1974 Porsche 911 S Targa

It’s easy to think that the 1970’s was a performance-starved era of sports car design. But even in times of an oil crisis and engineering restraint, Porsche showed an uncompromising attitude.

From its motorsport dominance in virtually every form of international racing, the team at Weissach worked to develop a totally new road car and the results of their success can still be experienced today driving some of the finest sports cars ever made.

In 1974, Porsche gave the 911 a big revamp and the G-series saw the first significant modification to the 911's shape, with impact-absorbing bumpers with protectors appearing for the first time while the interior was similarly revised with a far better quality of build too.

The 2.7 litre flat six was adopted from the legendary 2.7 Carrera RS and implemented across the entire range and other improvements included bigger anti-roll bars front and rear, alloy brake calipers and electric windows as standard equipment.

Offered as a 911, 911 S and Carrera, Performance was sensational entry level 911 delivering 150bhp, the mid-range 911 S 175bhp both with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection and the flagship 911 Carrera came with 210bhp and Mechanical Fuel Injection Once again, customers were given the choice of either Coupe or Targa body styles.

Inside the cockpit, the latest variant retained the same basic layout as before, but there were myriad quality improvements. New high-backed seats came with integrated headrests and inertia-reel seat belts. The brake pedal was lengthened for a lighter action and velour carpet was fitted throughout the range.

The 911’s familiar five gauge instrument layout was retained but the dash now came with soft-touch knobs, side window demisting vents, an electric tachometer and quartz clock. Redesigned door panels featured an armrest that doubled up as a storage bin. Manual windows and a four-spoke steering wheel were standard on the 911 and 911 S.

We are pleased to offer this superb Porsche 2.7 911 S Targa, a first of the “G”Series production. Coming to life in October 1973 and delivered new to Adelaide, South Australia in January 1974, it is finished in Grand Prix White over Copper Red Leatherette and Black Vinyl Targa roof, it features a 5 speed manual gearbox and iconic Fuch’s wheels.

The ownership journey of this stunning 911 Targa is preserved with just 4 custodians in 50 years. The subject of a complete mechanical inspection with Porsche Centre Melbourne’s Classic Division in 2021 with the accompanying Technical Certificate, it is complete with its original service booklets and wallet as well as two keys.

This car also has its correct gold metal decals that line the engine bay, its original carpets, brushed aluminium Targa Safety Hoop, Black Anodised Badging, Sekurit glass, Bosch headlamps and two-tone dash and door cards- just as the car left the factory in excellent condition and all tell-tale signs of a collectable and original car.

As you would expect the drive is also absolutely on the button, from the instant throttle response and the whirring air-cooled sound, to the well weighted steering and pedal feel.

These early G-series cars were known for their longer gear ratios and incredibly elastic engine plus a quiet cabin making short or long trips all the more entertaining.

Just under 11,500 G-series 911s were constructed worldwide for the 1974, ith only 190 units allocated for Australia. The 911S configuration matched with the Targa body makes it one of the rarest in this model year.

Today, with demand and values for classic 911 series examples still going strong, there has never been a better time to invest, drive and own a Porsche of this calibre.