Air-cooled Porsche trio for Shannons Melbourne Auction
- Uber-rare in Australia genuine Porsche 914/6
- Rare and collectible 911 Carrera 3.0 Targa
- Last of the Classic 3.2 litre 911 Carreras with G50 gearbox
Three collectible, six cylinder, air-cooled Porsches from the 1970s and 1980s will tempt enthusiasts at Shannons upcoming Melbourne Spring Auction on September 23.
The rarest of the trio is a 914-6 ‘Targa’ Coupe – a model never officially sold in Australia, but now sought-after internationally.
Originally announced in 1969 as an affordable sibling to the 911, the four-cylinder 914 was a sales hit, particularly in the United States.
But while it handled brilliantly, its 1.7-litre (and later 2.0) Volkswagen-sourced four-cylinder engines delivered relatively leisurely performance and Porsche responded in 1970 by dropping in the 2.0 litre flat-six from the 911T to create the 914-6.
This genuine 914-6 being auctioned was imported in 1999 and sent for a full restoration by marque expert Peter Chermside in Orange (NSW), where it was converted to right hand drive and fitted with a 2.2 litre flat-six engine from a 911T rebuilt to 2.4-litre spec.
Originally Metallic Blue, the 914-6 is now finished in bright chrome yellow with a black lift-off Targa roof section and matching black basket-weave upholstery. Lightly used since its restoration almost 20 years ago, the example being auctioned is a fine example of the model and in very good condition throughout.
As one of just a handful of these factory-built 914-6 models in Australia, the car being auctioned is one of just 3,360 built. Verifying its authenticity, it comes with a Porsche Certificate of Authority, with Shannons expecting it to sell in the $70,000 - $80,000 range because of its rarity and collectability.
Also rare, with just 3,691 made in two model years, 1976 and 1977, the 911 Carrera 3.0 was then then most powerful naturally-aspirated Porsches you could buy, with its Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injected 3.0 litre flat-six developing 200HP and mated as standard to a five-speed manual gearbox, or optional Sportomatic semi-automatic.
While the coupes initially were more popular, the much rarer Targa models – one of only 479 built in 1976 – are now sought after and collectible in their own right, with prices strengthening as a result.
The Australian-delivered Light Yellow with black trim 1976 911 Carrera 3.0 Targa being auctioned – now retro-fitted with a Porsche 915-series five-speed manual gearbox – comes with Fuchs alloy wheels and the optional factory whale-tail.
With prices of early 911s still elevated world-wide, Shannons expect this nicely-presented and ready to enjoy Carrera 3.0 Targa to sell in the $90,000 - $100,000 range.
If you want the most daily-useable Classic Porsches 911, it’s hard to go past the late model 1988 911 Carrera 3.2 Coupe in the September 23 auction.
Originally dealer-delivered in Queensland, this 1988 example with the sought-after G50 five-speed manual gearbox fitted to only the very last of the series, is believed to have had just four custodians and remains in outstanding condition throughout.
It is finished in iconic Guards Red with a contrasting black leather interior, with both presenting in excellent condition. Adding to its appeal, it sits on factory Fuchs alloys and is fitted with a whale-tail, while its original space-saver spare wheel, jack and tool roll, remain untouched in the front boot.
Options fitted to this car include electric seats, air-conditioning, an electric sunroof, a short-shift gearchange and the wider (8.0-inch) Fuchs rear wheels.
With 217,827km recorded on its odometer at the time of cataloguing, Shannons expect this very desirable and well-optioned 911 to sell in the $100,000 - $120,000 range.
View all Shannons September 23 Melbourne Spring Classic Auction Lots
For more information on the auction contact Christophe Boribon on (03) 8588 0809, or 13 4646 (Option 5) or email auctions@shannons.com.au.
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