Porsche 911 S 2.7 LHD Targa 1977

It’s hard to describe the feeling of driving a really good classic Porsche.

When all the ingredients are perfectly blended and the car feels just right, it becomes something very special indeed. Any concerns about age or outright capability simply fall away. There’s no drama, no bravado – just a genuine sense of connection and quiet satisfaction that only the best cars deliver.

This pretty little 911 S Targa is exactly that sort of car. It’s well travelled, full of character, and has a backstory that includes an important chapter with Williams Crawford.

Supplied new in the USA, it was first registered in 1977 and remained with its original owner until late 1980. Its second owner enjoyed the car so much that when he returned to live in the UK, the Targa came with him, remaining in his care until 1997.

Fast forward to 2015, where we enter the story. A client in Denmark asked us to source an air cooled Porsche of a certain era, something very much like the gold Targa Adrian was driving at that time. The brief was clear, a car that functioned well, a classic to use and enjoy, with authentic looks and performance, but most definitely not a garage queen.

The 1977 Targa was the perfect choice; lively performance from the magnesium 2.7, a unique soundtrack and an elegant narrow-body. These ‘mid year’ cars perfectly capture the classic Porsche spirit and are becoming ever more desirable amongst collectors worldwide.

The car presented accident and corrosion free, with only a small amount of additional paint from years gone by. We carried out sympathetic cosmetic work, touching in stone chips and repainting the doors, bonnet and bumpers. Current paint meter readings suggest this remains unchanged today. We added European spec components for aesthetic reasons and a km/h odometer for compatibility (the units ‘clock up’ in miles).

A comprehensive recommissioning followed. The engine and gearbox were serviced, ignition and tuning attended to, and new heat exchangers, exhaust system and clutch fitted. Wax protection was applied where required, and the braking system and suspension fully overhauled, with Bilstein dampers installed. The original Fuchs wheels were refurbished, as was the Targa roof panel.

Inside, the customer opted for a few thoughtful changes: Cobra RS Bucket seats, a period OBA three-spoke steering wheel and a Kenwood radio offering smartphone compatibility and Bluetooth connectivity.

By June 2016, the Targa had been inspected, registered in Denmark and went on to enjoy regular use and careful ownership.

Late last year, having spotted a modified 964 on our website, the owner contacted us to discuss a change. The deal was agreed, with Adrian delivering the 964 to Denmark and driving the Targa back to Cornwall – a return journey in excess of 1,000 miles, completed without incident and serving as the perfect reminder of just how sorted this car really is, and why we’re happy to offer it with our own warranty.

Currently UK registered, though we would be happy to assist should its next chapter take it anywhere else in the world.

This 911 offers a wonderfully authentic classic Porsche experience. Words and pictures only tell part of the story – to truly understand it, you simply have to drive it.