1971 Porsche 911T 2.2 Targa

If Porsche are known for one thing, it’s their drive to ignore convention and do things their own way. 

Following the launch of the already unconventional 911, with its flat-six and rear-engined layout, their desire to make a soft top version was tempered by impending US safety legislation, which many manufacturers believed would outlaw convertibles altogether. 

Porsche developed the “Safety Cabriolet” - featuring a prominent fixed stainless rollover bar, initially with a collapsible, soft rear window, later a fixed glass fastback. This had the multiple benefits of increasing chassis rigidity and meeting any legislation considering roll safety. 

Obviously, “Safety Cabriolet” is not a very sexy name, and with such a distinctive style, the new, open 911 needed a moniker to inspire. Drawing on their recent wins at the gruelling Targa Florio road race in Sicily, the name Targa perfectly fit the style of this new car, and an icon was born. 

This beautiful 1971 Pastel Blue 911T Targa was delivered new through the oldest Porsche dealership in the world - Otto Glöckler Sportwagen GmbH, now Porsche Centre Frankfurt. 

This historic link inspired the most recent owner to enter into a detailed, historically-accurate restoration of the car, guided in part by Porsche Classic Department. 

It has had a complete bare metal rebuild, with paintwork by a Porsche Classic Approved paint shop to exacting concourse standards, providing a flawless finish in the striking and charming original colour. 

Everything has been returned to precisely how the car was ordered, including:

Specification:

Interior in black Leatherette, with seats in Leather (supplied by Lakewell in Europe, preferred partner to Porsche Heritage Classic centres)

058 Impact absorbers on front & rear Bumpers

258 Head Rests on Seats

425 Rear Wiper

434 Yellow Fog lights Above Bumper

439 PORSCHE script and stripes on Doors in Black

568 Tinted Glass

The matching numbers engine and gearbox were refreshed, and the carburettors were overhauled, and the car fitted with an entirely new wiring harness from Kroon in The Netherlands.

Care was taken in every stage of the built to be period-correct and original - the rear decklid grille has the individually numbered slats which are no longer stamped even on Genuine Porsche parts, the badge is a correct-for-the-year, new old-stock item, even the seatbelts are the original NOS material with the unique yellow stitch, which is almost impossible to find. 

All four refurbished steel wheels have the correct 1971 build stamp. The controls for the heater and hand throttle were sent to Germany to be refurbished, and every single detail has been considered. Included are even a NOS jack and Porsche handcloths. 

The result is wonderful - to the casual observer a delightful, pretty old Porsche in bright blue with its contrasting brushed stainless rollbar glinting in the sun. 

To the Porsche connoisseur, the more you look, the more enthralling detail you’ll see. 

To drive, the car is exactly as you’d expect. The engine is happy and free-revving, as all the best, properly set-up 2.2s should be, the gearbox, with its new linkages, feels as good as a 911/01 ‘box has ever felt. Steering is light and accurate and the car is so small and responsive, you can consider the Left-Hand Drive configuration another nod to its German originality and it never becomes a pain. 

Whether you’re looking to add this potential show-winner to a larger collection of Porsches, or you just want a single, knockout classic which can perform all roles, from sunny day cruiser and show car, to road trip or driving event car, call us now to see the level of detail for yourself.