Chassis number 500434 is a rare ‘soft-window’ version of Porsche’s 911 Targa that boasts a fascinating ownership history. Nineteen sixty-seven was the very first year for the 911 Targa, and rather than sporting a glass rear window, like the Targas that would come later in the G-Series cars and the current production 991s, these cars sported a detachable plastic window instead, offering a convertible-like driving experience with the added safety and stability of a rollbar. In total, 718 Targas were built that first year.

Finished in Agablau, an attractive shade of dark blue which it still sports today, over black vinyl and fitted with the optional light alloy Fuch wheels, the car was delivered to Dr Paul Feinstock of the U.S. Air Force’s 89th Medical Department through Porsche’s distributor in Karlsruhe, Germany, not too far from its native Stuttgart. The 911 was the doctor’s daily transportation during his service in Germany, and when he shipped home to the U.S., the Targa came with him.

The car remained in the U.S. for the majority of its life and was exported to Switzerland when acquired by its current owner, a 911 collector and enthusiast. Having been repainted shortly before its acquisition, a mechanical restoration was commissioned when it arrived in Switzerland and the car was found to be remarkably rust free, only requiring minimal welding around the rear suspension mounts. It is worthwhile to note that the car is fitted with a non-original engine of the correct type and a later five-speed gearbox for touring, but is accompanied by a five-speed gearbox of the correct type.

Arguably the most collectable variant of the 911 Targa, these early ‘soft-window’ cars have always been in demand for their quirky looks and open-top driving experience, something that was not fully realized on 911s until the 1980s. A must-have model for any Porsche collection, this example will not disappoint.