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Rare Top And Color: 1985 Porsche 911 Targa

This 1985 Porsche 911 Targa is a driver-grade example featuring one of the lesser seen paint schemes of Moss Green Metallic over tan. When it comes to aircooled 911s these days, it doesn’t take much for the cars to be worth good money, but rare colors that aren’t offensive to even the most sensitive of tastes certainly help to drive values higher. This 911 Targa has a few cosmetic issues that will warrant attention by a future owner, but that hasn’t stopped bidding from approaching $30,000 here on eBay. The Targa will also come with the unusual Saratoga top option, which is essentially a clear glass Targa panel. The best part? It’s listed with no reserve.

When I first scanned the listing, I missed it entirely that the Targa comes with the aftermarket roof panel shown here. Items like this are a matter of tastes, as the Targa owner who has everything would absolutely want one of these limited production pieces made during the car’s prime years on the marketplace. I dig parts like these, as it’s one of the few times the aftermarket actually makes a product that’s just as desirable as anything the factory would offer – and, in many cases, the factory would simply take a quality component like this and list it as a Porsche-branded offering in the official accessories catalog. The Saratoga top typically trades hands for around $2,000 in good condition, so it’s a potential value factor for anyone chasing a 911 Targa.

The Targa overall presents fairly, and is the kind of collector car you wouldn’t be afraid to actually drive. The upholstery is decent, but not great, and the seller notes that the driver’s side bolster needs to be repaired. Other areas of concern include rust in the body just below the passenger door and between the door edge and the rear wheel, along with a barely visible crease on top of the driver’s side fender. The seller reports that he is just the second owner and that mileage is a hair below 60,000, which makes it a tad surprising that the 911 has some of the issues disclosed in the listing. Don’t get me wrong – I like sports cars that you aren’t afraid to drive, but the rust and bolster wear would suggest it hasn’t been treated as gingerly as most 911s of this era typically are.

The seller offers zero information on the mechanical health of the 911, or any work conducted while in his care. This is always one of the most puzzling aspects of listings for cars like this, as the seller would seemingly know that mechanical upkeep is essential to making the 911 ownership experience as pain-free as possible. The Connecticut license plate helps to explain why rust is an issue, especially if the car was presumably driven in winter. Overall, the rare paint scheme and the bonus of the Saratoga top option make for an appealing entry into 911 ownership, especially given the Targas usually trade hands for less than its hardtop siblings – and with no reserve, perhaps the disclosed flaws can be lived with for the time being.

Comments

  1. bobhess bobhess Member

    Rust on a galvanized metal, totally rustproofing dipped chassis is interesting. As I remember from our own shop experiences the way you get that kind of rust is from repairing the metal from damage and not properly rust proofing the area before painting. If the price doesn’t go to the moon this could be a fun driver.

    Like 3
  2. Avatar alphasud Member

    Looking at the pictures on eBay it’s clear this car has been driven on salty roads at some point in its life. Hopefully the buyer will pay for a reputable shop to perform a pre-purchase inspection. Also what seems odd to me is the green leather dash and steering wheel and the beige seat. Looking at the option codes on the sticker under the hood would confirm if it’s special ordered. I have owned 3 in the past. All air cooled ones. While these cars are pretty reliable one needs to budget for 3K every year to keep it maintained.

    Like 6
    • Avatar Tommy

      At least 3 k more if you bring everything to the shop

      Like 2
  3. Avatar angliagt Member

    It’s located in Branford,Conn.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Macfly

    This one at $28k is already at the high end of its value considering the long list of issues that will need to be addressed.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Malcolm Boyes

    I’ve always loved those Saratoga tops..will it fit in the “frunk”?? Wish there were better pix of the rust..

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Scott Member

    I wonder when the speedo was changed? 60k….right….

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Daniel Gavin

    I’m absolutely staggered at the prices air cooled 911s are selling at.
    Kicking myself every time I think I sold my 90 C2 Targa (in absolute showroom condiiton) for $25K about 15 years ago. Today this car is selling from $75K to $90K. Yes….I love my Shelby GT350…….but I really do miss my Targa.

    Like 3
  8. Avatar Stan Marks

    The dark color is the best green I’ve ever seen. With all due respect, to the previous owner, the damaged seat, with the split seams, is due to a very heavy driver. Over time, that’s what happens. This Porsche needs a good going over. A car, like this, needs to be babied.

    Like 1

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