Fantasy Junction

Description

1971 Porsche 911T Targa
s/n 9111111568, engine no. * 6116260 *
Yellow with Black Leatherette Interior

The iconic Porsche 911 Targa combines exceptional design and superb road manners in a wonderfully engaging open sports car. The 356 had been available as a full convertible, but due to concerns about convertibles being legislated out of existence in the United States, no cabriolet version of the 911 was developed. Instead, Porsche engineers created a more rigid open car with roll over protection and removable roof panel and (initially) rear window. Named the Targa (Italian for “shield”), the new open car was an innovative solution with a distinctive aesthetic treatment that created legions of enthusiastic followers and inspired many other manufacturers from Ferrari with their 246 GTS to the T-top F-body GM cars to the Honda NSX.

On both sides of the Atlantic, the 911 thrilled automotive press and enthusiasts alike with its superlative performance, agility, and durability. The cars were continuously improved, including the lengthening of the wheelbase by 2.4 inches for the 1969 model year to improve handling. A year later, Porsche increased the bore of each cylinder by 4mm to increase the total displacement from 2.0 liters to 2.2 liters 1970 model year. This brought a meaningful improvement in both performance and drivability thanks to the additional torque. The engines have a revvy, short-stroke character that was diminished for the 1972 model year, when the stroke was lengthened. 1972 also saw revised cam timing and reduced compression ratios in the interest of reducing emissions, and thus, many enthusiasts prefer these 2.2 liter cars as the pick of the bunch for spirited, visceral driving.

This particular 2.2 liter 911T is a matching numbers example, currently showing 68,000 miles, which is believed to be original. The car retains its original interior, original engine, and exceptionally straight original body panels. According to the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, this 911 Targa was completed in January 1971 was originally finished in Light Ivory with Black Leatherette interior. The car was optioned with US Equipment, Comfort Equipment, Blaupunkt Radio (US Band), 5.5 J x15 Pressure Cast Wheels (it sits today on desirable “deep six” Fuchs), Tinted Glass All Around – Targa roof, and Dunlop Tires. The original maintenance booklet is included and shows that the car was delivered new to Robert Probst of Holland, Michigan on August 8, 1971. Service stamps in the booklet show services up to 1973 with 24,705 miles recorded at that time. Records retained with the car indicate Mr. Probst moved to Bellevue, Washington in 1979 when the car had covered 49,000 miles. A host of invoices from 1979 to 1984 are included with the car, showing that Probst covered a further 8,000 miles by 1984. He sold the car to well-known collector and enthusiast Peter Hageman purchased the car.

In 2011, the current owner, a veteran Porsche enthusiast and award winning restoration expert, acquired the car. During his ownership, the car was regularly serviced including oil and fuel filter changes, brake fluid flushes and detailed repairs as needed. Over the course of the past four years, a new fuel pump was installed, the fuel tank removed, sealed and installed, a CDI ignition unit and coil were installed, heater cables replaced, a new master cylinder and pedal bushing kit installed, and the electric clock was repaired. In January 2015, with 66,826 miles indicated, highly regarded Porsche specialist Aker’s removed the engine and replaced all the seals and all tin was re-powder coated. During this time, the engine compartment was fully detailed, carburetors were adjusted and serviced, and all original components returned to factory specifications.

The exterior was treated to a comprehensive repaint using an original 1971 Porsche color Light Yellow 6210/6262. The refinishing included prepping the body and repainting the inside of the trunk, engine compartment, and doorjambs. Rubber trim, door seals, window seals and moldings were replaced as needed. The award winning paint shop was especially careful to preserve the original interior, taking care to carefully protect the original carpet, seats, and dash. In 2016, five new Pirelli Cinturato CN36 tires were purchased and installed on restored Fuchs 15” deep six wheels. In 2018, the removable Targa top was professionally restored including a new felt headliner.

Today, the car exhibits very good quality paint with high gloss and very smooth coverage throughout. There is only minor evidence of road use present in the front portion of the car, and a slight area of aging in the front bumper trim. The doorjambs and other inner body surfaces display excellent paint finish, and the rubber, weather stripping, and trim have been finished to a high level of quality. The front windscreen was removed during the repaint and a new front gasket fitted. The chrome trim below the rear window was left in place during the repaint and close inspection reveals some evidence of paint on the rubber gasket separating the chrome trim from the body. All panels open and shut as expected, displaying consistent dimensions and fit, with crisp door closures, excellent hood fit, and proper part lines. The finish, rubber bumper trim, and various plated parts are all in very good condition. The chrome is in very good to excellent condition, while the lights, lenses, and glass are in excellent condition with good gloss, clarity, and coloring. There is superficial cracking in the right rear reflector. The exterior window garnish, restored Targa top and silver Targa bar are in particularly fine condition. The correct style wide Fuchs wheels are very well detailed with proper anodized finish and clean rims with no significant marks or curb rash. The Pirelli tires have a fabulous vintage tread pattern and show excellent tread.

The original interior is very pleasing as it has been mercifully preserved and properly maintained. The door panels, dash, and rear seats are very nicely presented original pieces, showing very good sheen and stitching, with just the right amount of give to the cushions. The driver’s side door pocket trim shows some minor marking from ingress and egress. The original dash has one small crack at the speaker hole but the dash is otherwise excellent, with no discoloration, warping, or other cracks. The beautifully finished instrument panel houses excellent gauges, which all function properly including the electric clock. The original carpeting is in good condition with light wear but strong presentation overall, with a set of vintage style Coco mats appropriate for this era. The steering wheel, Blaupunkt radio, and wonderfully preserved knobs and switches handsomely complete the black interior.

The engine compartment and trunk are both very tidy and reflect the quality of the restoration and respect given to the original portions of this Porsche in recent years. The engine is clean and generally correct in its presentation, including Zenith carburetors, which give a very cohesive overall presentation. The trunk features a correct factory Fuchs spare tire, proper finishes, all supported by a factory original structure. With the carpet removed, it is possible to view areas of the structure that remain white, although the majority of exposed metal was painted yellow when the car was repainted. The undercarriage is clean and solid, with the presentation of a structurally excellent unrestored car. The floor and rocker panels appear original with no notable damage to the structure, revealing the original white color in some areas. During the repaint, one small area of rust was properly addressed in one of the rocker panels where it was professionally treated, primed, and finished during the repaint.

The car starts quickly, revs responsively, and runs smoothly at idle with a pleasing exhaust note when blipping the throttle. Seating position and controls feel just right with comfortable feel to the original seats. On the road, this 911T performs with ease, making good power while delivering a tight ride, excellent handling, and spirited acceleration through the carbureted engine. The car pulls cleanly through the rev range without hesitation or excessive vibration. Of particular note is the eager and responsive character of the engine, which feels appreciably peppier than other 911Ts we have encountered in recent memory. Shifts are smooth warm or cold with no bearing noise and good synchros. In corners, the front end feels tight and confident even at highway speeds. The brakes pull down straight without rotor runout on a solid, high pedal. Handling is very good overall with no rattles or cowl shudder when proceeding over bumps or rough roads. Overall the driving experience is very pleasant and rewarding. This 911T is offered with a Porsche owner’s manual, Porsche maintenance record book, a few pieces of accessory factory literature, a reproduction tool roll and tools, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, and a file with records and receipts including several invoices from the 1970 to 1984 period.

A great driving example with plenty of eye appeal and excellent structure, this 2.2 liter Targa has a cohesive and handsome presentation that neatly walks the line between sympathetic restoration and originality. Never neglected or compromised to the point of needing comprehensive restoration, this Targa has a wholesome and satisfying feel which makes it a pleasure to look at and drive.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608