1978 Porsche 911SC 3.0-Litre Targa Chassis no. 9118211976 • Present ownership for15 years • Previous ownership for 30 years • Professionally resprayed five years ago * Please note that this car will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Belgium. A 'modern classic' if ever there was one, Porsche's long-running 911 arrived in 1964, replacing the 356. The latter's rear-engined layout was retained, but the 911 switched to unitary construction for the bodyshell and dropped the 356's VW-based suspension in favour of a more modern McPherson strut and trailing arm arrangement. In its first incarnation, Porsche's single-overhead-camshaft, air-cooled flat six displaced 1,991cc and produced 130bhp; progressively enlarged and developed, it would eventually grow to more than 3 litres and, in turbo-charged form, put out well over 300 horsepower. Two years after the original coupé's introduction, a convertible 911 - the 'Targa', named in honour of Porsche's numerous victories in the Sicilian classic - arrived in 1966. Expected US safety legislation had prompted an ingenious approach to the soft-top 911, the Targa sporting a hefty roll-over bar to protect the occupants in the event of an inversion, together with removable roof and rear hood sections, which were stowable in the boot. For 1969 a quieter and less leak-prone fixed rear window replaced the less than perfect rear hood, and the ever-popular Targa would continue in this form well into the 1990s, sharing countless mechanical and styling developments with its closed cousin along the way. The much loved and instantly recognisable Targa finally bowed out at the end of the 1990s, when the Cabriolet became the sole open-topped 911 with the introduction of the Type 996 range for 1999. The Targa offered here dates from 1978, by which time the 911 range had been reduced to the SC and Turbo models; the normally aspirated 3.0-litre SC having 188bhp at its disposal by 1979, an output good enough for a top speed of around 225km/h. The Porsche has belonged to the current vendor for the last 15 years, having spent the previous 30 years with one owner in San Jose, California. (The owner visited the previous owner to obtain the car's history.) Described by our vendor as rust free, the car was professionally resprayed five years ago and is said to have a nice and well cared-for interior. The engine and gearbox have been maintained but not restored, and the brakes, including the servo, are said to be good. All gauges are operational, as are the heating and air conditioning systems. The original Fuchs wheels are retained and would benefit from a little refurbishment to restore their shine. Featured in 911 magazine (copy on file) this is the owner's favourite car of the collection and one of great sentimental value to him. Offered with a Spanish title. Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing