The “H” Series Porsche 911, introduced for the 1974 model year, incorporated some fairly major structural, mechanical, and cosmetic changes to comply with the ever stringent U.S. safety and emissions regulations. New were the impact-absorbing aluminum bumpers fore and aft, with inner structures at both ends strengthened to absorb impact. The hood was shortened, and the doors were reinforced internally. The front corner lights and reflectors were incorporated into the rubber bumper trim, while a new center reflector filled the space between the taillight assemblies. There were important suspension upgrades, a larger fuel tank (which necessitated a compact spare tire and air compressor), and a single battery tucked into the left-front corner of the trunk. The interior gained new high-backed seats for the driver and passenger.

For 1975, only the 911 S and Carrera were offered to American buyers, fitted with the same 2.7-liter engine with K-Jetronic fuel injection. The Carrera was differentiated with flared fenders and wider wheels, along with a rubber-edged whale-tail rear spoiler, front rubber spoiler, and Carrera trim package, including decals and body-color-matching wheel centers.

The Porsche Certificate of Authenticity for this very attractive 1975 Carrera Targa notes that it left the factory November 28, 1974, for shipment to Kline-Giganti Porsche-Audi in Indianapolis, Indiana. It had been ordered in Bitter Chocolate (code 408) with a contrasting gold Carrera decal set and gold-painted wheel centers. The interior was trimmed in equally delicious Cinnamon (36) leatherette. Most interestingly, the buyer, Dr. Wilbur Sandbulte, specified a standard “narrow” body configuration, without the wider fender flares, and a folding top panel, which was an option after a new rigid top panel became standard equipment. In addition, this car was optioned with below-the-bumper fog lamps, a rear-window wiper, and Dunlop tires.

By November 2007, the car had come into the ownership of Dr. Thomas Helfst, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, who sent it to Peter Dawe at Dawe’s Motorsports Development, a well-known Porsche specialist, for a full engine overhaul with new valves and rings, a rebuilding of the alternator, the installation of new shock absorbers, strut inserts, and new brakes, and additional work that totaled more than $17,000, invoices for which are on file. The car has been driven barely 600 miles since the rebuild. At some point, the car was also fitted with a dealer-installed VWOA Climate Control air-conditioning system and a set of painted-crest center wheel caps.

Displaying a total of just over 59,000 miles at the time of cataloguing, this very rare narrow-body Carrera Targa still wears what appears to be nearly all of its original paint. The original driver and passenger seat cushions have been rebuilt, and the rest of the interior is in very good condition. This car is supplied with a new set of Michelin XWX tires, its original Blaupunkt stereo radio, owner's manual, warranty book, tool kit, jack, spare and air compressor, and a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.