OVERVIEW

With its iconic profile, distinctive engineering, and unrivaled motorsports legacy, the Porsche 911 remains one of the most desirable performance cars ever built. Spanning an unprecedented 60 years of development, the first 911 arrived in the US in 1965, delivering agile performance at a modest price. An instant success among enthusiasts, the model line lacked a convertible. Although the factory built a convertible 911 for test purposes, roll-over protection was needed to serve the North American market. The engineering team developed the Targa configuration featuring an open cockpit while retaining safety and structural rigidity. The 911 Targa arrived in 1967, quickly becoming one of Porsche’s best-selling models in subsequent years.

Taking many cues from the legendary RS series racing Porsches, the Carrera model was offered as the road-going alternative to those seeking performance coupled with everyday use. Carrera features were important distinctions for those who wanted more of a performance car, making them both top in the pricing tier and rare in number today.

This example holds several unique distinctions that make it one of the best combinations of the 911 Carrera series cars. Built to extraordinary specifications, the pedigree of this original car is already exemplary. One of the earliest series built in 1974, it is #103 of the first 200 constructed. These early cars are not merely rare, the chassis is fortified with transmission and body reinforcements consistent with early RS bodies. This rarity is further enhanced by the factory color Gulf Blue, making it one of just six 1974 Carrera Targas ordered in this color when delivered new.

The Restoration

Under current ownership, the owner embarked on this build beginning with a precise vision. Spanning a decade of effort, this cost-no-object build features numerous details and performance upgrades performed by Porsche specialists. The project began with John Esposito disassembling the entire car, removing the original glass, and stripping the chassis to bare metal, tending to all metal compromised by even the smallest evidence of rust. Though these areas were not significant, replacement metal was cut from a donor 1974 Targa to ensure all body sections were original Porsche factory metal. The steel body was acid etched and primed with epoxy primer throughout the entire bare chassis, ensuring coverage on all bare metal. The correct Porsche Gulf Blue color was sourced from Glasurit and applied to the body shell, chassis pans, inner strike surfaces, and all metal opening features. The original glass was polished and cleaned and all new rubber installed during reassembly. Every replace part was OEM and all original components replated or refinished using correct factory finishes.

Engine & Transmission

A comprehensively built 2.8L RSR spec. twin-plug engine with Mahle pistons was assembled using a 2.7R case for strength and durability. With PMO 46mm carburetors and custom adjustable CDI ignition boxes (built by Classic Retrofit), the engine was dyno tested at 239 hp. Built by Chris Powell of Chris’s German Auto, Redmond, WA, the engine has proven itself to be both reliable and responsive including the current owner completing the 2019 and 2021 Targa California. The original matching number engine case is also included with the car. The 5-speed transaxle was rebuilt and optimized with a Quaife LSD at Chris’s German Auto including the addition of a desirable Wevo spring centered short shift kit.

Interior Features

One of the most distinctive features of the 911 is the purposeful and iconic interior. Here too no expense was spared including the installation of factory Sport Seats professionally reupholstered in German leather and vinyl, new Silverknit carpet, and numerous other interior details finished to the highest standards by George Baloian, Levon Mobile Upholstery. The Targa top was restored by renown Porsche interior expert Tony Garcia at AutoBahn Interiors, San Diego, CA.

Additional Suspension, Brakes, and Exterior Features

In addition to the many features on this car, numerous carefully selected mechanical, suspension, brakes, and steering features have been vastly improved by Colin Cantrell, Cantrell Motorsports, Bellevue, WA including fully adjustable RSR suspension by Elephant Racing, Ohlins shock absorbers and inserts, and the installation of an Elephant Racing 930 Turbo brake kit. Upon completion of the suspension and brake set up, the car was corner balanced. Importantly, this car has been outfitted with a new Quaife Limited Slip Differential and Quaife sport rack and pinion steering gear. These performance upgrades are not only impressive as singular units, but the combined sorting and professional attention make for a remarkably well-composed and cohesive car.

Other features include modern 9Eleven LED headlights (reversible to stock configuration if desired), and Xpel PPF protective clear film coating applied to the front of the car, A-pillars, rocker panels, door edges, and front and rear bumpers, followed by a full ceramic coating.

Condition Overview

After the restoration and performance build was completed, the owner showed and drove the car at selective local events including the 2019 and 2021 Targa California. The striking Gulf Blue paint is lustrous and glossy, showing excellent depth and reflections. The protective ceramic coating and clear film have served the finish very well. Factory shut lines are precisely aligned for the front storage compartment lid and engine lid. The doors shut with a crisp “Porsche Ping” reflective of both original engineering and thoughtful restoration. The black trim throughout the car is excellent including the unique accordion boots flanking the front and rear impact bumpers.

The car is perfectly positioned with just the right stance wearing desirable 16” x 7” front and 16” x 8” rear Fuchs wheels wearing Michelin Pilot Sport tires. The wheels were professionally refinished by Weidman’s Wheels to RSR specifications. A set of four original date stamped 15” 7” and 8” Fuchs with Pirelli tires, also refinished by Weidman’s, are included with the car. The glass, lenses, and lights are in excellent condition and display factory codes and markings consistent with Porsche designations including the original glass and windshield. The LED headlights are a welcome feature for evening driving but can be easily replaced with stock units.

The interior also presents in beautiful condition including the restored Targa roof which fits tightly to the windshield header and latches in place against the correctly finished brushed metal Targa bar. Inside the car, the beautiful and supple black leather interior is soft and in excellent shape. The interior has excellent continuity to continue with the overall vision of the build. The rear seating area, carpet, and door panels are all in excellent condition. The pristine dashboard displays black-dial instruments with vivid white script, and high contrast orange needles. The factory Porsche steering wheel and analog controls are beautifully finished, every bit of which is factory correct. The center console houses the 5-speed manual transmission upgraded with the desirable Wevo short lever gearshift. A set of black coco floor mats, factory seat belts, and an accessory Tag Heuer Monte Carlo stopwatch is fitted to the lower portion of the dash – a nice homage to the performance theme of this build. The front storage compartment is stock in appearance with excellent finishes and a front shock tower brace for added rigidity. The single strike factory VIN stamping is visible and correct, the smugglers compartment properly finished, and a factory spare is in place.

The engine compartment is beautifully finished and is sure to delight any knowledgeable Porsche performance enthusiast, even those inclined towards purist intents. The engine details have been performed with reverence to original factory finishes, delivering an authentic presentation inclusive of the twin-plug, PMO carburetors, and larger displacement engine. The overall visual impression is refined and impressive, a feature that continues to impress once behind the wheel. Underneath the car, the quality of the detailing is excellent including nearly new exhaust, correct heat exchangers, and a correctly finished chassis.

Driving this Carrera Targa, it’s quickly evident that this exceptional performance is derived from the RS lineage. The car starts with a snappy bark, delighting anyone nearby with its distinctive air-cooled Porsche exhaust note. Once warmed, the car sets off smoothly via the five-speed manual gearbox. The hunkered down stance, open air cockpit, and twin-plug engine all contribute to the exceptional road manners. The throttle response is remarkable in all gears with a progressive torque curve from the 2.8-liter engine. Crisp throttle response attributed to PMO carburetion allows the revs to climb as the engine willingly gives more and more to deliver exhilarating jaunts to highway speeds. Early 911s are always delightful to drive, but one with professionally sorted and balanced handling with limited slip and Quaife sport rack and pinion steering make for an unforgettable experience in the hands of enthusiasts.

This beautifully conceived performance-built Porsche 911 Carrera Targa is accompanied by a comprehensive build book documenting the past decade of restoration, mechanical services, component specifications, and owner notations on the superlative build. A copy of the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, the original refinished 15” Fuchs wheels with Pirelli tires, the original matching numbers engine case, and the original refurbished brake calipers are also included with the car, along with some other miscellaneous spares.

This unique Porsche 911 Carrera Targa represents the ultimate combination of rarity and performance excellence. The incomparable pairing of the very best in upgraded performance coupled with the classic 911 design are uniquely embodied in this Gulf Blue Carrera Targa. Conceived and proven over years of restoration and build, the one-of-a kind build and jaw-dropping looks ensures lasting desirability among Porsche enthusiasts, collectors, and admirers of the very best in mechanical artistry.

Please contact Jason Harris at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa.

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