1973 Porsche 911S Targa 2.4S
Chassis no: 9113310698
Engine no: 6331653
Current registration and WOF
Estimate: $320,000 - $350,000 NZD
It was bettered only in performance terms by the 2.7RS, being the final year of non-impact bumpers and lightweight cars. The ‘73S’ also enjoyed the benefit of the ultimate development: the free revving 2.4 litre Type 911/53 engine, which produced 190 bhp. The transmission likewise enjoyed the new Type 915 gearbox, which was stronger and offered an improved change action. The aero package was improved too – the fitting of a front valence/spoiler reduced front end lift. Coupled with Porsche’s domination of the World Sportscar Championship and the endorsement by Steve McQueen in the film Le Mans, the company could do no wrong with the iconic 1973 911S and its derivatives.
This example is a 1973 911S Targa finished in its original colour of Light Ivory (Code 131). It features Recaro sports seats. According to the Certificate of Authenticity that accompanies the car, its Production Completion Date was 1 March 1973. First registration took place in the UK on 1 April 1973. The first owner was a corporate: A. Lipton & Company, though record of this organisation has proven scarce. The original interior colour was beige leatherette, though it was changed at some stage to the black it wears today. Other options were headrests, left and right plus a rear collision bar.
A returning Kiwi brought the vehicle to New Zealand, where it was registered in Wellington on 30 May 1985. While some restoration work has been undertaken on the car, whether this took place here or in the UK is not known for certain. It seems likely that much of it was performed here, as there are substantial invoices for parts purchased between 1985 - 1987, some bear local addresses, others British. What is certain is that restorative work has been undertaken. It should be noted that the rear wheel arches are slightly flared, with 7” rims present – a factory option. The usual 6” rims are present at the front.
In 1992, the vehicle changed hands. It moved to Auckland, and subsequent work was entrusted to Official Porsche Centre, Continental Cars who have continued to care for the vehicle right up to the present. Such efforts included rebuilding the engine, a task that was enacted by one of their senior mechanics with the resultant outcome of minimal oil leakage. The car remained in this keeper’s hands for the next 14 years. Carrera tensioners were fitted during this period, as well as a stainless steel Dansk exhaust and Porsche crested wheel centres. The Targa top was reconditioned. There are no cracks in the dash.
In June 2006, our vendor purchased the car. It is now known that for the ’73 Model Year, 925 Targas in “S” configuration were produced. Of these, 36 or 46 were RHD; the actual recorded numbers from Porsche are vague and display disparity. What is clear is that there are perhaps 12 now left globally. However, some marque experts state that 9 is closer to the mark – a number which is broadly in line with our research here at Webb’s.
With Targa values growing strongly, and considering the small number of RHD “S” Targas built, the opportunity to purchase one arises rarely. Their prices have risen steadily, largely due to the changing dynamic of ownership of classic and collectible cars. The 911S derivatives are benchmark cars and therefore the most desirable of all the mainstream 911s. As the vendor puts it, “owning this car has been a wonderful experience and will be sorely missed”. Relevant glovebox handbooks, three keys and a spec book are included along with the cherished plate 73S.
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