1967 Porsche 911 Targa restoration by Williams Crawford.

Coming up for auction with Bonhams at this year’s Goodwood Revival is this Porsche 911 ‘soft-window’ Targa, one of the earliest examples known to survive, and expertly restored by Williams Crawford.

This delightful example of a much sought after Porsche is currently UK registered with an up to date V5C registration document and bears the chassis number 500017, with the engine number 911124 (Type 901/06). The factory Kardex (build record) shows it was completed on 31st January 1967, finished in Polo Red (6602) with a black leatherette interior.

The first Targa sold to the general public was chassis number 500021, suggesting this car (500017) is one of the few very early – possibly promotional – examples to be sold ahead of general production. The engine number also predates the range of units fitted to production models.

It was first registered to Fleischhauer, Koln (one of the earliest and most respected Porsche dealerships, located in Cologne) before eventually finding its way to the UK, where it was registered as XEF 88Y on 17th September 1982. In November 1990 it was issued with the current age-related number (SVN 99D). The first UK keeper is unknown, but it was sold to a Barbara Hutt of Middlesbrough in 1983 and then to a John Bennett in Prudhoe in 1989. Mr Bennett kept the car for only a short time, selling it to Darren Weighhell of Northallerton a year later. From that point on it remained in the same family (with a further two different registered owners) until eventually falling into disrepair.

It was acquired by the current owners in January 2017 in a partly dismantled condition, in need of a full restoration. Since then, the rare SWB (short wheelbase) 911 Targa has been the subject of a four-year restoration by marque specialists Williams-Crawford of Saltash in Cornwall. The restoration was full documented, noting that as many of the original components as possible were repaired and reused rather than simply being replaced. Body panels bearing the stamping ‘017’ were retained where possible. The original engine was rebuilt to a high standard and reinstalled.

When acquired, the Targa had been equipped with original, and now very rare, 4.5Jx15 Fuchs wheels, as fitted to the contemporary Porsche 911S. Although these wheels do not appear on the Kardex, it is possible they were specified by the original owner at the point of purchase.

This represents a great opportunity for a Porsche enthusiast or collector to acquire one of the best examples of a rare model dating back to the earlier days of Porsche 911 history. With its accurate and fastidious restoration by Willams Crawford, the Targa would make a great addition to any garage or collection. The estimate is £140,000 to £180,000.

The Goodwood Revival auction hosted by Bonhams takes place on 17th September – coincidentally, the 40th anniversary of the Targa’s first UK registration! More details of the auction can be found by contacting Guy Newton on +44 (0)20 7468 8243 or by visiting www.bonhams.com

Story Credit: Keith Seume

Find out more about Williams Crawford restorations or take a look at some of our restoration case studies.