1972 Porsche 911 E Targa

Since the prototype was unveiled in 1963, the Porsche 911 has gone on to become perhaps, the most famous sports car of all time. A classically Germanic blend of engineering excellence and austerely beautiful design it remains to this day in real terms, the only supercar that can be reliably used on a daily basis.

Porsche produced the 911E from 1969 until 1973, and it was designed to be the more comfortable and drivable of the 911 range fitting in between the 911T (Touring) and the 911S (Super). The designation 'E' came from the German for injection: "Einspritzung" and this referred to the pioneering mechanical fuel injection system (MFI) used on the 911E and the 911S and developed jointly between Bosch and Porsche. The benefits were more power and better driveability with a cleaner running engine. Porsche also conceded that a few more comfort features would be welcomed and the braking system was also improved to deal with the improved performance.

Most manufacturers struggle with torsional rigidity when trying to convert their coupés into convertibles (the other way around is often easier), and Porsche were no exception in the early sixties when trying to let the breeze into their new 901 (later 911). The solution was to build the car with a roll hoop as part of the chassis and when this was streamlined and cosmetically enhanced it worked well, and the result was an attractive "half-convertible" that was stiff and handled predictably. At a marketing meeting to decide a name for this new concept, Cologne dealer Walter Franz threw "Targa" into the hat conjuring up images of their success with an open-top car in the hard-fought Targa Florio under a glorious Sicilian Sun. Whilst considering this possibility, someone pointed out to Harald Wagner, the marketing director that "targa" was Italian for "shield" and signified strength and safety, which obviously appealed to the Teutonic sense of responsibility, and so the name was adopted and is still in use today.

Originally manufactured in April 1972, this left-hand drive 911E Targa spent most of its life in America before being imported to Denmark in 2007. Specified in Gemini Blue Metallic with Black Leather and Leathercloth, it was also optioned with the '470 Comfort' spec which includes 911S instruments, leather-covered steering wheel, aluminium sill plates and rocker covers. The car was also ordered with Sports Seats, 6x15 Fuchs Alloys, Wheelarch Trims, rear Aluminium Trim and rear Fog Lights.

At some point in recent years, this gleaming 911 has obviously been restored and repainted in its original colour of Gemini Blue and further information on this will be available soon, however, from photographs this appears to be a very, very smart Porsche. We do have some invoices for a recent (Nov.2015) engine rebuild by Schonemann Cars totalling around £14,000, and one look at this car's engine compartment and you can see that no expense has been spared.

The car is currently Danish registered and will definitely reward your inspection.