Vehicle Description
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 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.
