Elephant Hide

[jaudette3]

Encouraged by the rise in value, I've resumed the restoration of my 911L Soft Window Targa. The '68, especially the L, is probably the red-headed stepchild of the longhoods, but I really like Softies. One of the oddities about the L was, of course, the elephant hide interior. I love originality and I will do that if I have do, but I'm hoping that I'm off the hook.

The CoA states that the interior was originally black leather. I'm thinking that perhaps when they used leather they didn't use the elephant hide look. Can anyone verify one way or the other?

One thing I *really* like about this car, in addition to it being a Softie, is that the original color was Tangerine. One of my favorite colors - maybe the favorite and perfect on a Softie with the black rear window canvas and black Targa top.

Thanks!

JohnA

[super9064]

Looking forward to the resto thread. I just found out recently that 60's vintage land Rovers also used Elephant hide grain in their interiors. That may be a possible source for material.

[Allen Henderson]

Encouraged by the rise in value, I've resumed the restoration of my 911L Soft Window Targa. The '68, especially the L, is probably the red-headed stepchild of the longhoods, but I really like Softies. One of the oddities about the L was, of course, the elephant hide interior. I love originality and I will do that if I have do, but I'm hoping that I'm off the hook.

The CoA states that the interior was originally black leather. I'm thinking that perhaps when they used leather they didn't use the elephant hide look. Can anyone verify one way or the other?

One thing I *really* like about this car, in addition to it being a Softie, is that the original color was Tangerine. One of my favorite colors - maybe the favorite and perfect on a Softie with the black rear window canvas and black Targa top.

Thanks!

JohnA

John, Does the car currently have or did it come with Elephant hide on the door panels? Thanks.

-Allen-

[jaudette3]

Kind of fits a '60's Land Rover. Porsche, not so much - unless it's going to the Dakar Rallye.

JohnA

[Allen Henderson]

Kind of fits a '60's Land Rover. Porsche, not so much - unless it's going to the Dakar Rallye.

JohnA

Few know the web/Internet better than you John. You'd better delete all traces of this thread There were only 134 made and I have about 10% of them in my photo database. ALL have Elephant hide! Thanks.

-Allen-

[jaudette3]

Dang! I do have two sport seats though and I'm sure those weren't ever elephant hide. Aren't I?

JohnA

[jaudette3]

I'm going to the warehouse and digging out parts this weekend. I recall elephant hide in my past - and this is probably the car where I ran into it.

JohnA

P.S. 134 made?

[Allen Henderson]

Dang! I do have two sport seats though and I'm sure those weren't ever elephant hide. Aren't I?

JohnA

Nope not the seats only the door panels and dash. "Leather" on the C of A means the seats. Thanks.

-Allen-

[raspy2point2]

So why is the 1968 911 the Red-headed stepchild? The only thing I can come up with is the smog pumps and the side reflectors. Well in California , the smog pump is a mute point since we are not doing smog checks any more. And the side reflectors can be removed. So what is it? Now the 911L is a rare breed. 540 cars for the USA and 720made for the ROW. In the car game rare means value. 68 cars have nice advances from the factory-- front suspension work, hand throttle, wider track, ventilated brakes, 5.5" wheels, aluminum cases for the first half of production, factory seat belt anchors, etc. Now maybe the 911L being the replacement for the 911S in the US could be part of the dig and maybe other states may require the smog pump be in place for smog tests ? I think the Stepchild of 911's is the 110 hp 1969 911T if your looking for one. the 68 engines all have the good qualities of the 901/06 engines of 1965,66,and 67. Chris

[EARLY911ZOO]

there was a set of elephant hide regular comfort seats on here for sale last year for $500 in xlnt shape
still kicking myself for not getting them