1973 Porsche 911 T Targa 2.4

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. In 1973, it had already been 10 years since the 911 was first introduced and its spirit was alive and well. This year brought some major innovations, including the characteristic shock-absorbing bumpers, the 'ducktail' and 'whale-tail' and a completely galvanised body. In the same year, one of the most influential models in 911 history was introduced: the Carrera RS.

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.

Offered here we have a 1973, left-hand drive US Specification 911T running on Bosch K-Jet fuel injection, unlike the Euro-spec 911Ts which were on carbs, so for once, a 911 built to a US spec is more powerful than its European siblings at 140 rather than 130bhp.

The car was built in April '73 and originally sold by Porsche Los Angeles. Original Options - alloys wheels 6x15", front and rear stabilisers, trims on wheel housings, Comfort interior - leather steering wheel, Instruments & oil tank like 911S, coloured windows.

This Porsche is painted in its original colour of Sepia Brown, although the interior has been changed from beige leatherette as supplied to black.

We understand that the engine was rebuilt in 1993 in the USA. The car was imported to the UK in 2010 and a full restoration was undertaken between 2010 and 2015. Stripped down to the bare shell, fully restored and repainted. New brakes, suspension. New interior by Southbound Trimmers at a cost of £9k. Refurbed Fuchs wheels and new tyres. New Targa roof by Southbound, new rubber seals. Refurbed injection system. Restored steering wheel.

This little brown Porsche has a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, is NOVA cleared and the vehicle is MoT'd.