For Sale at Auction: 1973 Porsche 911 in Monterey, California

Chassis No. 9113111834
Engine No. 339309

According to its original dealer service order, this 1973 Porsche 911 T Targa was originally ordered in the exceptional period color of Signal Yellow over a Brown-upholstered interior via Dave Strong's Porsche / Audi based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Interestingly, the original owner, Robert E. Gardner, traded in a snowmobile for a $1,247 credit on his new 911 that retailed at just over $10,000 in July 1973. A copy of the original window sticker reveals the specification that included the optional five-speed manual transmission, forged Fuchs alloy wheels, an external front fender oil cooler, power antenna and speaker, and M470 911 S Appearance Group, and tinted glass all around. As an end-of-the-era 2.4-liter 911 T sold in the U.S. market, it features the debut of Bosch's Continuous Injection System (CIS) fuel injection. The system was an immediate success with nearly all 911 variants worldwide featuring it from 1974 until 1983. As a time-tested system, Bosch CIS is considered quite reliable compared to mechanical fuel injection, offering additional engine torque when new.

Ownership documents reveal the Signal Yellow Targa remained under Gardner's ownership from 11 July 1973 until at least 1994. It is noted that the 911 was removed from the road and stored. In 2020, its matching-numbers engine was later rebuilt by Prato Motorwerks of Covina, California. The rebuild included machine work with new bearings, an overhaul of the cylinder heads, pistons, piston liners, and rotating assemblies. Upgrades included Carrera 3.2-type pressure-fed timing chain tensioners, type-964 oil pump, RSR-style rocker O-rings, and ceramic-coated heat exchangers and muffler. The rebuilt matching numbers engine was reunited with the chassis in 2020 with additional work including a reseal of the fuel tank, a new fuel pump, a fuel accumulator, and an engine compartment restoration. Amazingly, not only does the Targa retain its original matching-numbers 2.4-liter flat-six, but the body wears a majority of its original coat of Signal Yellow applied in Stuttgart in May of 1973! Furthermore, the optional five-speed manual transmission, believed to be the original unit, received a rebuild that encompassed new synchronizers, seals, and bearings. Finally, in March 2025 the current owner brought the Targa to Porsche Bend for a $10,000 service with invoices on file and available for review.

Today, this CIS Targa perhaps represents the best of the vintage early-911 era. It is not only a desirable final model year 1973 T Targa variant with refined CIS fuel injection, but it retains a majority of its original Signal Yellow paintwork. Additionally, it is a well-equipped example, with options totaling $1,390, comprising 15 percent of its MSRP and features a major mechanical rejuvenation within the past five years. Altogether, this is a vintage 911 that would be equally adept as a preservation class concours entry as it would as an exceptional candidate on any number of road tours and events it qualifies for.