1973 Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa

The 1973 Porsche 911S represented the pinnacle of Porsche's sportscar programme in the early 1970s, bettered only in performance terms by the 2.7RS. It was the last year of lightweight cars before the advent of impact bumpers. The 1973 'S' was fitted with the final development of the free revving 2.4 litre, type 911/53 engine producing 190bhp. The transmission also benefitted from the new 915 gearbox, which was stronger and offered an improved gear change. The 'aero' package was improved by fitting a front valance spoiler which reduced front-end lift. Coupled with Porsche's total domination of the World Sportscar Championship and Steve McQueen's endorsement in the film, 'Le Mans', they could do no wrong with the now iconic 1973 911S and its derivatives.

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 dealerWalter 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

'BJH 133L' is a matching numbers, original right-hand drive UK 2.4S registered on the 23rd March 1973 and was purchased by the long term owner, just prior to our vendor, some 30 years ago. The odometer shows 35,000 miles and documents substantiate it to be a warranted 135,000.

From 1999-2010, this stunning 911 was subjected to a full nut and bolt restoration and bare metal respray in its original colour of 'Hellgelb' by Moto Technique in Sussex. The black leatherette Recaros were recovered and the salt and pepper carpets replaced. The engine and gearbox were completely rebuilt by BS Motorsport in Wescott Buckinghamshire and since then has covered a mere 1500 miles.

Supplied with a detailed history containing, invoices and photographic evidence of the restoration, the original books and spare keys, "BJH 133L" presents exceptionally well. A true investment that should not be ignored at today's guide price.