Fantasy Junction

Description

1973 Porsche 911S Targa

VIN – 9113310013 (very early production)
Exterior Color – Silver
Interior Color – Black Leather
Engine – 2.4 Liter air-cooled flat 6 cylinder with MFI
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 139,114 TMU though owner confirms miles to be accurate
Owner Purchase – A one-owner car still titled in the same name as the original purchasing owner.

General Overview

Combining classic looks with superb road manners and drivability, the Porsche 911 has become one of the most celebrated sports cars in automotive history. The first 911 arrived in the US in 1965, offering agile performance at a modest price. Perfect for a wide range of uses, the 911 lacked an important entry for the American market – a convertible. Efforts were made to build a convertible 911 but roll-over protection was deemed a critical part of meeting safety standards for the North American market. Thus entered the “Targa” design, which delivered open-air motoring while retaining the safety and structural rigidity the Porsche engineering team desired. The 911 Targa became a hit with US buyers, arriving in 1967 and selling quite well in the model lineup.

By 1973, the Porsche 911S Targa was the pinnacle open top sports car of its era. The later series cars (1972 and 1973), outfitted with 2.4 liter engines, remain today as the ultimate development of the 'long hood', thin-bumper 911. After 1973, the 911 faced heavy emissions restrictions and requirements, significantly hampering performance and reliability. For 1973, the high performance “S” offered 190 hp at 6,500 rpm, coupled to the type 915 transaxle, allowing for a superb balance of power and handling while still retaining the classic 911 body.

History of This Car

This rare 911S Targa was purchased by D. J. Branning, Lancaster, PA on February 15, 1973, at Autohaus Porsche Audi, Lancaster, PA. The car was optioned with leather seats, metallic paint, AM/FM Becker radio, and fog lamps. According to the original service record book, the car was serviced with accompanying dealership stamps for interval service and lubrication. By Spring 1973, the owner moved to San Francisco, CA where the car was serviced on May 7, 1973, with 11,669 miles and serviced again on December 17, 1973, with 17,506 miles, both stamped in the service booklet. On October 11, 1974, the car was given a complete inspection at 25,283 miles, at which point, entries for service conclude in the service booklet. In 1974 the car was involved in an accident resulting in the replacement of a front fender.

In 1974, the owner moved from California to Edmonton, Alberta where the car remained in regular service, though seldom used in the winter. The owner and the car returned to California in 1980 where, still under the same single ownership, miles accrued to approximately 95,000, when in 1992 “The Stable” performed approximately $20,000.00 worth of work on the car. Still retaining all the original body panels (except for the previously replaced front fender), the car was repainted in metallic silver, a new no-speaker dash pad installed, brakes rebuilt, and new shocks installed. During the restoration the original engine and transmission were rebuilt, and the clutch replaced.

In December 2018, the car was serviced by RetroSport, Berkeley, CA where the gearbox was removed and rebuilt including resetting the pinion depth, backlash, side bearing preload, replacing all synchros and bearings, and chromate coating the gearbox case. 901 first gear teeth, pinion shaft bearing, clutch arm pivot bushing, and main shaft bearing, were also included as part of the gearbox rebuild. On November 19, 2021, in preparation for consignment, Eason Auto Works, Oakland, CA performed a compression test recording the following numbers:

1 – 150, 2 – 130, 3 – 145, 4 – 150, 5 – 150, 6 – 150

Eason adjusted the valves on cylinder #2, replaced the points, spark plugs, roto, and cap, adjusted the timing, and adjusted/tested the MFI unit.

Condition Overview

Today this rare, early production number 1973 911S Targa presents as a very well-preserved original car with driver level finishes and evidence of long-term proper care. The odometer indicates 39,114 miles which the original and sole owner states with confidence to be 139,114 miles. The exterior finish is glossy and rubber trim appears to be generally good with some original pieces showing modest signs of age. The doors, hood, and deck lid all open and shut as expected, though the panel gap is uneven on one side of the hood, likely the result of front-end accident damage which is evident when inspecting the inside front storage compartment at both inner fenders. Repair work appears to have been done to a level consistent with values for these cars at that time.

The various trim and emblems throughout the car are in very nice condition with excellent fit and polish, though front bumper overriders will need refinishing. The chrome headlight trim, side view mirrors, and door handles are in very nice condition. The rear and side glass are in very good condition overall with no major marks of note. The windshield shows evidence of road use but is otherwise clean and free of major blemishes. The original 15” Fuchs wheels are nicely preserved with no notable rim edge damage. A set of Yokohama 205/60R15 tires are installed. The optional fog lamps are still in place and add a nice touch to the distinctive Targa body lines.

The interior appears to be essentially original, save for the steering wheel which has been replaced with an aftermarket leather wrapped Momo wheel. The original leather front seats, door panels, and rear seating display finishes and materials consistent with factory original Porsches. Instruments are in very nice visual condition overall and retain good function, bright contrasting dial faces, and clear lenses. 39,114 miles are indicated, but likely represent 139,114 though total miles are unknown. The formerly speaker outfitted dash pad was replaced in the early 1990s (no speaker type installed) and a removable head contemporary Alpine AM/FM CD unit has been mounted in dash, connected to rear mounted speakers (the original Becker AM/FM unit and speaker accompanies the car). The aftermarket leather wrapped Momo steering wheel features a Porsche center crest emblem. The front storage compartment is in excellent condition and contains a matching Fuchs spare wheel. A correct tool roll, tools, and spare belts are also stored with the spare tire. The underside of the car is in good condition overall, not finished to show standards, but showing no major damage and no evidence of structural panel replacement. The removable Targa roof remains in very good overall original condition with no excessive surface abrasions or notable sun damage and tight fit to the windshield header and targa bar.

This is a very complete, documented, original, matching numbers Porsche 911S Targa with known history since new and single ownership, on a clean California title naming the original purchasing owner. Ready to start the next chapter in ownership history, this handsome Targa will delight any 911 purist who desires open touring in a top performance S model Porsche.

Items Included with the Car

The car is accompanied by several original items including the original owner’s manual and warranty booklet, fog lamp paperwork, factory emission control system booklet, the original vinyl owner’s manual case and service booklet case, a Porsche Chilton’s book, a space Fuchs wheel center cap, recent records for gearbox work and parts, a car cover, an original tool roll and tools, the original Becker AM/FM radio and dashboard speaker, and Becker radio manuals.

Walkaround video: https://youtu.be/EpN8uUQTXIs

Driving video: https://youtu.be/nMztatRCDyI

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