For Sale at Auction: 1972 Porsche 911 in Carmel, California

Chassis No. 9112310635

By 1972, most sports-car enthusiasts presumed Porsche had rung everything out of the nine-year-old 911 design. Since its 1964 introduction, Porsche had lengthened the wheelbase, increased engine displacement by 350 cc, replaced Solex carburetors with Webers and later Bosch mechanical fuel injection, raised output by 50 horsepower, introduced five different color programs, developed four new models, and created two iterations of a new body style. Constant improvement was simply a way of life at Porsche.

With hindsight, we know Porsche was only just getting started with the 911, but in many ways 1972 marked the close of the model's earliest era. Collectors have come to prize these early 911s for the purity of their unencumbered design and the sharp, metallic exhaust note that perfectly encapsulates the character of the period.

If you walked into your local Porsche dealer in the early 1970s and asked to see its most expensive model, you likely would have been ushered over to a well-optioned 911 S Targa like this example. Finished in optional Silver Metallic, this Rest of World (RoW) 911 S is fitted with the Type 911/53 2.4-liter mechanically fuel-injected flat-six that produced 190 PS, delivered to the rear wheels through a five-speed transmission with an optional limited-slip differential. Desirable options noted on the Porsche-issued Certificate included driver and passenger Recaro sport seats with headrests, three-point seat belts, a rear window wiper, through-the-grille iodine H3 driving lights, tinted windows, an electric antenna with loudspeaker, decorative fender arch trims, and Black Porsche side stripes.

Previous research reveals that this 911 S Targa was first sold in Germany before moving to Sweden in 1985. It was believed to have been removed from the road in the late 1980s and then stored for over two decades. Later, a full and comprehensive photo-documented restoration took place, with the work attributed to Gantofta-based Jaan Tolli, a Porsche racer and former Kremer race mechanic. The resulting restoration remained quite true to the original specification, save for the undeniably attractive Recaro sport seats, rear seats, door panels, and rear side panels, which were reupholstered in red leather with black and white pepita houndstooth center seating inserts.

Now located in the United States, the 911 S Targa has seen additional work carried out by Alegra Motorsports in April 2026. Maintenance totaling nearly $25,000 included an engine-out service with a rebuilt MFI fuel pump, rebuilt cylinder heads with new seals and gaskets, new fuel injectors, a new fuel pump, an oil tank reseal, and more all listed on the thorough invoice on file for review.

Representing one of the most refined and celebrated expressions of Porsche's long-hood era, this restored 1972 911 S Targa combines highly desirable options with the balance and purity that have made early 911s so revered among enthusiasts. With five speeds in hand, a flat-six singing behind you, and the Targa top removed, it remains one of the most rewarding driving experiences of its era.