To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$55,000 - $75,000
- A rare example of the "soft-window" Porsche 912 Targa
variant
- Retains matching-numbers 1.6-liter flat-four engine
- Finished in factory colors of Tangerine over black
leatherette
- Presents well, having been driven little following a documented
restoration
- Accompanied by factory books, history file, tool roll, and
Porsche Certificate of Authenticity
The Porsche "soft-window" Targa configuration was a true example of
innovation for the German manufacturer. First revealed on a Porsche
911 in 1966, the Targa was designed to bring the open-air
experience to the world-beating sportscar without compromising
structural rigidity. Further, at the time, it was feared that
impending American safety regulations would effectively ban the
traditional cabriolet. The solution was the Targa-a compromise that
would soon become an enduring addition to the Porsche model range.
The first Targas paired their signature removable roof panel with a
foldaway plastic rear "soft" window.
The 912, Porsche's entry-level model, would not miss out on this
development. Similar in style to the 911 but powered by a flat-four
engine and prioritizing handling over outright performance, the 912
eventually received many of the innovations first deployed on the
six-cylinder car. And so in 1967 the 912 Targa was born, featuring
the same removable roof and plastic rear windows.
However, considering the relative popularity of the 911, and the
fact that Porsche introduced a hard rear window for Targas in 1967
(initially as an option), only roughly 2,500 912 soft-window Targas
were ever made. Some were later converted to hard-window cars by
their owners, making these already uncommon 912 Targas in their
original configuration even rarer and more desirable.
This example, chassis number 12870719, was sold new by Volkswagen
Pacific in Culver City, California on May 17, 1968 to a gentleman
in Encino, California. On 31 July 1972 it changed hands, going to
its second owner in San Diego. According to historical files, this
second owner of the car retained it from 1972 until 2012, amassing
a thorough maintenance and documentation during his custodianship.
Toward the end of his ownership, the car's heads were rebuilt, and
piston rings were replaced. Further, the metal of the engine bay
was powder coated and new sound insulation was installed.
Shortly afterward, the car exchanged hands once more, entering the
possession of a dedicated enthusiast. In recent years, the car
underwent a restoration, wherein its 1.6-liter flat-four engine-the
original, numbers-matching powerplant as confirmed by the
accompanying Porsche Certificate of Authenticity-was overhauled.
The car was also refinished in its factory colors of Tangerine over
black leatherette at this time. Driven minimally following this
work, the car presents well today.
Accompanied by its original driver's manual, Porsche maintenance
record book, Porsche COA, correspondence, invoices, receipts, and
spare wheel and jack, this 912 presents an excellent opportunity to
acquire an uncommon soft-window example of Porsche's legendary
Targa model. To view this car and others currently consigned to
this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0520.