TARGA TALES
Or how about a classic look 911 Targa? This example was built by Yorkshire based Retro Works in 2018 and based on a 1989 Carrera 3.2 Targa, which is a pretty good start as the last of the G-Series 911s, and a great example of the restomod ethos.
Taking the Carrera 3.2 side of the equation first, this particular donor was supplied new in Feb 1989 by Official Porsche Centre, Parker & Parker Ltd, in Kendal Cumbria. Relevant to nothing in particular, but we thought we’d mention it as Parker & Parker has the distinction of being the UK’s oldest Porsche Centre, setting up shop in 1953. It’s still family run to this day…
With just four former owners from new, it remained a Carrera 3.2 with a continuous service and MOT history until 2018, when Retro Works were commissioned to perform a time travel transformation. All body panels are steel, with GRP front and rear bumpers, genuine bumper trim and rear light units and front wrap around indicators. For added illumination, the front headlights are LED units.
The signature Targa hoop is in brushed stainless steel and is complimented by period style polished brightwork and door handles together with gold Porsche badging and alloy engine grill. This contrasts nicely against the Gloss Black paintwork, with gold script and genuine 16” Fuchs wheels that have been given the period detail look.
The interior features new classic style carpets, door cards, period correct Momo Prototipo wheel, basket weave dash inlays and period style, reclining bucket seats.
Recent expenditure since completion includes a fully refurbished Targa roof panel, by renowned Porsche trimmers, Southbound. And saving the best until last, a full engine rebuild two-years ago, by London based specialist, Perfect Touch Performance. Fully detailed, the engine looks as good as the exterior and with some ECU work, produces a dyno tested 266bhp, a useful increase in power over the standard 231bhp.
Having been created in 2018, this classic look Targa still presents very well, but it must be noted that the donor car was registered in 2009 as an insurance Category D write off. This was at a time when sound examples of a 3.2 Targa were languishing around the 7- 10k mark, so a decision not to repair would have been arrived at far quicker than today when the same car would command 45-50k in similar condition. It was however subsequently repaired at the expense of the owner for £4,000.00 who continued to use it as intended. The damage was to the rear of the car and was clearly in no way structural, with invoices for the work carried out included with the car’s history file, although of course all of this will have been carried out again when the car was backdated in 2018.
ON THE ROAD
It drives just as you would hope/expect. Performance from the rebuilt engine is strong, particularly with its extra power. And while some prefer the earlier Type 915 gearbox, you can’t argue with the fact that the G50 is the more modern, and easier to use unit.
IN SUMMARY
Classic looks, Targa top practicality with the driveability and performance of a late model G50 gearbox Carrera 3.2. What’s not to like, and at a price that comfortably undercuts the market average.
