laguna’s Turn Ten.
The TR was, essentially, a limited production piece made for customers looking to race or rally their 911. Based off the svelte 911T, the T/R was fitted with one of two motors. Either the 911S motor, which could be had with revised carburetors and a twin exhaust for an additional twenty ponies, or the race-bred 906 motor. Seeing as the TR was meant to compete, this twin-plug motor suited its nature; titanium connecting rods, a lightweight flywheel, and a heavy duty clutch gave the Porsche the sort of punch you’d want from a stripped-down special.
Keeping the 911 T/R’s edges sharp and resilient for the purposes of competition, it employed baffled fuel tanks, twin fuel pumps, a mega-spartan interior, racing seats, reinforced engine mounts, Koni shocks, sway bars at both axles, and ventilated brake discs. The athletic stance is complemented by unpolished aluminum wheels just 7″ wide.
With the power available and the narrow rear rubber, it’s not surprising the Porsche 911 TR likes to move around quite a bit over the cambered Turn Five and the daunting, downhill Turn Nine. Long wrestles the Porsche out of every corner, and even gets the back to rotate frequently on entry. It’s a 911 that looks edgy but not unapproachable, and something that rewards a good amount of yaw. Generating fifteen degrees of slip angle defines Long’s approach in most corners here, and yet he makes the drive look composed, refined, and tidy—the mark of an ace.
View Comments (4)
Great video. I also have a 1968 SWB 911T/R tribute car - has a 2.2 litre on 40 mm webers and approx., 180HP. Have added genuine RS flares (off an RS being converted to an RSR) run 6" front and 8" rear 15" wheels.
It is rubbish that the SWB don't handle. Modern day tyres with some extra width make the difference. You think of a direction change and the car does it. So enjoyable. Have a 997 GT3 and a 2.8 RS tribute car - the T/R is first car of choice it is that enjoyable.
Yes great video! An absolute lesson in your car mate just how well it handles and goes, you don't need big horsepower to have fun. Cheers.
Like that helmet cam - you can tell that Patrick is looking where he wants to go. Also, how hard must it be to transition from a new RSR to a 50 year old predecessor - that is awesome.
Chuck, the helmet cam does take good footage but as a Scrutineer in Australia i would not have had Patrick Long put the helmet it on his head just in case of an incident and the camera penetrated the helmet into the skull.
As Patrick is a real racer they can easily go from one car to another and pick it up if it is 50 years old or up to date car.
What a sound the flat six is, my hair nearly stood up when Patrick missed a gear "ouch", you could watch this footage all day.