Porsche Santa Clarita Debuts Amazing 1974 911 Carrera Targa at Monterey

This 1974 911 Carrera Targa is a rare machine that’s been transformed into an award-winning safari build.

ThePorsche Classic Restoration Challenge takes place each year, pitting a host of dealers against each other in a quest to rejuvenate an old vehicle and make it something truly special. This contest also shows off the expertise of these dealers in terms of the quality of work they’re capable of, and as one might imagine, the Galpin Motors family – an iconic name in Porsche history – is routinely at or near the top of the heap. This year, Porsche Santa Clarita – a member of the Galpin family – managed to take home a People’s Choice award with this incredible 1974 911 Carrera Targa safari build, and it’s easy to see why.

The award was handed out at the Werks Reunion in Monterey, which is precisely where the build was revealed for its upcoming stint in the Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge. It’s also a pretty rare machine to begin with, as Porsche built just 246 road-going Targas for the U.S. in this particular model year. However, that doesn’t mean that it has been treated to a stock restoration – not by a long shot.

On the outside, this 1974 911 Carrera Targa features a ducktail spoiler from a 1973 Carrera, as well as the non-original hue of Lime Green, a pair of TRE light bars, a custom front bumper, a skid plate, and some ’70-inspired stripes. The car rolls on a set of BFGoodrich K02 All-Terrain tires, which gives it a more formidable safari stance, along with a host of suspension upgrades including a complete Stage 4 Elephant Racing Safari System and RSR sway bars.

Inside the cabin, this special 911 built features a roll cage with matching Lime Green paint and stripes, a rear seat delete, orange leather, a revamped climate control system, and a custom audio setup controlled by a Porsche Classic radio with navigation.

Power comes from a naturally-aspirated 2.7-liter flat-six, which produces 180 horsepower, while OEM 986 Boxster brakes help slow it all down. Add it all together, and you’ve got one seriously cool award-winning machine that’s a truly viable competitor in the notoriously competitive Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge.

“It’s an honor to participate again in the Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge and there was no shortage of inspiration this year,” said Beau Boeckmann, president and COO of Galpin Motors. “Our goal with this Targa was to build something that was modified like it might be in period with just the right amount of modern touches and performance. We can’t wait to spend some time in the dirt with it.”

Photos: Kahn Media

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.
Foote has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles and every other type of automobile, Foote had spent several years running parts for local dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.