>> Porsche 911 Targa bought in 1973/frame from the video
Usually we deceive ourselves when we say that we will keep our favorite car forever. In many cases, something brilliant comes along and we change our choices, deciding to part with the “swallow”.
Richard is an exception, he bought his 911 more than half a century ago and drives it to this day, writes Motor1. Built in February 1973, this 911T Targa remains with its original owner, who purchased it new in April 1973 from a dealer in California.
It cost approximately $10,000 with including options, which in today's money is about $70,000 adjusted for inflation. That's still a great deal considering the cheapest money-can-buy Targa starts at $134,500 and the Targa 4 GTS starts at $186,000.
As you can imagine, owning the car for 51 year, Richard has many stories to tell. He mentions how hit a deer on a morning drive in Los Angeleswith his girlfriend in 1974, just a year after getting the car. Over the years, the 911 has undergone minor changes, taking on an OEM+ look. In 1991, after a five-year standstill, the car received front fenders from the 1973 911 Carrera RS. This also included adjusting the rear bumper to align with the wider hips.
The rear 16-inch wheels come from a 1986 930 Turbo,and the fronts are from 1986 944 Turbo 16-inch rear wheels. Richard decided to use acrylic paint for the taillights to make them look like the amber lights of the Porsche models sold in Europe. This 911T Targa also features an aluminum rear deck lid, but retains the obligatory bumpers. The front bumper is from a 911S, and the headlights are installed aftermarket with less chrome than in the original configuration.
The car has undergone significant modifications in its 51 years: watch the video
Despite its respectable age, this Porsche still has original chrome and rubber on all areas above the level of the door handles. The paddle shifters come from the RS. Opening the trunk reveals the original carpet that Porsche installed over 50 years ago. As you would expect, Richard has retained the tool kit that comes with his prized possession, as well as the original jack, owner's manual, certificate of authenticity, window sticker and all service papers.
< p>Rear mounted 3.2L engine from a salvaged 1986 911 with 20,000 to 25,000 miles. While the car itself has about 130,000 miles on it, the 1991 engine has about 15,000 miles on it. After several modifications, the car produces from 260 to 265 horsepower. Inside, everything is original, except for the seats, steering wheel, radio, sun visors and floor mats. While these seats aren't original, these Recaros with bumped-up lumbar support are also 51 years old.
This time capsule on the Targa roof is definitely a work of art, and we can't imagine what it has may be another owner.