Upon its debut in 1963, the Porsche 911 was offered only in closed coupe configurations. This would change in 1967 with the introduction of a now iconic 911 variant, the Targa. It featured a removable center roof panel, brushed stainless steel center hoop, and a foldable plastic rear window. The setup offered drivers the weather protection of a coupe, but with the option to quickly stow the roof and rear window for wind-in-the-hair enjoyment.
Performance options were also enhanced for 1967 with the introduction of the 160-horsepower 911 S. The new model featured a higher-compression engine with larger valves, forged light-alloy pistons and connecting rods, a revised exhaust system, and a pair of Weber triple-throat downdraft carburetors. Capable of 140 mph, the 911 S would become the benchmark for precision-built, well-equipped, and moderately priced sports cars.
The 911 S Targa on offer here surely ranks among the most coveted and well-restored examples in existence. Completed 26 January 1967 and sold via Mahag of Munich, Germany this home-market 911 S Targa was finished much as it presents today in Polo Red (6602) over a black leatherette interior. Per a copy of the car’s Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, it was optioned with a Webasto heater, antennae, loudspeaker, ski rack, and Dunlop tires.
In 2009, the car was subjected to a rotisserie restoration by early 911 experts Carparc USA of Costa Mesa, California. Work included stripping the car to bare metal before painstakingly reassembling it to factory specification. It is importantly still equipped with its numbers-matching drivetrain of a high-performance 2.0-liter flat-six engine and five-speed gearbox, both of which have been fully rebuilt. Scores of photographs documenting the car before, during, and after the restoration are included in the sale.
Equipped with its numbers-matching engine and gearbox and wearing a concours-quality restoration by world-renowned marque experts, this “soft-window” 911 S Targa is sure to impress even the most discerning Porsche aficionado.
