This 1968 Porsche 911 Targa is a rare soft-window model, an unusual air-cooled collector car that doesn’t turn up all that often. As the name implies, the rear window is like a traditional convertible top window, unlike the fixed glass you normally see on targa models. The seller claims it is a three-owner car that comes with a decent paper trail, and remains in clean condition despite being a non-runner currently. It is a numbers-matching example that ran when parked two years ago. Find it here on eBay with bids over $35K and the reserve unmet.
While the targa top isn’t typically desirable, the soft window is a rarity among early 911s. I’ve never heard a full-throated endorsement of the targa models, with most owners indicating that a fixed roof (or traditional convertible) would be preferred. Still, the ability to fold down the back window while keeping the targa panel affixed is a nice option to have if you’re looking for some open-air driving without total exposure. No matter what your preference is, this color combination of white over cardinal red is striking and one of the best schemes around.
The interior photos show a cabin that has survived incredibly well. There’s one or two pictures that appear to show the interior at an earlier date, while the bulk of them look to be post-cleaning. The carpets are largely stain-free, and the door panels and dashboard look to be undamaged. The seats have some undetermined levels of wear and tear, looking more like they are just well-used or had something heavy stored on them. I’m not sure if they’ll need to be re-done, but the interior is certainly more than usable as-is for the time being. The OEM steering wheel looks good, too.
The undersides look incredibly clean, suggesting that wherever this 911 lived, it wasn’t in the snow belt (or anywhere near it.) Certainly, if the seller’s claims of paperwork going back to when the car was new hold true, it shouldn’t be hard to piece together its history. While it seems odd that a nicely preserved car than ran when parked just two years ago can’t fire up now, the before and after interior photos could indicate this 911 didn’t get shown much love for more than the two years described here. Regardless, it shouldn’t be too challenging of a project to revive, and is likely worth the investment.
Now, why on Earth would a car that looks this nice be a non-runner? Why on Earth would someone selling a high-dollar “rare” Porsche not put a little time and money into getting the car running, and thereby increasing the price? It makes no sense. This car does not pass the smell test.
Maybe it’s too expensive or difficult to find a competent Porsche mechanic in that area. Sometimes owners reach the end of their rope and can’t justify additional expenditures without a guarantee it will pay off. It’s easy for someone to sit at a keyboard and make proclamations without having to dig into their own wallet to fulfill them.
Steve R
Maybe 35,000 if it ran , but for a non runner, no no no no .
This is a restoration project & is vastly over priced
At least the seller could mention why the car doesn’t run.
You can always contact seller on eBay an ask why it doesn’t run. This is a beauty.
Clearly most of the commentators here do not know the current market for a soft-window Targa 911. These cars are very rare, and this one, with matching number engine and full history and no significant body issues will be a ringer, even in non-running form. The engines are simple, probably just needs a tank clean, carb rebuild, new lines and seals. tHis will most likely easily top $50k.
You aren’t kidding about being rare. Most of the soft-window Targas I’ve seen have been 912s. Even those are rare. In over 30 years of going to car shows and just generally noticing Porsches anywhere, I have personally seen one 911 soft-window Targa. ONE!
The other single-sighting Porsches that come to my mind are the 924 Carrera GT (seen in a Virginia parking lot in 1988) and a 904 (seen at a Porsche repair shop around the same year).
All knowing Porsche snobs are my favorite people on this site .
For me , its beemer snobs–at least the Porsche is a sports car!
I think the seller is looking for exposure more than anything. Achman is right. Soft windows are selling for coo coo money.
Well, if you would pay 50k for a non running car, go for it. And if these engines are as simple as you say they are, then why didn’t the owner fix the things you know are wrong with it and start it up. A engine can have major problems and still be driven before being parked. Maybe this car is worth 50k not running, if so than its worth a good deal more running and running well. Bottom line, when you start asking big $$$$ for rare cars they better be turn key. Later…………………………………..JIMMY
There is a 1967 911s targa soft window for sale on trovis right now that looks to be in much better shape than this one and actually can be driven, for 38,500 . A fool and his money. Bye the way I had a 87 911 , loved that car , no Porsche hater here.
These are definitely a high dollar Porsche in this crazy car market, not a car I would personally invest in. A friend and co-worker had a very light green 1971 911S Targa back in the early 80’s and when I drove that car the first time all I could say was Wow what a “thrill” that was. Fast and responsive was putting it mildly. It was his European Carrera as he called it. Nice cars but I will stick with classic cars from the General.