This 911S Targa was manufactured in April 1976 and subsequently delivered to the U.S. for the first time. This 911S Targa was ultimately sold through the Porsche dealership in Atlanta to Fran Tarkenton, then quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings and a former player for the New York Giants. Correspondence confirms that Tarkenton purchased this 911S Targa in Atlanta in the summer of 1976 and subsequently drove it to Bemidji, Minnesota, where the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp was located. He later sold the car to one of his closest friends, who in turn sold it to a business associate. Eventually, the 911S found its way to its last U.S. owner, who then sold it—through us—to the current owner in Germany in 2017. The current owner had the car extensively restored in our workshop and has been enjoying the Targa for nine years now.
Tarkenton can be described as one of the most outstanding quarterbacks in NFL history. He played for the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants and was active in the NFL for a total of 18 years. The Vikings selected him in the third round of the 1961 draft. His career was extraordinary: Tarkenton was selected for the Pro Bowl nine times and led the Vikings to three Super Bowl appearances. In 1975, he was named the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The timing of this 911S Targa is particularly interesting: When Tarkenton bought this 911 in 1976, he was at the peak of his career. In that very same year, 1976, he led the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game once again; he had previously played his MVP season in 1975.
Tarkenton did not end his NFL career until after the 1978 season. Upon his retirement, he held numerous NFL passing records, including 47,003 passing yards and 342 touchdown passes. In 1986, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
MAINTENANCE CONDITION
Since its return to Germany, this 911S Targa has undergone continuous upgrades, resulting in visual and technical improvements. The following work has been performed on this vehicle:
2017:
- Interior refurbishment / New upholstery for doors and seats
- Overhaul of axles & braking system
- Major engine service
- Overhaul of the ignition system and valve timing
2018:
- Exterior restoration, including full repaint
- Replacement of various exterior seals and components
- Replacement of vehicle carpeting
- Replacement of the starter motor
2019:
- Overhaul of the fuel injection system
- New fuel injectors
- Replacement of various K-Jetronik components
2021:
- Replacement of the ignition coil
- Service
2023/2024:
- Overhaul of vehicle electrical system
- Transmission overhaul
- Service
- Replacement of various fuel hoses
2025:
- Overhaul of the shift linkage
- Replacement of rear axle brake calipers
- Overhaul of the flow divider
- Replacement of steering column switches
COSMETIC CONDITION, PAINT & BODYWORK
Visually, this Targa is in good overall condition. The interior is in very good condition; thanks to the refurbishment a few years ago, it is flawless and virtually odor-free. The Targa top is in its original condition with a good fit and only minor damage to the outer covering. The paint finish is uniform; the Targa was repainted in its original color eight years ago in Germany. The paint film thickness varies between 200 µ and 450 µ at the vast majority of points, with the highest measured value at 787 µ. At 51 measurement points, the Targa has an average coating thickness of 313 µ. The body shows no signs of accidents or other repairs. There are currently no active rust spots. The chrome trim is still in good original condition with a subtle patina.
FACTORY EQUIPMENT
Thanks to the available Porsche certificate of origin, we can confirm the following factory equipment for this 911S Targa:
- Color code 516 Sahara Beige
- Engine & transmission “matching numbers”
- US specification
- Air conditioning (currently removed)
- Front auxiliary oil cooler
- Fuchs rims
- Aluminum side sill covers and trim strips around the wheel wells
- Automatic climate control
- Bilstein suspension (instead of the standard Boge suspension)
- Sport steering wheel
- Fog lights
- Power windows
- Pirelli tires
DELIVERY
This Targa is being sold on behalf of a client with a new TÜV inspection, completed H-certification, and a current appraisal report for classic car insurance.
1976 
