'68S Soft Window Targa Restoration

[johnchodgson]

I had the good fortune of purchasing the late Dave O'Connor's early '68 soft window S (11850038/4080233) this spring. The car was originally purchased by Autohaus Kraus, Nurnberg, West Germany and used as a dealer car before coming to the US. Tim Kuser of South Jersey was the first US owner, purchasing it from a Queens NY dealer in 1970, He sold it to O'Connor in '92. The car was nicely optioned from the factory with among other things: a 100 liter tank, Webasto gas heater, twin Talbot mirrors, Hella fog lights and a spare parts bag. The color is "zitronengelb"(6824) with both sport and regular seats, each of which was covered with black vinyl and B&W pepita inserts. The car sat in a garage near Philadelphia without being started for 15 years acting as a "mouse condo" and therefore qualifies as a real "barn find". Unfortunately, several families of mice created and disposed of untold amounts of "bodily fluids" in essentially every conceivable part of the car, so, much to our dismay, we have had untold amounts of rust to be cut out and repaired. Bruce Baker's shop in Collegeville, Pa. is leading all of the work, with Bill Boys, Possum Hollow Motorsports, Phoenixville, Pa. doing the engine and transaxle and Jim Quartermus, German Classic Interiors, the interior. We are about two months away from completion of a 100% transformation back to full euro spec and "as delivered" in September, 1968. Thanks to Tim Kuser and Dave O'Connor's foresight, we have many critical NOS parts to draw from including parts for the soft window, new steering wheel, euro lenses, etc....the gas heater even works (fortunately the mice didn't get in there)! Although the car is not yet finished it already looks spectacular in its new coat(s) of Glasurit 22. I have included a few pictures to help you get a sense of this exciting project.
John

[davep]

Looks very interesting. Can you provide the build # on the engine?

[Macroni]

Excellent adventure... saw the car at Bill's. Loved it. Can't wait to see it complete! I might add it was very cool in the shape you purchased it in.

[beh911]

Great intro posts for your car. Congrats!

Would you be able to provide a close up pic of the stickers on the intake snorkel?

[Rotmilky]

Congrats on such a lovely car. I'm currently restoring 50032, so I'll be watching your progress closely--mainly to answer questions, such as "what the heck used to be here?".

[edmayo]

Great story John, that is going to be great looking car when done, (especially the coil!!) However the Talbots out on the front fenders would be a tough call for me, I'm afraid I'd have to move them!

[JohnT]

Man I love SWB cars. I'm with Ed on the mirrors. I tried to visualize them as Sebrings, but they certainly are a long ways forward. If they work & you can see, cool. But having recently fought Raydots that were improperly placed for about 8 years, I was amazed by what could be accomplished with a couple inches!

I want to see more of this car as you complete it please.

johnt

[boba]

John, that sounds so wrong.

[JohnT]

Bob,

At my age, I no longer think in feet! Just in time. Like one more time please Lord.

johnt

[Carl Bauer]

John,

Don't forget to paint that empty Lackstift tube as well! I have a new shipping address in Denver I'll PM to you.