1974 Porsche 911S Targa

When Porsche launched the Targa in 1965, it wasn’t obvious that it would become the legend that it has, surviving - with a few years of confused identity - until today, where it remains a popular staple of the 911 range even though the Cabriolet is a more conventional soft-top option. 

Standing proud with its angular and dominant rollover hoop and beautiful, expansive curved rear glass, the Targa aesthetic has always captured people’s imaginations, and its comeback for the 991 Generation onwards was welcome.

Back in the early 70s, Porsche needed to update all 911s to conform to increasing crash legislation in the USA, which had grown to be one of their biggest markets. Rather than have a seperate US-spec car, with the 911 being such a global success the decision was made to modernise the entire car, and the “impact-bumper” 911 was born. 

Commonly referred to as the G-Series cars, this era - from 1974 until the 964’s introduction in late 1989 - represents one of the most successful eras for the 911, and it’s a credit to the innate rightness of the design that it lasted with minimal changes for fifteen years. 

That said, there is something so special about the very earliest G-Series cars, a delicacy - with slim hips and still with narrow wheels and tyres, often with chrome detailing around the windows and headlights, including opening quarterlights, before the later car received black or body-coloured trim. 

This gorgeous 1974 911S Targa is exactly this. It feels like it is still closely related to the earlier cars but with the slightly more modern, short-bonnet look. 

Finished in Grand Prix White with a stunning Copper Red Leatherette interior, this October 1973-built Targa was delivered new to Adelaide. Differentiated from cars with more basic interiors, this car has the rare and period-perfect Jubilee Tweed seat centres, which make the experience of getting in and driving a pleasure. 

The overall condition of the car is exceptional, and all the controls feel right from the off. 

In 1974, all three models of 911 came with a 2.7 litre fuel injected engine, with the 911S sitting between the base model and the coveted “Carrera” which carried over the 210hp MFI engine from the ‘73 RS. With 175hp but still with a very lightweight body, these S models are a surprisingly quick 911 with a 14-second quarter mile and 225km/h top speed. 

A recent (November 2025), documented full engine rebuild has been completed with Melbourne Porsche specialists … which will give the new owner peace of mind for many years to come. The engine bursts into life from cold and maintains a perfect idle, and on the road is energetic and smooth. 

A Porsche Classic Technical Certificate confirms this highly original Targa is in exceptional condition and is matching numbers. It’s impossible to overstate how clean and well-presented this car is, and it’s a credit to its former owners. 

The car is ready for a new custodian to enjoy a topless summer, and will gather  compliments everywhere it goes. Contact us now to inspect this mid-‘70s gem.