Porsche’s 911 E was conceived to fit in between the 911 T and the 911 S. The letter E stood for einspritzung, or injection in German, signifying the presence of its mechanical fuel injection, which was jointly developed by Bosch and Porsche. This was also intended to be the most luxurious 911 model available to customers, as many were lavishly appointed with a variety of factory options. It was produced in both coupe and targa body styles, and Porsche produced 2,421 examples in 1973 alone.

According to its original window sticker, this 911 E Targa was delivered new in 1973 to Continental Porsche in Tucson, Arizona, and it would go on to spend the majority of its life in sunny California. It had a list price of $10,765.50, according to its original window sticker, but additional options were added, including Koni shocks, ATS alloy wheels, and front and rear stabilizer bars, among others. It is believed that the current, correct engine and transmission were installed in this car by the noted Porsche specialist Vasek Polak in Hermosa Beach, California.

In 2012, California Porsche Restoration in Fallbrook, California, completed a meticulous nut-and-bolt restoration to period specifications, at a price of just over $134,000, undoubtedly making this one of the best 911 E Targas in existence. The car was stripped to bare metal, and all parts were either completely restored or replaced with factory-correct components. A new coat of the original Signal Yellow (52) was applied after the body was properly sanded and primed, and the interior was re-covered in its factory-correct material, which was specified by the car’s Porsche Certificate of Authenticity as Brown leatherette (23) with checkered seat inserts. The engine and transaxle were removed, and all components in the engine bay were either reconditioned or replaced with factory-correct components. The car was also fitted with driving lamps, which give it a sportier appearance.

In addition to the original window sticker and the Certificate of Authenticity, documentation on the car includes numerous registration records, service receipts, a complete list of all work done on the car during its restoration, a list of all parts purchased for the restoration, and a CD with over 100 photos of the entire restoration process. The car also comes with its original owner’s manuals, in the correct pouch, a tool kit, a jack, a correct spare tire, and a full set of spare keys.

While the 911 has been in production for over 50 years, models produced in 1973 and earlier have become the most desirable in terms of purity of form driving character. This example represents the best engineering that Porsche had to offer, combining their signature targa roof with mechanical fuel injection. It goes without saying that any serious collection needs an early 911, and this example would be fantastic to either drive or show.