Chassis No. 500667S
Engine No. 962082
Transmission No. 103885

While the Porsche 911 was first introduced as a fastback coupe, the idea of an open version had always lingered among its designers—rooted in the brand's legacy of open-air driving, from early 356 Cabriolets to the iconic Speedster. But as the 1960s progressed, growing U.S. safety concerns around rollover protection threatened the future of convertibles. In response, Porsche anticipated regulatory changes and consumer desire for open-top driving by creating a bold new solution: the Targa. Conceived by Butzi Porsche, the so-called “Safety Convertible” design debuted in 1967 and featured a brushed stainless steel roll hoop, a removable roof panel, and a soft foldable plastic rear window—allowing for multiple open-air configurations. The original “soft window” design, produced for just two model years before transitioning to a wraparound glass version for 1969, is now highly coveted by Porsche collectors--especially when combined with the top-of-the-line high performance 911 S specification, thereby creating the most costly series-production 911 available for 1967.

This rare 911 S Soft Window Targa, chassis number 500667S, is just one of 483 produced for 1967 and was originally finished in Polo Red over a Black-upholstered interior. Its Kardex Warranty card records that the car was sent to the United States to Porsche of America Corp (POAC) with its first owner noted as Richard Jacobs of New Rochelle, New York just north of New York City. At a point, the car traveled to The Golden State as evidenced by its California blue plates as photographed in 2011 and in these images it should be noted that the Targa was not updated with a hard glass rear window like so many early Targas.

In 2018, a full and comprehensive, photo-documented restoration was initiated by Henk Baars' team at CarparcUSA in Costa Mesa, California, meticulously addressing each system and component over the next five years. The car was completely stripped, primed to protect against the elements, and placed on a factory-specification Celette chassis jig before metal repairs took place. While the Targa was very complete and solid, the Carparc team removed any sign of corrosion or damage before placement on a rotisserie for a final prime and color coat.

Rather than feel restricted to the original color combination, original Porsche color books were examined before selecting Kristallblau or Crystal Blue, a rarely seen optional shade that first appeared in the factory Lesonal-Werke “Special Colors” book as color code 52254. To match the rare shade, a medium blue leather interior featuring Recaro sport seats was selected with charcoal carpeting and black leather trim. At the same time the matching-numbers high-compression 2.0-liter flat-six was completely rebuilt. The five-speed Type 901 transmission also received the same attention. Images of the work illustrate the efforts taken to renew the heart of the car from its Weber carburetors to the exhaust system to factory fresh condition. Naturally, a team so versed in the details of the early 911 S and soft window Targas would leave no stone unturned thoroughly renewing the fueling, braking, suspension, and steering systems along with, of course, its folding soft rear window. Even the front trunk-mounted optional Webasto gas heater received a full rebuild!

After a thorough running-in and sorting phase necessary after any serious restoration, the car left Southern California for the first time in decades joining the current owner's ever-growing Porsche-focused collection featuring numerous early 911s. Resplendent in a little-known shade of blue that escapes even seasoned Porsche enthusiasts, the car has been a star within the collection yet has remained unseen by the greater Porsche community until now. Offered for the first time since the completion of its restoration, this rare soft window 911 S offers not only the unrepeatable vintage Porsche experience but instant star status at any Porsche-themed event on the horizon.