1973.5 Porsche 911T Targa

Since its debut in 1965, 911 Targa models have proven to be so sensational, quickly becoming a permanent fixture in the 911 range. When the 1973 ½  911 T was introduced with its all-new Bosch CIS injection system, it was in high demand.  Not only did these ‘73.5 Porsches produce more usable low-end power, but they also proved to be far more reliable and easier to maintain than their carbureted or mechanically injected predecessors.

This striking and completely numbers matching Porsche 911T Targa, was delivered from the factory painted black, with a black leatherette interior in February of 1973. That CIS system in the 1973 was only available on the 911T Coupe and 911T Targa, and all of those units were shipped to the USA. The 1973.5 911 is the last model built with the long hood body style, which gave the classic 911 its legendary profile

Additional options that were specified on this Targa include: front and rear stabilizer bars, comfort kit, and tinted glass. It has since been fitted with the desirable Sports seats option and fog lamps mounted under the front bumper.

Documentation on file goes back to 1979, and confirms a comprehensive restoration – both cosmetic and mechanical between 1988 and 1994. The total mileage indicates 143,319 and the documentation supports this as accurate.

In 1998, the body and paint work was re-done from bare metal by Active Auto Body in Portland, Oregon. The car appears to have remained in the dry climate of the western United States for most, if not all, its life, and accordingly, has superb structural integrity. The panels are exceedingly straight, and the gaps very consistent at all the opening panels. The body seals were replaced at the time of reassembly, and the brightwork redone to original standards, including re-anodizing the aluminum wheels. Smaller and more attractive chrome bumper guards replace the original rubber units.

The interior was also restored with new front Sport seats and new carpeting (including the front storage area). In 2014, the present owner recovered the front seats with a Sport seat kit in leather from Auto International. The headliner was also restored in 2014.

The engine was rebuilt by Dick Elverud of Portland, Oregon in 1994, using a Mahle 2.7 liter piston and liner kit, a 911 SC oil pump, new main bearings, timing chain, valves, guides, stainless steel heater boxes, new clutch and pressure plates, machined cylinder heads, rebuilt CV joints, new braided brake and fuel lines installed, rebuilt and re-plated brake calipers. All the wheel bearings were replaced, and the engine and sheet metal powder coated. The transmission was rebuilt as necessary with a new 3rd gear, bearings, shafts, seals, and mated to a new clutch. Other work included over the years: an upgraded oil cooler system installation, installation of the correct high and low tone horns, and updating the clock with a new VDO quartz movement.

This Targa was purchased in 2016, and maintained since by the same owner. Today, the restoration has mellowed slightly, and there are some minor rock chips on the frontal areas as would be expected from some happy miles of road use. However, the paintwork remains very beautiful, confirming the car was taken from bare metal at the time the work was performed. The brightwork, glass, lenses, and emblems are all in excellent order. The interior is difficult to fault, save for some wear evident on the door pockets. The engine bay and front storage areas are both in very fine order, and the underside of the car is in exemplary condition structurally, although not detailed to outright show standards.

1973 was the final year of the “long-hood” 911s, before the 911 underwent a redesign from the beltline down and incorporated impact bumpers at the front and rear, along with a number of updates to meet emissions standards. This Targa offers a memorable driving experience with its original engine punched out to 2.7 liters and beautifully preserved restoration. Included with the car are books, tools, and records back to 1979. All the upgrades are tastefully done, and the work performed by reputable shops in the Portland and San Francisco areas. The new owner of this wonder Targa will get S-specification style performance at a fraction of the price from this fully sorted and matching-numbers 1973 Porsche 911.

Our shop has performed a complete and thorough service to ensure its enjoyment for the next caretaker!