1973 Porsche 911 S Targa Numbers Matching Leather Sport Seats Recent Engine Rebuild

As production of Porsche’s first 911 body style (F body or Longhood) was winding down, the lowest production model of the lineup was the S Targa.  Only 925 were built for the world.  The 2.4L engine produced 190hp. 

This 911 S was built in August of 1972 and was ordered with the following factory equipment:

• US Equipment
• Tinted Glass All Around
• Manual Antenna & Noise Suppression

Although not much is known about the early life of this 911, it appears it lived much of its early life in Florida.  Around 2012 with 43,500 miles, it was purchased by Theodore Gildred of Solana Beach, California.  He kept this 911S for the following 7 years and only added 1,500 miles.  During his care, significant repairs were done including rebuilding the engine.  Most work was done by European Motorsports, a reputable independent Porsche specialist in Vista, California. 

This work included:

• Top end engine rebuild, brakes overhaul, and misc. work (6/13 @ 43,977 miles)
• Rebuild front brake calipers
• New brake caliper pistons
• New front brake pads
• Brake fluid flush
• Remove and separate engine from car and transmission
• New stock Mahle piston and cylinder set
• Inspect and machine the heads
• Valve job and valve guides
• Timing chains and guides
• Inspect camshafts and rocker arms
• All new engine gaskets and seals
• Set injection pump timing
• Oil service
• Replace front shift ball cup bushing & rod bushings
• Valve adjustment/new valve cover gaskets, oil service, inspection (9/19 @ 44,680 miles)

He sold this 911 in April of 2021 with 45k miles on the odometer to the next caretaker from Naples, Florida.  This owner kept this 911 for a couple of years and added about 2k miles.  During this owner’s care, he too did some significant work, which included:

• Post purchase repairs (6/21-10/21 @ 46,233 miles)
  • Rubber spring plate bushing kit
  • Front and rear ARB Mount bushing and drop link bushings
  • Spring plate and trailing arm bushings
  • Multiple fuel lines
  • Flex brake hoses
  • Brake fluid flush
  • Pedal box bushing set
  • Powder coat pedal box parts
  • Wood heel board
  • Front and rear hood/deck lid struts
  • Alternator and regulator
  • Porsche branded battery
  • Gearbox fluid flush
  • Alternator V-belt
  • Trailing arm bushings
  • Restore front brake calipers
  • Front brake pads and rotors
  • Flush brake fluid
  • Steering shaft bearings
  • Michelin All-Season tires
  • 4 wheel alignment
  • Adjust front wheel bearings
  • Deck lid and hood struts
  • Parking brake cable
  • Alternator pulley
  • Battery ground strap/sort turn signal issue
  • Alternator belt
  • Remove front bumperettes/new front deco rubber/trim
  • New windshield washer pump and fluid reservoir
• Other service and cosmetic items by this owner
  • Sourced pair of leather factory sport seats/installed
  • New front and rear corner lenses with gaskets and bulbs
  • Repair reverse lights
  • Regular oil services and brake fluid flushes
  • Euro H4 Bosch headlights installed
  • New fuel tank and fuel pump
  • Rear sway bars installed
  • Refinish front steel S bumper
  • Wiring harness for 2nd battery as well as new battery

In total, this caretaker spent $34k further improving this early 911 S.  He sold it in August of 2023 with 47k miles to the current Southern California enthusiast.  The current owner is an air-cooled Porsche fan and has owned several over the years.  Although he’s only driven it 700 miles during his 19-month ownership, he has used it regularly for local cruising and serviced it frequently as well.  Most of his services were completed by Autowerkes in Huntington Beach, California, and include: 

• Replace turn signal switch
• Replace thermostat o-ring
• Replace driver door stay/strap
• Valve adjustment
• Valve cover gaskets
• NGK spark plugs
• Spark plug wires
• Replace injectors and test
• Oil service
• Targa top head liner and B-pillar vinyl
  Cold start valve hose
• New fuel T
• Fuel vapor hose at tank and new fuel cap
• Driver door handle trigger

This numbers matching ’73 911 S is in very good high-level driver condition.  It appears that it’s been well-cared for over the past 52 years with no signs of any major issues.  The paint is an older repaint that has held up well.  There are a few minor scratches and scuffs that have been touched-up over the years.  There are some tiny paint prep bubbles about a 1/2” below the left rear Targa glass.  They haven’t changed in shape or size in over a decade.  The trim appears to be original with some light oxidation, but otherwise very good considering the age.  The Targa top was probably recovered some time ago and the vinyl is in good shape with no tears or warping.  The metal edges of the top have some light paint chipping.  The glass appears to be original, except for the windshield.  The proper factory stampings are visible on the side and rear glass.  The original exhaust tip was pushed in a bit too far.  We’ve since adjusted it.  The 15×6 factory Fuchs have had the black paint refinished and the anodizing appears to have been lightly polished in the past.  There is no major curb rash or other issues on the wheels and they are wearing Michelin tires dated 2019.  They have at least 75% or more tread life remaining with no signs of age.  The brake pads also have 75% or more life left and the rotors have no lips from wear.

The interior is equally as nice and also a good indication of the proper care and storage this 911 S has received.  The leather sport seats were installed a few years ago and appear to be a good older refurbished pair with the correct double-locking mechanism.  The seats have no tears and just light signs of age.  The sliders and tilt mechanisms work properly.  The rear seats appear to be original and unused with no signs of age.  The carpet is in good shape and also might be original with no heavy wear marks or stains.  The Targa top headliner has no sagging issues and fits nicely.  Both Targa top keys are present.  The door panels have the correct door pockets that are in good shape with minimal warping.  Door speakers were installed some time ago and the speaker grill on the passenger side is loose as well as cracked.  The dash has no cracks or warping issues and the speaker grill fits properly.  The gauges appear to all work properly, including the clock.  The radio is correct but doesn’t get power/operate.  

This 911 S is fun to drive and surprisingly quick for the age.  It’s a bit cold-blooded and takes a short time to warm up for driving.  Once at operating temperature, it pulls hard throughout the rev range with no hesitation.  The transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears with no grinding.  The clutch engages properly with no slipping.  The brakes have an excellent initial bite with no fading or pulling.  The handling is crisp and responsive and would benefit from more sport-oriented tires.  The car tracks straight on the open highway and is very compliant on uneven pavement surfaces.

California registration is current and valid until August of 2025.  It is smog-exempt in CA. 

This Porsche comes with the 1 key, vintage leather Porsche key fob, non-factory tool kit, spare wheel with tire, jack, copy of the Porsche Classic Technical Certificate (from 2020), Targa top keys (2), pair of front Cocomats®, Sonderworks Targa Sunshade with vinyl carry case, and service receipts of the past 13 years.

**Note: VIN and other numbers withheld to protect against fraud.  All numbers including VIN, Engine, and color will be provided to serious buyers.