No other car has the legendary status of the 911. With production beginning in 1965, it has been a byword for performance and driving excellence for almost 60 years. The first iteration ran for quite a while too, only going out of production in 1973 after a number of mild facelifts.
In 1967 the Targa (or “safety cabriolet”, as it was also known” was introduced and became a real success. Offering the safety and driving feel of a coupe with the ability to enjoy open-air motoring, it could be seen as the perfect classic sports car. By the time this car was produced, it featured a 2.4-litre (although in reality it is a 2,341cc unit), air-cooled flat-six that delivered 190hp to the rear wheels, making it a fantastic performer. Now they’re a much sought-after classic that has seen its value sky-rocketing in recent years.
Comprehensively restored in the late 1980s, this example is presented in fine overall condition, being eminently usable both as a daily classic and as something special to wheel out for shows and summer drives. If you’re looking for a well kept period 911 – and these days who isn’t – then this handsome example would be an excellent candidate.
The History and Paperwork
Delivered new to Avignon, France in February 1972
French registration documents
70,408Km on a five-figure odometer, the paperwork indicates the true figure is 170,408Km
Full engine rebuild at 108,268Km, with accompanying paperwork to evidence
Bare metal respray in the late 80s, changing the colour from gold to Guards Red, with photographic record
Extensive history file contains older contrôle technique certificates as well as numerous invoices for servicing and maintenance
Porsche certificate of authenticity, showing the car left the factory as a gold ‘S’ with the 2,341cc engine
The Interior
Retrimmed black leather seats RECARO
Practical 2+2 cabin layout
Smart red carpeting
Battery cut-off/isolater installed in the front luggage area
Small slot on the dashboard
Originally the seats would have been trimmed with black leatherette, but during the car’s restoration they were retrimmed in smart black leather with contrast red piping. Overall, it presents in good order, with some light wear and creasing, and a little parting to the side seam on the driver’s seat, but otherwise no issues we could identify. The door cars appear to be the original specification black leatherette items, and show very well with no damage or tearing we could see.
The upholstery is complemented nicely with the bright red carpets that reflect the Guards Red paintwork well. They show in decent condition, with some light wear, but look as if they would scrub up very well.
Best we can tell, all of the trim is present, correct and in good order. The only minor issue we noted is that the plastic door pin covers appear to be missing, but these should be relatively simple to source. Meanwhile, the controls and dashboard look excellent, with a full complement of switches and gauges, no cracks or damage we could discern, and a gentle yet attractive level of patina.
At the front, the under-bonnet storage area is trimmed in black carpet and contains a full-size spare wheel as well as an aftermarket battery isolation switch.
The Exterior
Older respray in Guards Red
Period correct Fuchs wheels
Black vinyl covered targa roof
Supplied from the factory in metallic gold, the car was restored in the late 80s and resprayed in Guards Red – a more contemporary colour for that period. As an older restoration that has covered about 60,000Km since, there are some minor blemishes, chips, marks and a slight crack in the paint on the passenger side front wing But overall it’s very presentable with nothing that would concern us. In fact, the gently aged paintwork adds a lovely dash of period charm to the car.
The bodywork itself all looks very straight and tidy, with no rippling or corrosion we could see. The curves are smooth and clean, while all of the panel gaps and shut lines look to be good and consistent.
Adding to the allure, the trim all wears a genuine level of natural wear. The brushed Nirosta steel rollover hoop is in good order, while the brightwork and badging all looks to be in good condition, with a little weathering and pitting in places. The black targa panel appears to be undamaged and looks nice and tidy.
Taking a look underneath, the car looks very solid and straight, with no obvious damage and no corrosion issues apparent. It still sits on the period correct five-spoke, 15-inch Fuchs wheels, which bear a handsome two-tone black and silver finish. They’re shod in a matched set of Michelin tyres that look to have good tread depth too.
The Mechanics
Late production 2,341cc air-cooled flat-six
Five-speed manual transmission
Rear-wheel drive
Disc brakes all round
Engine rebuilt in 1987 at 108,268Km
Engine matching number
Little else in the automotive world is as iconic as an air-cooled Porsche flat-six. That warbling tickover crescendos to a banshee howl at high revs, it’s the kind of powerplant that makes you hang on to each gear just a little more than usual, purely to give your ears a treat. Having been treated to full rebuild about 60,000Km ago, and with a large history file of servicing and maintenance, it should be good for many more miles yet too.
With all the power going to the rear wheels and a snappy five-speed manual transmission, this little 911 delivers the kind of interactive, tactile thrills enthusiasts love.
Summary
Presented in fine overall condition, with a sonorous, air-cooled, flat-six powertrain and a comprehensive history file, there is much to recommend this pretty little sports car. For anyone that has always hankered after a classic 911, this would be a great way to sample the delights of the Stuttgart stallion…
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
