1974 Porsche 911 Targa '3.2 Improved' Coupe

Description

Consistently rated as one of the all time classic sports cars, the Porsche 911 is now an incredible five decades old and interest in early examples of the model has never been stronger. Although the current 991 series is a far cry from that first 911 (or 901 as it was originally designated before Peugeot objected) of 1964, the basic elements - flat-six 'boxer' motor mounted behind the rear wheels, sharp steering and excellent handling in a relatively practical package - have never changed but constant development has kept the 911 ahead of its rivals. In that time the model has undergone almost continual development and by the early Seventies, when the example offered here was built, the air-cooled flat six had grown from the original 2-litres capacity to 2.7-litres, the wheelbase had been increased for better weight distribution and handling, while Bosch fuel injection made the engine both more reliable and tractable. In 1974, Porsche gave the 911 a big revamp and the G-series saw the first significant modification to the 911's shape, with impact-absorbing bumpers with rubber protectors appearing for the first time while the interior was similarly revised. The 2.7-litre flat six was adopted across the range, which was simplified to just three models, the 911, 911S and Carrera, the former using Bosch's latest K-Jetronic fuel injection system. With 150 horsepower available, the latest 911 could top 133 mph and was sold in both coupe or targa variants, the latter a popular option for open-air enthusiasts since its introduction in 1967 and a concept successfully revived by Porsche in recent years. The 911 has always been a driver's car first, with excellent steering, sharp handling and tremendous acceleration packaged in an unmistakable and timeless shape.