1973 Porsche 911 Targa Project

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As we all know too well, cheap air-cooled 911s are a thing of the past. The market has settled down slightly, but not enough to make much of a difference – they are expensive cars now, and likely will be for some time. That said, some settling has occurred, and project-grade specimens of less desirable models like targa tops have come back to Earth. This example hails from Texas and is a one-owner example with a matching numbers drivetrain and rust noted on the body and in the pan. Surprisingly, all VIN stickers and associated markings remain in place, too, and it’s listed here on eBay for $27,900 with the option to submit a best offer.

The body is said to be painted a rare-ish shade called Medium Ivory, and while not particularly sexy, it looks nice and consistent down the sides. No word whether it’s original paint, but given the lighter colored Porsches always tended to get resprayed black or red, I’d say it’s likely to be the OG paint. Plus, you throw in all the VIN markings the seller mentions, and it seems even more likely the original finish was never scraped off or painted over. The listing claims the 911 went into storage after just ten years on the road, presenting further evidence that much of it likely remains original.

The listing points out it’s technically a 1973.5 model, making it the last of the pretty chrome-bumper cars. The interior is in fair condition for something that’s been stored – it could be better, could be worse – but it’s definitely in need of a full restoration. The driver’s seat cushion appears to be torn up and there’s no mention of the passenger front bucket. It looks like it wore a slightly interesting cloth pattern featuring a unique center section (possibly houndstooth?) with contrasting cloth bolsters. Even as fairly demure colors, the combination is handsome, and a nice change of pace from the usual saddle or black interiors we see.

The engine is the matching numbers 2.4L engine with CIS injection still in place. The seller doesn’t reference starting the 911 or otherwise trying to get it to fire up. It doesn’t sound like he’s a flipper, as the listing notes the car with come with a set of rust-free doors and rust-free front bumper. The rust that’s present in the body and floors is disappointing for a Texas car, but who knows what the storage arrangement was like. The 911 will come with a clean title, and it’s said to roll easily for transport purposes. Certainly a project, but a decent price and possibly a bargain depending on what the seller’s bottom line is. What would you consider a fair offer?

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Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember

    This is a salt water flood car. Porsche painted the inside of the doors car color and the red on the inside of the drivers door sure isn’t paint. As for the interior, the rusty remanents are shown in the E-bay pictures… all rusted. It used to have AC if that means anything to someone dumb enough to pay big money for this thing.

    Like 7
  2. alphasudMember

    I agree this one looks to be a costal unit. CIS is going to be a total rebuild. Magnesium case engine not very robust. Targa commands lower resale than coupe. You can find better ways to spend your money. Pass on all accounts.

    Like 3
  3. Argy

    A concours ‘73 Targa could be a six figure car, but the foundation and provenance would need to be solid. Longhood sales on BaT this summer lead me to believe a decent example would fetch $50-$60K. Given the amount of water it appears this car has lived under I don’t hold much hope it could be restored for less than it would be worth in the end.

    Like 1
  4. Clive Roberts

    If the “rust free” panels that come with the car are a good fit it will make the rebuild a lot easier, but a big question here is whether the engine can be rebuilt (and if so, at what cost). Otherwise, this old Targa is a lost cause at any price.

    Like 0
  5. Nate

    Ridiculous.

    Like 2

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