When I first began to write for this site the Targa was a model that I enjoyed, but also was somewhat indifferent toward. I’ve been familiar with them for a long time and as I’ve come to terms with my own love/hate relationship with convertibles the Targa has progressively grown on me. Ultimately, I might still prefer a traditional coupe, but the Targa, especially on an early 911 where I really enjoy the aesthetic, has begun to make more and more sense to me. I enjoy the versatility and the unique styling. It’s somewhat quirky, but it’s a nice engineering solution to the conundrum of balancing safety requirements with the joys of open-top motoring. Here we have a very early Targa, an Ossi Blue 1969 Porsche 911E Targa, located in Rhode Island, that has a transplanted heart: rather than the standard 2.0 liter flat-six of the original, this has a 3.2 liter from the ’80s Carrera.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1969 Porsche 911E Targa on eBay
Year: 1969
Model: 911E Targa
Engine: 3.2 liter flat-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 4,000 mi
Price: $74,500 Buy It Now
This 911E Targa is finished in its rare and desirable original colors of Ossi Blue over black. The car has been updated with a 3.2L 911 motor, but there is a correct 911E engine and 901 transmission available. The car drives tight and goes down the road very straight. Just a fabulously visceral driving experience and a stunning classic look in a gorgeous color combination.
The car was delivered new on May 1, 1969 to Portland Oregon and sold by Riviera Motors. The car originally featured a roof ski rack, blaupunkt radio (which it retains), tinted windows and a heated rear window. The car retains its original owners manual, stamped service booklet, partial tool roll, jack and its COA.
All in all, this is a very well presented, extremely driveable classic that can either be set back to a correct drivetrain or driven and enjoyed (with far more power) as is. The car is blindingly quick and looks very, very sharp. Just a beautifully presented car and a tremendous value in today’s market.
This is a very pretty older Porsche and with the slightly more modern powertrain it likely performs quite well too. The 3.2 Carrera engine isn’t going to help the value of this 911 and simply as a fun-to-drive vintage Porsche the $74,500 asking price is pretty high and surely will dissuade quite a few buyers. The seller states that a correct 911E engine and transmission are available to those interested in returning it closer to its original state, which could be a nice bonus. Ultimately, the seller (or the new owner) might be better off taking the modifications a bit further and converting this to a hot rod of sorts, but either way it remains a nice example of an early long-hood Targa.
-Rob
