1973 Porsche 911 2.4S Targa

Please note this lot has suffered slight damage in transit to the nearside front wing panel. The vendor will cover the cost of repair post-sale.

By late 1972, the Porsche 911 range had stabilised at three: the entry-level 911T, middle-ranking 911E and top-of-the-range 911S; all of which were available as either a closed Coupé or Targa convertible. All were fitted with the new (1972) 2,341cc (nominally 2.4-litre) unit, which in 'S' specification produced around 190bhp, 60 more than the original 911 of 1963.

According to its UK Porsche Certificate of Authenticity (it has two), this lovely 911S Targa was completed on 1st May 1973 and finished in Oxford Blue with beige leatherette/corduroy inlay seating. Optional equipment was listed as head rests, rear apron and collision bar rear. It was built in left-hand drive and despatched to Porsche Cars Great Britain.  However, as right-hand drive cars were available, we assume that its original owner planned to move on.

It did move on, but some time later, being imported to the USA in 1984 by a Dr. Howard B. Johnson of Cincinnati, Ohio with just under 60,000 miles covered. It appears not much is known about the car's first 10 years in England but presumably, with that mileage, it was much used and enjoyed.

The following 30 years in Howard’s ownership, however, have been very well documented. He invested a lot of time and money making this little Targa a wonderful car to drive and one that fitted his requirements. Immediately after his purchase he had the car stripped, any rust removed and freshly painted. Initially, he used it for fun weekend outings and daily driving.  However, he got bitten by the motor racing ‘bug’ and ended up serving as a Porsche instructor for the next 22 years. He was involved in driver’s education events, autocross and a few years of club racing including Road Atlanta, Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio and Road America. He usually drove the Targa to the circuits, raced and drove home again and, we understand, never had an accident or damage. There is an interesting story within the history file documenting the engine rebuilds and mechanical attention over many years and it looks as though Howard never missed an opportunity to keep improving the car. Talking of the history file, it contains a substantial quantity of invoices (several hundred) from the car’s time in the US. Helpfully, these are separated into years and there is far too much to list here (several engine rebuilds, a retrim and the car was painted in its original Oxford Blue three times). One important thing to note is that, around 2002, it was taken out to 2.7-litres using RS parts and a 1976 9117R magnesium case.  Generally, the car benefitted more and more from RS parts and panels.

However, the time had come in 2013 and Howard eventually sold his beloved 911. During his ownership he had invested several hundred thousand dollars in the little Targa, not creating a ‘show car’ but simply having bucket loads of fun, which we tend to feel is what it's all about.

The car returned to the UK some years ago and, in late 2021/early 2022, appears to have been gone through completely by Autofarm (who, coincidently, were formed in 1973) with supporting invoices to the value of around £10,000 in a smaller history file which also contains a Montana Certificate of Title, both (US and UK) Porsche CoAs and the most recent MOT which was valid until 4th October 2022.

This 1973 911S Targa has certainly lived a life and, looking at the car itself in conjunction with the recent Autofarm recommission, it’s got lots of life left to live.  Let's remember, in the spirit of the late Dr. Howard Johnson, it’s all about having fun!