1973 Porsche 911T 2.4 Targa Sportomatic Coupe

2,341cc SOHC Flat 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch CIS Fuel Injection
140bhp at 5,600rpm
4-Speed Sportomatic Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Fitted with the rarely seen Sportomatic Transmission
*Two owners and documented from new
*Current fitted with desirable Fuchs rims
*An exceeding original example of a final year, Long Hood 911

THE PORSCHE 911

In 1967 the 911T was first introduced as a base model, retaining the unique and successful rear engine layout as well as the same basic styling; the majority of the changes to the 911 were internal. Dimensionally, the rear track and wheelbase grew, while the overall length stayed the same as the earlier cars. Besides the standard 5-speed manual, in August of 1967 Porsche released their revolutionary 905 Sportomatic transmission. Aiming to open the 911 to people unable or uninterested in operating a clutch, the 4-speed Sportomatic still offered driver's the opportunity to 'row their own' (and there was no fully automatic feature—so row you did) but with only two pedals. The clutch is electrically operated automatically as you shift gears, with the timing fine-tuned for smooth operation. In 1972 the 911T, along with the E and S, benefited from a larger 2,341cc engine commonly referred to as the 2.4.

1973 was the final year of the desirable early 911 styling featuring the small bumperettes and more prevalent bright work before the switch to the more pronounced bumpers in 1974. In January of 1973, Porsche introduced Bosch K-Jetronic Continuous Injection System (CIS) in the US market 911T, a system that would be featured in 911s for the next decade.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

While the enthusiasm for the Sportomatic in the United States saw some 25% of 911s equipped with them in the first year, by 1973 the focus had returned to the manual. As such, a mere 96 911Ts of all stripes came to the US outfitted with the two-pedal setup. This Silver Metallic over Black leatherette 911T Sportomatic was completed in March of '73 and purchased new by Guchi Sakurai at Porsche + Audi Inc in San Carlos, California on May 2, 1973. According to a copy of the original invoice, Sakuari was already a Porsche devotee as he traded his '68 912 for $3,500 against the $11,486 purchase price of his new 911T. Among the options listed are $262 for the #936 Silver Metallic paint, $543 for forged alloy Fuchs rims, and $99 for Recaro sport seats.

Service records from dating back to when the car was new indicate Mr. Sakurai was a careful and meticulous owner. He would keep the car in the Bay Area for 23 years before selling it on to the consignor in May of 1996 with 104,453 miles indicated on the odometer.

The current owner would maintain the 911T as diligently as the first owner and his family, eventually moving himself and the car from California to Pennsylvania. Since moving East, the seller has carefully maintained the car in his own garage, a fact documented by carefully notated completed work lists, as well as by noted Porsche mechanic, John Raysich, of Pittsburgh as shown by exhaustive service record documentation.

According to the seller, mechanically this 911T is reported to be in fine working order, with correctly adjusted mixture, fuel pressure regulation and clutch timing between all gear shifts, making it a joy to drive on country roads. Even the rare, original Porsche electromechanical clock is said to function correctly, as do all controls, from rear defroster to cabin fan controls.

Today the car is a virtual time capsule. Besides a Raid 1 rally steering wheel with designated Porsche horn button and period-upgraded Blaupunkt stereo, the Targa is ostensibly as it left the factory in Stuttgart. Complete with a thick file of receipts and records dating back to May of 1973, all tools (including the rare spark plug extractor), fifth Fuchs wheel, service manuals, manuals, and more, this lovely and exceedingly rare 911T Targa Sportomatic is ready to head to its third owner shortly before its 50th birthday.