1973 Porsche 911E 2.4-Litre Targa

Footnotes

The first of countless upgrades to Porsches seemingly immortal 911 came in 1966, two years after production had commenced, with the introduction of the 911S, which featured stylish Fuchs five-spoked alloy wheels and a heavily revised and more powerful engine. Improved handling courtesy of a lengthened wheelbase arrived in 1969 and then in 1970 the 911's air-cooled, flat six engine underwent the first of many enlargements - to 2.2 litres. By this time the models on offer had stabilised at three: the entry-level 911T, middle-ranking 911E and top-of-the-range 911S, all of which were available as either a closed coupé or Targa convertible. With the 2.2-litre engine's arrival, a common type of cylinder head was adopted, the differing power outputs being determined principally by valve timing rather than valve sizes as had been the case hitherto. In 1972 all 911 variants received the 2,341cc (nominally 2.4-litre) unit, which in 'E' specification produced a maximum of 165bhp.

This Porsche 911E was built for the German market and sold new to an American pilot in Munich by Mahag who used it in Germany until his return to the USA, a common enough occurrence at that time.

Delivered in the very attractive colour scheme of blue metallic it retains today, the car is believed to be one of the very last 2.4-Litres built and therefore one of the very last examples of the F-model that by then had been in production for nearly 10 years, since the start of the 911 range. This Targa moved with the first owner to South Carolina where it is believed to have stayed for most of its life before moving to its second owner in Texas. It was in Texas that the current Swedish owner was able to buy the car in 2012. He is only the third owner.
By then the Porsche was in need of restoration, so the current owner commissioned a 'last nut and bolt' rebuild to the highest standards in 2013, which was carried out in Europe. The car was completely disassembled and gone through, the body returned to factory-fresh condition. A lot of attention was paid to panel alignment and welding to maintain absolutely correct specifications. The repaint was meticulous and the car's shut lines are said to be excellent – truly something to admire. Factory procedures were followed in the paint shop so the work would compliment that done at the works 40-plus years ago. In addition, extensive corrosion protection was applied to ensure the body remains in good shape for years.

Mechanical components were restored wherever possible, and any worn parts replaced with new ones. Attention to detail was maintained at all times, and all components and systems work and perform as they should. Overall it took 3,000-plus man-hours to restore the car to the quality it deserves.

Since completion, it has only done some 400 shakedown kilometres. This 2.4 E Targa has been displayed at a couple of events where it has won several concours prizes.. Accompanying documentation consists of a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity confirming the car's original specification (which it still retains today); old US title dated 2002; EU customs document confirming taxes paid; owner's manual; tool kit; and invoices and photographs relating to the recent meticulous restoration. Ready for any concours event, this stunning 911E Targa is worthy of a place in any important Porsche collection