1975 Porsche 911S Targa

Production of the second-generation 911 started in August 1973 with the 1974 model/year G-series derivative replacing the outgoing 1973 F-series. Visually, the new 911 was given a major facelift and all three production variants now came with fuel-injected 2.7-litre engines. The entry level 911 had 150bhp, the mid-range 911S offered 175bhp and the flagship 911 Carrera came with 210bhp and once again, customers were given the choice of either Coupé or Targa body styles. In 1975, the H-series Carrera gained a deeper front spoiler and an (optional) IROC-style rear spoiler. The 911S was visually unchanged, however the base 911 disappeared.

This left-hand drive 911S Targa was supplied by Sporting Cars of Santa Monica and registered new in February 1975 to famous Hollywood actor, Ron Harper, remaining with him until arriving in the UK in 2018. He was famous for his parts in various American films but mostly acclaimed for his role as astronaut, Alan Virdin, in TV’s Planet of the Apes. Throughout his sole ownership of 43 years, it had oil changes every 5,000 miles punctuated by his hand written notes in the service book and the mileage of only 70,674 miles is fully corroborated.

When it arrived in the UK, it was subject to a full mechanical and service overhaul by Porsche Specialist Services of Havering and the extensive work included a full service, all suspension bushes, new dampers, new steering arms, gear linkage, brakes, a full ride-height set up, corner weights and a wheel alignment check. In line with European specification, the headlight units were changed. Remarkably well preserved by the Californian climate but faded in places, a full body restoration was undertaken by the renowned ‘Kraftwork Vehicle Refinishers’ of Chelmsford Essex in 2020. It was taken back to bare metal with no replacement panels required and painted in its original colour of Gemini Blue. The body has many of the factory stickers still in place.

The comprehensive history file contains the original owners wallet with service book and photos of the restoration, a photo of Ron Harper with the 911S in c.2007 and invoices relating to the work done. It has its original jack, toolkit and original Blaupunkt radio with paperwork and US Title document in Ron Harper's name and will come with a full MOT showing the mileage now at c.71,327 miles.

A most beautiful 911S Targa with celebrity provenance in, perhaps, the best colour combination of the 1970s.