Description
1977 Porsche 911 Targa LHD
This smart and highly useable example was purchased and imported by the previous owner in 2016. Following its arrival from California he set about a comprehensive restoration program lasting over 2 years.
Being fundamentally strong cars mechanically, the most challenging part of a restoring a 911 of this era is often the body. This being the case it’s a good idea to start with the best “base” possible and naturally this usually means a car from a dry climate.
As it was evident that although the Porsche was good mechanically the Californian sun had taken its toll on the paintwork so a decision to complete a full repaint was made including a colour change from Guards Red to Gloss Black. Firstly, as a precaution, the body was completely stripped and inspected with particular attention being paid to the known trouble spots such as the kidney bowls. The outer wings, bonnet, deck lid and glass were all removed and the body was found to be in excellent order, with just a small spot of corrosion due to a blocked drain in the spare wheel well to be dealt with. The engine (a 3. 0 unit from a later SC, which had been installed for a number of years prior to restoration) and the 915 gearbox were removed, inspected including cylinder head removal, then bench tested and both were found to be in fine fettle. The technician commented at the time that it appeared the top end of the engine had received a relatively recent rebuild although there is no documentation of this from the car’s time in the US.
At this point the owner decided that he would convert the Porsche to carburettors, preferring the classic look, induction noise and throttle response they gave, along with the fact the MFI system required a degree of recommissioning, so a new set of Zenith 40 Tin carbs were purchased and set up with appropriate chokes and jets to accommodate the increased capacity of the 3. 0 unit. The distributor was rebuilt and a new Bosch fuel pump and leads fitted. A new wiring loom was commissioned to exact specification and this was designed and fabricated by Kroon Wiring Harnesses. The existing engine tinware was showing its age so this was replaced before re-fitting the engine and of course with the engine and gearbox out of the car it made sense to replace the clutch.
Once reassembled the Porsche was delivered for rolling road testing and fettling and it performed admirably. The dyno sheet accompanies the car.
Now it was time to re-fit and this began with full Dynamat sound deadening, new carpets, all new rubber door and window seals along with mouldings and full “euro look” conversion including lights. A new Momo Prototipo steering wheel was also fitted.
New Goodridge brake lines were added, and from a suspension point of view new Bilstien dampers and polyurethane bushes throughout were specified.
Rather than refurbishing the existing standard fitment “cookie cutters” an upgrade to Maxlite Fusch style black and chrome wheels were chosen and these were fitted with correct 185/ 70WR15 Pirelli Cinturato tyres.
The above works totalled circa £30k and invoice copies are present in the Porsche’s significant history file (all post 2016), as are photos taken during the restoration process.
Following the work the previous owner enjoyed the car throughout the remainder of 2019 and then, as a keen motorsport enthusiast decided it would make way to help fund an ongoing track project.
I have a letter from him stating that he contacted the previous owner to him (in California) who reported that the speedometer was changed due to a fault during his ownership. The odometer now reads circa 15, 000 miles. As is often the case with imported vehicles records only cover the period since import so the total mileage covered is unclear, but due to the work undertaken and current spec this is obviously less significant.
I acquired the Porsche in the summer of 2020 and drove it during the remainder of the good weather whilst assessing what could be further improved upon over the winter. In typical fashion, although it was never my plan with this car I have invested in it further, improving it where I’ve deemed appropriate. I’ve been lucky enough to own several air cooled Porsches over the years and during that time I’ve always entrusted any work the excellent Autostrasse in Coggeshall Essex, so in September of 2020 that’s where it went with the brief to go right through the car and report back. Happily apart from a full service and check the only items needed were rectification of a minor fault in the fuse box, replacement of the horn, new boot light wiring and a new washer jet tube. Other work carried out during my ownership includes, but isn’t limited to;
• A small number of minor cosmetic paintwork improvements
• Reinstatement of the heater fan
• Black leather fully electric and heated Porsche Sports Seats from a 3. 2 era car. These were newly re-trimmed at great expense by Classic FX, the Porsche trimmers in the South of England. The heating controls are very discretely mounted. The rear seats were professionally trimmed by the excellent Phoenix Coach Trimmers to match
• New bumper bellows
• New knee protectors and ashtray
• New Targa bar seal
• Front brake discs and pads, (new items fitted during restoration had warped) new wiper arm stalk and rear brake callipers
• New CV joint gaiters
• New cigar lighter element and wiring
• New wheel bearings
• period Coco Mats form the US
Having now owned the Porsche for 4 years and undertaken some fantastic tips in it, new projects are beckoning so it’s time for it to be passed to someone else. In summary I would describe the car as a really good driver’s example. My use has been sparing and only in fine weather, and it has always been dry stored since restoration.
More photos available upon request.
I’m happy to answer any questions you may have, and am happy work with potential overseas buyers with all expected stipulations in place.
