1973 Porsche 911E Targa

I am not usually a big fan of the Targa, but now and then certain examples do attract my attention more than others. Such is the case with this Signal Orange 1973 Porsche 911E Targa located in California. I have always enjoyed the contrast of Orange and Black on any car and there’s just something about the interplay of the Targa’s fixed rollhoop and slightly open interior with the Orange exterior that makes this car a bit more attractive to me relative to other Targa cars. For those who may not fully enjoy the aesthetics of a convertible, the Targa provides a distinctive form of open-top motoring that also (mostly) preserves the original lines of the car.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1973 Porsche 911E Targa on eBay

Year: 1973
Model: 911E Targa
Engine: 2.4 liter flat-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 15,248 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

1973 Porsche 911E Targa
s/n 9113211040, engine no. 6232029
Signal Orange with Black Interior

Early 911s embody a combination that is rare among collector cars today. They have unparalleled drivability and usability, especially when compared with other cars of the same vintage, but are also wholly evocative of a different era. There is a wholeness, cohesiveness, agility, and communicativeness that is only evident when they are driven, and it is no surprise that they have a fanatical following. For many years, however, they were just used cars, which makes finding genuinely solid examples very difficult today. All early 911’s have appreciated tremendously in recent years, with good solid cars seeing especially significant increases in value. The late cars (1972 and 1973), which are fitted with 2.4 liter engines, are very desirable, and represent the ultimate development of the original ‘long hood’ 911. The 911E was the middle model of the 911 line, featuring mechanical fuel injection for more power and drivability than the 911T, but a less peaky motor than the 911S. Indeed, despite a slight power disadvantage, the 911E was actually faster to 60mph than the 911S, thanks to its more flexible power delivery. The Targa was a unique and typically Porsche solution to the then current conception that convertibles would be legislated out of existence for the all important US market. They were able to take this inconvenient possibility and devise a functional and unusual solution that would eventually become iconic. With its heated glass rear window, fixed rollover hoop, and folding top that fit in the trunk, the Targa was a more practical, safer, and less disagreeable way to enjoy open air motoring.

This particular car was previously owned by Dewey Bartlett, the mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma before being acquired by its current owner, who owns a Porsche shop. The car had been used sparingly so he set about thoroughly servicing the car. He performed a valve adjustment, and changed the oil, plugs, cap, rotor, and ignition wires, and also cleaned the fuel injectors. He installed new oil lines and serviced the brakes with new fluid and soft brake lines. He also rebuilt the shift coupler and performed a variety of other small fixes to bring the car to its current excellent driving state.

The car is cosmetically attractive, having been resprayed in Signal Yellow at some point in the past, a color change from gold. The body is very straight and solid, and displays very good gaps and panel fit. The paintwork is attractive but does have some orange peel, light checking, and some chips on front facing surfaces from road use, some of which have been touched up. The car has the 911S appearance package including wider trims and steel 911S front bumper with spoiler. The metal trim is very nice throughout, with light surface scratches but strong overall presentation. The car has been fitted with European H4 headlamps, which are aesthetically and functionally superior to the standard US items. The lights and glass are generally very good, although one of the front turn signal lenses has hairline cracking.

The interior has a fresh appearance and has been updated with door panels, center console, and seats from a late SC or early Carrera 3.2. The carpets were recently redone as well, and are in excellent shape, as are the seats, door panels, and rear parcel shelf. The dashboard has a cover fitted and the instruments, switches, and controls are correct and in fine shape. The top is in excellent shape as well. At the asking price, the seller will also include a pair of original standard seats.

The engine compartment is very clean and correct in appearance. It is not spotlessly detailed, but well above average for a driver. The car retains its green fan shroud, which is correct for the 911E. The engine has been retrofitted with hydraulic chain tensioners to prevent the common tensioner failure that afflicts these early motors. The trunk is cosmetically nice and is correctly presented. The original carpets are present and intact, but are showing minor aging. The rubber seals are also showing some age. Both batteries were renewed in December of 2013. The car is equipped with both spare and jack, both of which are correct items for the car.

This is a fine opportunity to acquire a structurally excellent 911E which would be an ideal example to drive and enjoy. The recipient of much recent mechanical work, this example drives great and has a great body. It has no immediate needs and is ready to be enjoyed as is, but would also be an engaging car to own for someone seeking to return the car closer to its original specification.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: This car is sold AS IS without warranty. A 10% deposit is due upon the successful completion of the auction. Remainder of payment is due within one week of the end of the auction, and prior to the delivery of the vehicle. Fantasy Junction reserves the right to end this auction early in the even of the sale of the car outside of eBay. Inspection is available and encouraged, and should be arranged and completed prior to the completion of bidding. A final bid (if reserve is met) is and should be considered a sale and acceptance of terms, and the vehicle is AS IS and WHERE IS. If you have NEGATIVE or ZERO feedback, please contact us prior to bidding. Please contact us for names and phone numbers of local professionals familiar with this type of car, whom you may interview and with whom you may arrange an inspection. If you are concerned with what the car may need, an inspection is an excellent way to remove surprises. Please allow for normal wear and tear items based on the age of any car and restoration if applicable. Please use your better (or even your best) judgment. We have done and will do our best to describe the car faithfully and correctly, and would like you to know and understand exactly what you are bidding on.

All things considered, this car appears to be in excellent shape, though it should be noted that a couple aspects are non-original. It sounds like the car was originally Gold and was resprayed Signal Orange at some point in its life (I’m assuming the statement in the main text about it being Signal Yellow is a typo). I’m a big fan of Signal Orange and it looks great here, but a 40-year-old car with this mileage certainly has a future in someone’s collection so the non-original color will probably hold the price down a bit. The interior has been modernized to a degree and looks in excellent shape. Again, non-original though in this case the seller has stated that for the asking price he will also throw in a set of original front seats. That’s definitely a nice addition though “asking price” remains the key term. These are all very fixable issues and a 15K mile 1973 911E isn’t easy to come by so I suspect this car should garner a bit of interest. There does appear to be some uncertainty about the car’s true mileage – there are three different mileage figures in the ad – though the ad states nothing about an issue with the odometer’s functionality. That’s definitely something to investigate. Like so many of these cars these little things tend to add up and hold down the price. Nonetheless, still a quite nice example of the 1973 911E that is made more interesting in this case by the Targa top.

-Rob