In Search of 72/73 S Targa and Advice

[Microgator]

I am new to the registry and to idea of an early S. I recently gained an appreciation for cars of this era during a search for a special birthday gift for my father-in-law. Three years ago we asked him what his favorite car of all time was. He spoke longingly of a Silver Datsun 2000 roadster that he bought while in the Naval Academy. After about 3 years of searching we found the (nearly) perfect example of his car in Moscow, Idaho. I had about 3 weeks with the car before we gave it to him. The way it drove, felt and looked was something that is not recreated in cars of today. It was just fun to polish and stare at it -- and a hoot to drive. All this without an emotional attachement to Datsuns.

That brings me to the search. I have been reading everything I can find and just visited RR III in Daytona. I think that the early S and specifically the 72 or 73 Targa is the object of my search. I love the 911 and have been tempted by a recent test drive of a new Targa 4S. After my 3 year search for the Datsun, I realize that the hunt is half (maybe more than half) the fun.

I want a fun car I can enjoy on weekends with the top off, and after going to RR may even consider some vintage racing. The coupes are also beautiful and I am sure a great deal of fun. I am looking for a good (doesn't need to be perfect) car to enjoy. I would appreciate the advice and counsel of the members of this registry as you all have probably had similar questions when you began your interest.

Thanks, Jason

[Chuck Miller]

Welcome to the board Jason.....

Your quest will be an 'adventure' and education in itself... and you've come to the right place...

'72/'73 2.4S's are fantastic cars that can be enjoyed in virtually ALL circumstances. From commuting and cruzing to high speed touring and track time...

As a resent and fair example, a friend of mine sold a medium/high mileage very presentable, no major issue, '73S silver/black Targa about 4 months ago for the middle $50's ... and I feel the car would bring just a bit more today...

Better examples go higher from there... and much less would be quite lucky or the start of an investment to right the wrongs…

If you're really interested in vintage RACING I probably wouldn't do it in a Targa...

Keep asking questions… and best of luck in your search


Hope this helps,

Cheers,

[jaudette3]

Greetings Jason -- Welcome to the List...

I think you're on the right track looking for a '72 or '73 S Targa. Of course, I may be biased. I own a '72 S Targa and it has lasted in my garage while many other early Porsches have come and gone. I've owned just about every year and model of early Porsche at one time or another. Here is why all my personal preferences converge on a '72 S Targa (these are all subjective):

Preferred Engine
----------------
As you have probably already discovered from your research, there is a lot of difference between the 2.0 liter ('69), the 2.2 ('70/'71) and the 2.4 ('72/'73). The smaller displacement engines are more "revvy" as their power curve is at a higher region at the RPM range. The 2.4's are still pretty revvy, but the torque does come in a bit lower.

Preferred Transmission
----------------------
The 2.0 & 2.2 cars have the 901 5-speed with the dog-leg first gear. The 2.4's have the 915 with a more typical "H" pattern. Some swear by the 901's - some swear at them. I personally think they're better at the track but I prefer the 915 on the street.

Preferred Body
---------------
Only subtle differences between the years. This list seems to appear the coupes because of their appearance and the fact that they are a bit stiffer and provide better handling for spirited driving. The coolest thing about the '72's specifically is that the oil tank and filler are located in front of the right rear wheel. The goal was to improve moment of inertia by moving some weight toward the front. I've been told that it has an effect, but it's too subtle for my level of driving. But I do like the fact that '72 is the only year that was done for production models.

Driving
-------
I think Coupes look better than Targas, but for me Targas are more fun to drive on the street. I like the openess without the wide openess of a true convertible -- and I like having a roll bar on an open car. My '72 is the car I always choose when I'm going on a long road trip. As Chuck said, if you're planning to do a lot of track driving you would be better off with a Coupe. I'm fortunate to have another car that I use for that purpose.



So, 2.4 liter engine, 915 transmission, open car -- I guess that's why I've held on to my Targa while other cars have gone.

By the way, I went for a spirited drive here in Central Oregon the other day in my '72 Targa with a good friend. He has never been involved with vintage Porsches and has always been puzzled by my fascination with them. Not anymore. He drove much of the time and he was blown away by the experience of driving a 35 year old car. He looked at me when we got home and said, "I gotta have one."

Good luck in your search.

Regards,
John

P.S. Pictures of my car HERE.

[mycarrera2.7rs]

Hi Jason,
welcome to the board,
as Chuck and co will tell you the best cars do not get advertised, not even on the board, if you or anybody else, is serious about getting a really great 1973 911S targa,
I have the one, that I may be prepared to part with, I have a lead on an RSR.
Anyway
It is a California 1 owner car, with exceptional provenance, history and documented low miles,
it is absolutely NOT cheap, but cheap cars tend to be very expensive
silver with black, this car is very expensive, therefore it is very cheap,
if you understand this concept, PM me if you are ready to make the step.........
JP

[Kaleid]

as Chuck and co will tell you the best cars do not get advertised, not even on the board,
JP

Extremely discouraging but very true...best of luck to you Jason- hope you find what you're looking for

[Microgator]

Thanks for the responses. I would appreciate everyone keeping an eye out for me (if you're not looking yourselves)

[FL-Frank]

JP - sent you a PM.

[kenikh]

The best way to find the great "non-advertised" cars is to keep posting "Want to buy" ads to remind prospective sellers you are out there. The only other step is to make sure you are ready to buy the right car at a moment's notice. The good ones don't stay for sale long.

[Microgator]

Kenik:

Thanks for the advice.....hope you and others will keep me in mind. I checked out the vintagerallies.com website and think that it would be a blast to take my new toy on a rally through New England if I can find one

Jason