Two years after the original coupé’s introduction, a convertible 911 – the ‘Targa’, named in honour of Porsche’s numerous victories in the Sicilian classic Targa Florio – arrived in 1966. Expected US safety legislation had prompted an ingenious approach to the soft-top 911, the Targa sporting a hefty roll-over bar to protect the occupants in the event of an inversion, together with removable roof and rear hood sections, which were stowed in the boot when not in use. For 1969 a quieter and less leak-prone fixed rear window replaced the less than perfect rear hood, and the ever-popular Targa would continue in this form well into the 1990s, sharing countless mechanical and styling developments with its closed cousin along the way.
Easily recognisable with its well-known Fuchs alloy wheel rims, the S was equipped with a significantly overhauled engine, producing 158bhp, some 30 more than the basic version. Taken together, this allowed the 911 to reach speeds of 140mph. An extended wheelbase introduced in 1969 improved the 911’s sometimes capricious manoeuvrability, then for the 1970 model, the engine’s capacity was increased for the first time, to 2.2 litres. Henceforth, it produced 178bhp on the S versions, with Bosch mechanical injection.
This Porsche 911 Targa was delivered new in Europe, in the rare Royal Purple colour, code 341. Registered for the first time on 8th January 1973, it was later registered in the Allier département, in France, on 3rd April 1990, under the number 8999 RV 03. The current owner acquired the car in 2020. At that time, it was red. He decided to entrust its full restoration to Serge Incorvaia, a Porsche specialist, whose garage neighbours the Nevers Magny Cours Circuit. Intent on returning the car to its initial configuration, he decided to completely strip back the shell and return it to its appearance of the time, the rare and very original Royal Purple shade that leaves no one indifferent. As for the engine, impressed by the exceptional performances of the 2.2S injection engine for its generation, and as Serge Incorvaia had one available, despite its rarity, the owner made the bold decision to install it in the place of the original 2.4L carburettor engine, which was a lot less powerful.
And it was on this exceptional engine block, number 6301568, that the most substantial restoration was carried out. It was completely dismantled to be overhauled, and all new parts came from Porsche Sonauto. The cylinder heads were fitted with new valves and guides, while the injection pump was serviced at a Bosch centre. For the gearbox, a full service was also carried out, notably including new synchro rings and bearings, as well as a sealing kit. Lastly, the running gear was fully upgraded, with the installation of new silent blocks and shock absorbers.
The passenger compartment was also given a rejuvenation to finish off the renovations, which ran from 2020 to 2021.
All this work is illustrated in the photo file available with the car.
The result met the owner’s expectations, and he made the most of it on the roads of the Côte d’Azur, where he has covered some 3,000 km since the restoration.
The 2.2S engine rages and roars. It makes the car an uncommon pleasure to drive, thanks to its power and its rapid acceleration. Combined with the very lightweight chassis, the driving sensations remain unparalleled, even today. In 2025, the car was entrusted to Asphalt Classics, a renowned specialist and fan of older Porsche models, for a major overhaul, engine setting and the fitting of four new tyres. At the same time, the headliner was restored, the dashboard replaced, and various cosmetic improvements were made to further refine this 911.
Today, this 911 Targa has a timeless charm, in both its typically 1970s hue and the sharp, high-performance mechanics of its 2.2-litre injection engine! A real Porsche for those seeking pleasure and thrills, this car is ideal for tourist rallies or exhilarating drives!
It will be sold with various invoices and photos of its restoration, as well as with its French registration document.