1976 Porsche 911 2.7 'Targa' Coupe

Description

Consistently rated as one of the greatest sports cars of all time, the Porsche 911 is now an incredible five decades old and interest in early examples of the model has never been stronger.  Although the current 991 series is a far cry from that first 911 (or 901 as it was originally designated before Peugeot objected) of 1964, the basic elements – flat-six ‘boxer’ motor mounted behind the rear wheels, sharp steering and excellent handling in a relatively practical package – have never changed but constant development has kept the 911 ahead of its rivals.  In that time the model has undergone almost continual development and by the early Seventies the air-cooled flat six had grown from the original 2-litres capacity to 2.7-litres, the wheelbase increased for better weight distribution and handling, while Bosch fuel injection made the engine both more reliable and tractable.  The G-series of 1974 saw the first significant modification to the 911’s shape, with impact-absorbing bumpers with rubber protectors appearing for the first time, while the interior was similarly revised with new high-back driving seats and 15-inch ATS pressure-cast alloy wheels became standard issue.  The 2.7-litre flat six was adopted across the range, which was simplified to just three models, the 911, 911S and Carrera, the former using Bosch’s latest K-Jetronic fuel injection system.  A four-speed transmission was standard on the 911, with a five-speed box or the three-speed Sportomatic optional.  With 165 horsepower on tap, the latest 911 could top 133 mph and was sold in both coupe or targa variants, the latter a popular option for open-air enthusiasts since its introduction in 1967 and a concept successfully revived by Porsche in recent years.  The 911 has always been a driver’s car first, with excellent steering, sharp handling and tremendous acceleration packaged in an unmistakable and timeless shape.