"1973.5" Porsche 911T - Chartreuse

MAKELLOS CLASSICS CONCOURS RESTORATION OF A PORSCHE 1973 911T TARGA

This particular 911 has recently gone through an extensive restoration by our team here at Makellos Classics. We received this 1973 911T in very solid condition with minimal rust, making it a perfect candidate for our concours restoration service. Knowing the vehicle would succumb to the rigors of judges and their white gloves, we began by stripping the vehicle down to bare metal for a comprehensive nut and bolt restoration. All components including trim have either been refinished or replaced to ensure a factory-fresh appearance.

ORIGINAL PAINT AND BODY WORK RESTORATION

This 1973.5 911T was originally ordered in the rarely seen color of Lime Green (aka Chartreuse.) So before painting, our first order of business was to strip the vehicle down to bare metal so we could assess the areas needing attention. The door shells were replaced as were the rear seats and headlight buckets to ensure a long rust-free future. After the body work phase of this restoration, we then prepped and painted this 1973 911T Targa in its original and extremely rare color of chartreuse green using high quality Sikkens paint.

ERA CORRECT SUSPENSION, BRAKE AND WHEELS

Once painted, assembly began by hanging all of the newly revivified suspension and brake components. The wheels were returned to the correct hard anodized and painted finish we all know and love and are riding on the era correct Michelin XWX tires. Every component on the suspension and brake systems has either been refinished, rebuilt or replaced making for a very enjoyable and like-new ride.

COMPLETELY REBUILT ORIGINAL 1973 911T ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

The numbers-matching factory 2.4 liter CIS engine has been completely disassembled and rebuilt to original specifications, replacing or reconditioning any necessary parts. The numbers-matching gearbox was also then disassembled and rebuilt using stock gearing and shifts excellent.

INTERIOR AND REUPHOLSTERING OF A CLASSIC PORSCHE

To complete this detailed restoration we shipped the car to Porsche specialist Oscar Reyes of Escondido Custom Upholstery, who finished the interior with a completely new reupholstering in lavish black leather and authentic black/white pepita (houndstooth) seat inserts – ensuring this car will look, feel and smell like it did 46 years ago!

This was a very high quality restoration done by our team here at Makellos Classics. UPDATE: This 1973 911T Targa has now been sold. If you are wanting a project done to your Porsche, or a classic Porsche of your choosing, contact us today!

GET YOUR PORSCHE RESTORED

UPDATE: This 1973 911T Targa has now been sold. If you are wanting a project done to your Porsche, or a Porsche of your choosing, contact us today!

HISTORY

1969 ushered in several dramatic changes to the A-series 911 including the first major change to the chassis. To better balance weight and increase handling, Porsche decided to lengthen the wheel base by moving the rear wheel back 57mm. The 2.0 liter engine was redesigned to now utilize a magnesium block (rather than aluminum) mated to the familiar 901 transmission. The T (Touring) were equipped with weber carburetors and produced 110 horsepower. The E (Einspritzung, German for “in-spray”) and S (Super or Sport) models were equipped with the new Bosch mechanical fuel injection (MFI), allowing the 911S to now be compliant with North American emissions standards.

In 1970, Porsche decided to change the displacement on all models from the traditional 2.0 liter to a 2.2 liter coupled to the familiar 901 gearbox. The 911 E and S models remained equipped with the Bosch MFI system. The 911T came with Zenith carburetors rather than the beloved Webers and were capable of putting out 125 horsepower.

In 1972, Porsche changed the engine displacement yet again and placed a 2.4 liter engine in their 911T, E and S models due to the North America emissions. Emissions requirements demanded a lower compression ratio, so Porsche decided that by raising the displacement they could make up for the lost power due to the lowered compression. These models still utilized a magnesium engine block, however all of the models (including the T) were now equipped with the favored Bosch mechanical fuel injection system. Porsche had also designed a newer and stronger transmission for these models, abandoning the dog-legged 901 for the 908-inspired 915 gearbox.

Half way through 1973, Porsche decided to incorporate the new K-jetronic fuel injection system (also known as Continuous Fuel Injection or CIS) in the 911 T models. This new system drastically improved the reliability of the 911 while providing significant gains in fuel economy. The system was so efficient that Porsche continued to utilize it for the next 10 years (up until the release of the Carrera in 1984), contributing to what many consider to be the most reliable air-cooled 911’s made. Often referred to as the “1973.5 911T”, these models were capable of getting up to 30 mpg and are quite desirable due to their iconic longhand 911 body style coupled with the reliability and drivability of the later G-body cars.

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