Porsche 911 S Targa (1973)

Replacing the 356, Porsche's long-running 911 arrived in 1964. The rear engine layout seen in its predecessor was conserved, however Porsche would this time approach the body with a steel monocoque design and replaced the suspension with modern McPherson strut technology.
In its first incarnation, Porsche's single-overhead-camshaft, air-cooled flat six displaced 1,991cc and produced 130bhp; progressively enlarged and developed, it would eventually grow to more than three litres and, in turbo-charged form, put out well over 300 horsepower. The first of countless upgrades came in 1966 with the introduction of the 911S. Easily distinguishable by its stylish Fuchs five-spoked alloy wheels, the 'S' featured a heavily revised engine producing 160bhp, raising the top speed by 10mph to 135mph.

A lengthened wheelbase introduced in 1969 improved the 911's handling, and then in 1970 the engine underwent the first of many enlargements, to 2.2 liters. The S's power output then was 180bhp, increasing to 190bhp with the introduction of the 2.4-liter engine for 1972. Tenacious adhesion, responsive steering, very good flexibility, superb brakes, meticulous finish and a solid feel were just some of the virtues praised by Motor magazine in its test of a Porsche 911 S in 1973.

This exceptional RHD 2.4S is one of just 6 Targa variants delivered to Australia, and one of four cars equipped with a 5 speed manual gearbox. The car was supplied new by Scuderia Veloce to Mr Greenwell of New South Wales in August 1973 and was presented in Metallic Silver with black leather sports seats. This fortunate car would remain in the warm and dry Australian climate until 2015 when it was first registered in the UK. The car was well used in its early life and the original maintenance record shows that the car was regularly serviced at the Porsche main dealers during the 1970s. In 1999 the car was purchased by Porsche connoisseur Clyde Boyer, the Chairman of the Australian 911 Register. Mr Boyer continued to maintain the Targa until a complete nut and bolt restoration to Concours standard was embarked upon, the restoration which is faithfully documented in the car's history file was completed in 2006. Throughout this most exacting restoration special efforts were made to find correct parts and whilst many were sourced from the Porsche main dealer some had to be located as far afield as England! The completed car was remarked upon as one of the finest restored Porsches in Australia and was certainly of Concours winning standard.

In 2015 the car was purchased by the current custodian who was impressed with the attention to detail of the cars finish and relocated the Targa to the UK. Having completed limited mileage since the aforementioned restoration this 2.4S can be considered firmly amongst the finest examples of its type, we are proud to offer for sale this example which is supplied in show condition, presented in its original colour combination and accompanied by its matching numbers engine, correct tool kit, spare wheel and comprehensive history file which includes a photographic record of the cars restoration and service records dating back into the early 1970s.