The Targa. A name synonymous with Porsche’s greatest product, the 911. No other variant of the 911 has a name quite as sexy and represents a way of life quite like the ‘Targa’. What we have here is a pristine and fully restored example of the 911 Silhouette. A 1988 Porsche 911 Targa with the beloved G50 gearbox.

Starting its life in South Africa, this 911 Targa was delivered new to LSM Rosebank, one of the official Porsche dealerships back in the 80s - 90s where It also had its first few services there before the first owner passed the car onwards.

The car remained in its original condition until 2021 when it went through an extensive restoration process by Porsche Pretoria in South Africa.

During the restoration process, the exterior was resprayed in its original Guards Red paint (G1) while the interior received new leather and carpets to match its original Black Leather specifications. The car is also sitting on its period-correct 15-inch Fuchs wheels which were refurbished too by Porsche Pretoria. The dashboard and interior components have also been carefully restored, making it feel almost like you were transported back to 1988 to take delivery of this car when it was brand new.

Some TLC was also given to its original 3.2 litre flat-6 heart along with the G50 gearbox with matching serial numbers to support. Some other creature comforts were optioned too like Air Conditioning, both Driver and Passenger electric seat adjustments, as well as a heavy-duty battery and recoil bumpers. A rare sight to see from a car made in the 80s.

With all the extensive restoration efforts, this Targa is now officially certified by Porsche Classic also with supporting documents which help as a collectable investment.

Shortly after its restoration, AutoIcons found this immaculate specimen and brought it in to Singapore shores in 2022 under the ownership of a Porsche collector.  Since its arrival, AutoIcons have been storing it at our showroom under a temperature and humidity-controlled environment to maintain its pristine condition and it is now looking for a new caretaker to bear this Aircooled torch.

The G-Body Porsche 911 quickly became a popular weekend car for enthusiasts who were looking for a true analogue aircooled Porsche experience. But only a few were built with the G50 gearbox between 1988 - 1989 which was a more robust and easier-to-use gearbox compared to the 915 gearbox which preceded it.

Due to that, the G50 cars have increased 38% in value since 2018 in today’s market according to classic.com. Pair that with the unique silhouette and history of the Targa plaque and the G50 equipped 911 Targas became a collectable for investors and Porsche collectors all around the world.

Today, the Targa remains a beloved icon of the Porsche brand, offering drivers the perfect blend of style and performance. 

Making it a 911, that’s loved by all.

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