Chassis no. 11880191

1991-cc, 110-hp OHV flat six-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission, front MacPherson strut suspension with torsion bars, rear trailing wishbones with transverse torsion bars. Wheelbase: 87-inches

The Porsche 911 Soft Window Targa was a true example of innovation for the German manufacturer. Revealed at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show, the six-cylinder 911 was a bold step forward from the 356 as it was equipped with a 2.0-liter air-cooled flat six engine and a distinct modern body style. The 911 proved itself, offering tight handling and a 100-mph top-speed; however, one aspect of performance motoring was missing, an open air experience. Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche developed the innovative Targa top. The 911 was the first Porsche to offer the soft window Targa top, a foldaway back window and a removable roof section, maximizing the open-air experience. Shortly after, Porsche produced the conventional Hard Window Targa’s, making the Soft Window version one of the rarest and desirable of the 911’s of that era. Most of the 1968 models were actually optioned with hard windows, which mean less than the 483 units that were manufactured were original soft window Targas. The 1968 models are highly sought after as they are of the first generation 911 Targa design.

The 1968 Porsche 911 Soft Window Targa presented here, with chassis number 11880191, is a truly rare and highly collectible automobile. This is an example of a matching numbers car with limited ownership. It was originally completed on April 30, 1968 and destined for delivery to the United States. Early service records dating back to the 1970s indicated that this car was regularly used and cared for; it spent most of its life in California.

The Porsche benefits from a professional restoration by a marque Porsche specialist. Finished in Irish Green over brown leatherette upholstery, this particular car was fully outfitted at the factory with desirable instrumentation and an optional oil tank. The correct and original style upholstery has been fitted to the seats while the bodywork was repainted to the original Irish Green color. The engine and transmission were rebuilt during this process.

Since the restoration this example has been stored in a climate-controlled facility with minimal use. A California car with the original owner’s manual and tools, along with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. The original file of receipts and documentation has been misplaced, but if and when found, the materials will be sent immediately to Auctions America and forwarded to the new owner. It is ready for a host of events, be it rallies, slalom courses, a car show or simply a leisurely Sunday outing.