Chassis No. 9117310407
Engine No. 6370833
Transmission No. 7070698

Porsche has long claimed that over 70 percent of their cars produced since 1948 remain on the road. Launched in 2020, the Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge helps add to that tally by encouraging dealers to showcase restoration skills. A regular award winner, Porsche Tucson found their ideal 2023 entry in this 1977 Porsche 911 Targa, discovered in New Mexico's dry desert climate.

According to its factory-issued Porsche Production Specifications, this 1977 Porsche 911 Targa was built as a Rest of World German-delivery example in Grand Prix White. Like many 911s, at a point in its history it arrived in the United States, yet unlike the 70-percent of Porsches on the road, after 262,000 kilometers it sat unused for decades in the Southwestern state of New Mexico. While this may be a sad tale for many Porsche enthusiasts, this was the ideal foundation for Porsche Tucson's 2023 Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge entry.

The social media documented restoration showed the once-loved (and multi-colored) 2.7-liter Targa found a caring home in the hands of 44-year Porsche Master Technician Jim Guthrie and his team at Porsche Tucson. Smartly, the car was coaxed in an operational state before a disassembly that stripped the car to a bare unibody before being blasted clean. According to Guthrie, any defects in the body were remedied and metal finished before its coat of primer. Glacier White Metallic, a striking modern color, replaced the original Grand Prix White. The interior is a mix of vintage and modern with tobacco-colored leather mixed with classic Pepita Houndstooth seat and door panel inserts. The dash is set with the Targa's original black-faced VDO gauges next to a modern Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) head unit. Mechanically, the matching-numbers 2.7-liter flat-six and 915 five-speed transmission were completely rebuilt in stock form while in Guthrie's hands. Underpinning the completely reborn 911 is a rebushed suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers. Naturally the fuel and electrical systems were thoroughly sorted as well. Restoration invoices capture the financial cost, but they can't begin to measure the passion and human effort invested by Guthrie's team.

The finished Targa was revealed in front of an expectant crowd gathered at Porsche Tucson before being shown at PCA Werks Reunion—the premier Porsche event—during Pebble Beach Car Week in Monterey, California. Older cars rarely get a second chance after falling into disrepair—yet this is a Porsche. Rescued by the restoration artists at Porsche Tucson, this 911 Targa once again offers wind-in-the-hair thrills set to the soundtrack of a wailing flat-six—restored with custom touches that honor its heritage.