I wouldn’t say it’s all that easy to tell from the pictures, but this appears to be a pretty nice looking and very interesting Porsche 912. Of particular interest is that it is one of the early Targas with the removable rear window, otherwise known as the Soft-window Targa. There aren’t a lot of these because Porsche only kept the design around for a few years before introducing the glass window with which we’re all quite familiar and which became the mainstay of the design until the 993. Of course, contrary to my claim of it being “interesting” the glass window replaced the soft window mostly because buyers preferred it. That does make them rare though and as a window into one of Porsche’s engineering ideas they do make for a nice piece of history.
This particular example is a Black 1967 Porsche 912 Soft-window Targa, located in New York, with Red interior and 70,400 miles on it. The owner claims this color combination is the only one of its kind on this model. I don’t know if that can be verified with certainty, but I feel pretty assured of its rarity regardless of whether it’s the only one.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1967 Porsche 912 Soft-window Targa on eBay
Year: 1967
Model: 912 Targa
Engine: 1.6 liter flat-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 70,400 mi
Price: $71,999 Buy It Now
Personal circumstances are forcing me to sell my beloved 1967 Porsche 912 soft window Targa, black on red. 100% matching numbers and color codes, confirmed by certificate of authenticity. Both cosmetically and mechanically, the car has been well-maintained during my ownership in order to keep the car in top running condition.
Excellent mechanical condition with original engine and original smooth shifting manual optional 5-speed gearbox. Solid undercarriage and a very straight body. A great investment that is an absolute pleasure to drive while it continues to appreciate.
In total, Porsche produced nearly 30,000 912 coupe units versus only 2500 912 Targas, of which only about 200 soft-windows remain in the registry. This car is the only original black on red 1967 Targa known to exist. (According to the Oct. 1967 Christophorus magazine, only 3% of the 912 production run was black, making any originally black Targa extremely rare, even more so a first year Targa). The 1967, first year Targas with the short wheelbase, green gauges, no side-markers, no smog pump, batwing horn, chrome bumperettes, etc. remain the most elegant and desirable.
70,XXX original miles, confirmed by continuous service records. Never hit or damaged.
Desirable 5 speed transmission and 5 gauge dash. Original dated ventilated chrome wheels, with dated spare (all 2-67). All body panels are original.High quality, glass out repaint in the original black. The body panels were stripped down to the metal and hand dollied. The remaining undercoating was prepped and sprayed with a catalyzed undercoating product not only on the bottom of the car, but also on the interior floor pan and rear seat area. The entire body was coated with epoxy primer and hand blocked prior to painting, then wet sanded and polished. The entire hood, bumper and headlight area was then professionally covered with Xpel film so there are no rock chips ($1050). The paint has a beautiful, deep gloss shine, and all the brightwork is in good shape.
The body rubber and seals were replaced upon re-assembly.
The car has always been stored indoors and with a high quality custom made cover (Covercraft), which I will include in the sale.
The motor, transmission, and other mechanicals are strong and ready for years of enjoyment by the next owner. The car starts, runs, shifts, brakes, etc. without issue. A stack of receipts and records are included in the sale.
Here is a partial list of new parts/improvements: New soft window, new soft window boot cover, Targa top refinished in correct German Vinyl ($710), new weather stripping all around (over $1500), new screws, gas filler flap & cap, new interior mirror, new Coco Mats, new matching black Porsche center caps. (original center caps also included in sale), custom-made Covercraft cover, custom made velour velcro removable dash cover (to protect the dash on hot days), custom Car Jacket for winter storage, new mounted halide fire extinguisher, new OEM Hella fog lights ($620), new Pirelli tires, new (mechanical) fuel pump, new WEVO shifter, gas tank cleaned, re-sealed and repainted in correct grey, carbs rebuilt and tuned, etc. etc. etc.
The car won Best Porsche at the 2014 Scarsdale Concours (second oldest concours on the East Coast). Personally would not call it a concours car (it is an excellent condition driver) but the judges went for the rarity, great color combo, and highly original presentation.
I can assist in shipping anywhere in the Continental U.S.
We’ve seen some 912s sell for pretty high prices lately when presented in excellent condition and in rare colors so I’ll be pretty curious if this one sells. The price certainly is high for a 912, but it’s not the highest price I’ve seen and the soft-window tends to command a premium. While black never seems like it should be a rare color, as I mentioned in an earlier post this week it doesn’t seem all that common on long-hood Porsches. Combined with the Red interior we certainly have something that should garner plenty of interest.
Again, the pictures aren’t terribly helpful here, but this 912 does look in nice condition all around. It’s said to have its original engine and transmission and that the mileage is fully documented. It’s been repainted though retains all of its original panels. The seats look like they’ve probably been redone, but that isn’t stated. The seller also has provided a list of recently replaced/refurbished items. Given the thorough documentation and originality this Targa should fetch a pretty good price. $72K is a lot for a 912 though so we’ll have to see if it can reach this price.
-Rob
