1973 Porsche 911 T Targa. Matching Numbers CIS Engine Upgraded to 2.7 Liters.

1973 Porsche 911 T Targa Description

1973 Porsche 911T Targa
s/n 9113111392, Engine no.6133946
Black with Black Leather

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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 certain 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 which have been continuously cared throughout the car's life difficult today. All early 911s have appreciated tremendously in recent years and the late cars (1972 and 1973), which are fitted with 2.4 liter engines, are the ultimate development of the 'long hood' 911.
The 1973 Porsche 911 Targa was the pinnacle open top Sports car of its era, and after 1973, faced heavy emissions restrictions and requirements which hampered performance and reliability. Built in February of 1973, this particular car is a matching-numbers CIS induction example, which has seen several thoughtful upgrades including the enlargement to 2.7 liter displacement during the rebuild of the engine, which now has a power output in the S-specification range. The car was finished in black with black leatherette interior when new, and delivered with tinted glass, front and rear stabilizer bars for better handling, and the comfort kit including power windows. It has since been fitted with the desirable Sports seats option, and fog lamps have been mounted under the front bumper.
Documentation on file goes back to 1979, and confirms a comprehensive restoration- both cosmetic and mechanical between 1988 and 1994. The total mileage indicated 139,000, and the documentation supports this as accurate. The engine was rebuilt by Dick Elverud of Portland, Oregon in 1994 using a Mahle 2.7 liter piston and liner kit, a 911 SC oil pump, new main bearings, timing chain, valves, guides, stainless steel heater boxes, new clutch and pressure plates, machined cylinder heads, rebuilt CV joints, new braided brake and fuel lines installed, rebuilt and re-plated brake calipers. All the wheel bearings were replaced, and the engine and sheet metal powder coated. The transmission was rebuilt as necessary with a new 3rd gear, bearings, shafts, seals, and mated to a new clutch. Approximately 12,000 have been logged since the time of rebuild. Other, more recent work includes; an upgraded oil cooler system installation, new Blistein shocks, sorting of the interior electrical and lighting, installation of a new battery and hood struts, changing of all fluids, mounting new tires, a valve adjustment and the fitment of upgraded value covers, installation of the correct high and low tone horns, and updating the clock with a new VDO quartz movement.
In 1998 the body and paint work was re-done from bare metal by Active Auto Body in Portland, Oregon. The car appears to have remained in the dry climate of the western United States for most if not all its life, and accordingly, has superb structural integrity. The panels are exceedingly straight, and the gaps very consistent at all the opening panels. The body seals were replaced at the time of reassembly, and the brightwork redone to original standards, including re-anodizing the aluminum wheels. Smaller and more attractive chrome bumper guards replace the original rubber units.
The interior was also restored with new front Sport seats, new carpeting (including the front storage area). More recently, in 2014, the present owner recovered the front seats with a Sport seat kit in leather from Auto International. The headliner was also restored in 2014.
It would appear that after the major restoration was completed in 1994 the car was shown at a concours and scored 91/100 points, and was awarded best 911 series Porsche. Today, the restoration has mellowed slightly, and there are some minor rock chips on the frontal areas as would be expected from 12,000 miles of road use since. However, paintwork remains very beautiful, confirming the car taken from bare metal at the time the work was performed. The brightwork, glass, lenses, and emblems are all in excellent order. The interior is difficult to fault, save for some wear evident on the door pockets. The engine bay and front storage areas are both in very fine order, and the underside of the car is in exemplary condition structurally, although not detailed to outright show standards.
The car has a wonderful feel on the road. The added power of the 2.7 kit fitted to this engine, along with the improved induction of the CIS system are welcome improvements from the earlier cars. The clutch up take occurs at the appropriate height, and the brakes are effective in stopping the car straight. The suspension feels taut, and the steering is both light and accurate. This Targa is an open-air reminder of why early Porsche 911s are so sought after by driving enthusiast.
Included with the car are books, tools, and records back to 1979. All the upgrades are tastefully done, and the work performed reputable shops in the Portland Oregon and San Francisco areas. The new owner of this wonder Targa will get S-specification style performance at a fraction of the price from this fully sorted and matching-numbers 1973 Porsche 911.