Porsche 911 Targa Buyer's Guide

Purchasing Tips
The 911-based Targas were not mechanically different from the coupes or the later cabriolet models. Standard and optional equipment choices for each model were similar, and thus the Targa arrangement can simply be considered another option of the baseline coupe.

Beyond the usual scrutiny that any potential automobile purchase should undergo, a few points are critical when shopping for a pre-owned Targa.

Akin to a true convertible, the Targa chassis had a tendency to flex. The older the car, the more likely it will be that the doors do not align perfectly. Evidence of any large or uneven gaps in the door jams should be followed up by a close inspection of the underbody and interior floor panels. Rust, of course, exacerbates this problem as would any prior accident. Taking the car to a professional body shop may be the best way to resolve questions about the merits of the chassis.

Inspect the rubber stripping over the windshield and along the rollover hoop. These are crucial, not only for wet weather conditions but also for wind noise. Check the locking mechanisms. Bent or misaligned latches will cause the top to rattle or, worse, imitate James Bond's DB5 and eject itself as you head down the highway.

As you might expect, the Targa top itself is a critical item to review. Check the condition of the interior and exterior materials. Tops left folded for long periods of time may show creases that will eventually become cracks. With the top locked open, the outer vinyl should be taut with no gaps or tears. The aerodynamics of the 911 cause a low-pressure area over the car's roof that in turn will pull at the material, causing further damage.

If the material needs to be replaced, the exterior vinyl skin can be purchased at the local Porsche dealership for $461.70; the headliner lists for $193.19. A local Southern California upholstery shop quoted a price of about $150 to assemble the factory pieces or $450 to wrap aftermarket material around a frame in good condition.

For a new folding top from the factory, the price skyrockets to more than $4,600. A better venue to scour would be a Porsche dismantling shop such as Parts Heaven in Hayward, Calif. (800/767-7250; www.partsheaven.com). A used top in good condition can be acquired for about $1,200. To replace the solid top that was standard on the 1974-75 cars, the dismantler suggested a price of about $1,400 but noted that these tops are difficult to locate. Needless to say, the quality of either top is extremely important when considering a Targa car.

Targa Timeline
1967
* First year of the Porsche Targa
* Roll-over hoop covered with a brushed stainless-steel band

* Rear window was a removable piece of flexible "Polyglas"
* Folding Targa top is made with a steel subframe
* Headliner is a perforated black vinyl
* Exterior material of the top is black vinyl
* Interior lights are mounted behind the side windows

1968
* Headliner changes to a denser material
* Solid rear window becomes optional

1969
* Weather sealing improves
* Top's interior steel frame is redesigned
* Air vents added to the stainless-steel band
* Single interior light is mounted in the center of the roll-over bar
* Solid rear window becomes standard, "Polyglas" window is an option

1973
* Top's exterior material changes to a leather-grain vinyl

1974
* Solid plastic top becomes standard-the folding top is optional
* Third locating pin on the rear hoop frame
* Carrera roll-over hoop becomes matte black

1976
* Folding top is again standard equipment; the solid plastic top becomes optional

1977
* Door vent windows become non-operational

1979
* Black roll-over hoop becomes standard

1984
* Improved weather stripping

1985
* Becomes available as a Turbo-look model

1986
* Top's locking mechanism improves (some 1985 models are also equipped with this update)

1987
* Becomes available as a Turbo model
* More improved weather stripping and rain gutters

1989
* Last of the Turbo Targas

1993
* The last of the traditional Targa-topped cars end with the 964 model

1996
* Targa returns as a retractable glass roof on the 993 model

1998
* Demise of the glass-top Targa with the ends of the 993 model

2002
* Return of the terrarium Targa

Targa Price Book
Note: Prices are estimated from an unscientific search through various websites, newspapers and magazine classifieds. In general, Targas command a greater price than corresponding coupes. Range is from working cars in poor condition to great daily drivers-does not include concours-condition cars, special editions or cars with significant enhancements.

Production numbers from Porsche Cars North America, "Porsche 911 Red Book" by Patrick C. Paternie, and "Original Porsche 911" by Peter Morgan.