To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Arizona
event, 17 - 18 January 2019.
Estimate:
$150,000 - $200,000
- Desirable European-delivery 911 S Targa
- Finished in its original special-order Gemini Blue color
- Extensive mechanical and cosmetic restoration
By the early 1970s, the Porsche 911 had cemented its standing as a
high-performance sports car. The 1973 911 S represents in many ways
the definitive classic Porsche sports and touring car at its
zenith, a year after a more powerful engine arrived and a year
prior to heavy, federalized impact bumpers.
An upsized flat-six displacing 2,341-cc (rounded up to 2.4 liters)
replaced the 2.2-liter engine in 1972, bumping power to as much as
190 hp in the 911 S. While Porsche made use of mechanical fuel
injection for the 911 T and 911 E versions, the range-topping 911 S
used carburetors in European specification. Additionally, the
stronger 915-type transmission was fitted to 911s with the larger
engine.
Among 911s bound for everyday use, the 911 S was unquestionably the
top dog with its more powerful engine and a small spoiler located
under its front bumper that improved stability at the higher
autobahn speeds where Porsche expected owners would use their
vehicles. Both coupe and Targa versions were available, the latter
with its distinctive stainless steel-clad roll bar and removable
roof panel.
The 1973 911 S Targa offered here is a European-delivery model,
though now with a properly set-up MFI system that was originally
finished in a distinctive Gemini Blue metallic paint over a black
interior. Its original owner took delivery in Europe but imported
it to Jacksonville, Florida, where he kept it until June 2001. A
subsequent owner in 2007 commissioned an extensive restoration by
specialists on the West Coast costing more than $80,000. Its
original 2.4-liter engine and transmission were rebuilt by Haus of
Performance and Ray Stevens. The 911 S Targa's body was stripped to
bare metal, repaired where necessary, and repainted in Gemini Blue.
Restored Fuchs wheels completed by Al Reed Specialty Polishing in
California are wrapped by period-style Pirelli tires.
Its only visual modification comes inside, where a pair of
period-correct sports seats wrapped in houndstooth upholstery
supplied by Autos International replace the comparatively sedate
factory 911 S units. The crack-free dashboard features a correct
speaker grille as well as a radio blank plate, just as how it would
have left Zuffenhausen more than 45 years ago. Its condition shows
limited, gentle use since its restoration was completed.
This 911 S Targa will be delivered to its new owner with a large
file documenting its restoration as well as a Porsche Certificate
of Authenticity.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
