1968 Porsche 911L Soft-Window Targa 2.4L
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1968
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 911 Targa
- VIN: 11855113
- Mileage Shown: 69,493mi (5-digit odometer)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Red
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Monticello, MN 55362
- Country: United States of America
- Lot #: V-0062421
Offered exclusively in 1968 and positioned above the standard 911 in Porsche’s model range, the upscale 911L or Lux model features ventilated four-wheel disc brakes and upscale fittings from the flagship 911S. This 911L is one of 134 Targa variants produced for the U.S. market. It is further distinguished by its rare soft-window configuration, which was superseded by the optional glass dome window in the same model year. Finished in red over a black leatherette interior, it was purchased by the current owner in 2007 and fitted with a rebuilt 2.4-liter flat-six engine featuring upgraded JE pistons. Treated to considerable maintenance in preparation for sale, this rare short-wheelbase 911L soft-window Targa is now being offered for auction out of Minnesota, accompanied by a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.
The 911L shares its premium chrome window surrounds, bumper guards, horn grilles, and gold-colored rear badging with the 911S. This example was refinished in red from its original Silver Metallic color under previous ownership. Additional paintwork was performed after the trunk lid was replaced, and the quarter panels and rear panel were repaired after damage was sustained during shipment in 2007. Equipment includes dual chrome mirrors, front vent windows, a brushed stainless-steel Targa bar, a removable black roof panel, a zip-out plastic rear window, and 15” Fuchs alloy wheels with new Vredestein Sprint Classic tires mounted in 2024. The removed left front fog light is included in the sale, and the right fog light has a broken lens. Some blemishes and cracks in the paint are depicted in the photo gallery.
The cabin features black leatherette upholstery with basketweave pattern inserts on the seat centers, door panels, and dashboard trim. Accessories include an aftermarket Lecarra three-spoke steering wheel, a Porsche-crested gear knob, a carpet dashboard cover, a Pioneer stereo, aftermarket door speakers, and a 911S-type instrument cluster, which was standard equipment for 911L models. The seller indicates a crack on the dashboard, a tear on the Targa top headliner, and the analog clock is inoperable. The accelerator pedal and pivot point bushings were replaced in preparation for sale.
In 2009, a replacement 2.4-liter flat-six engine was sourced from a 1973 Porsche 911T and rebuilt by Flat Six of Glencoe, Minnesota. The work included upgraded JE 9.5:1 compression pistons, rebuilt Weber carburetors, and a new Sachs clutch. The engine is mated to a 5-speed Type 901 manual transaxle. Standard equipment for the 911L included front and rear anti-roll bars, Koni dampers, and four-wheel vented disc brakes from the 911S. The front brake calipers were rebuilt in 2021, along with replacements of the brake hoses, front brake pads, front lower ball joints, outer tie rods, and rear sway bar bushings. The brake master cylinder was replaced in 2024, and the battery, muffler, oil level sensor, and oil level sending unit were replaced in preparation for sale. A pre-purchase inspection report from October 2024 indicates several oil leaks, a rust hole on the underbody, and sealant on the engine block seam.
This sale will include an owner’s manual, a car cover, service records, a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, and a clean title.
Comments (5)
Bid in the amount of $40,000
A rare soft window with lots going for it and lots going against it. Regardless, I suspect it will do well.
Bid in the amount of $2,218
Bid in the amount of $1,968
Welcome to my auction! I thought I’d take this opportunity to provide some additional information about my 1968 Porsche 911L Targa. First, a little history. The 1968 911S model failed to meet US emission standards, so it was not permitted to be imported into the US. Porsche needed a limited run vehicle to meet emissions standards, and the 911L was introduced. The 911L was only built and sold in 1968 and only 307 in the Targa trim left the factory. It featured the 911S’s superior equipment level, except that it had a tuned down 130 HP engine on Weber carburetors. The “L” in the name stood for Luxus (for “luxury”) as it was the most luxurious of the 911s sold in the US in 1968.
In full transparency, this car is not a show car. I bought it 17 years ago as a fun summertime car, and that’s exactly what it is, and it's a pure joy to drive! Although it gets plenty of looks/comments at Cars & Coffee and Porsche meets due to its rarity, it has its faults. Many parts are not original, including the engine which I had replaced shortly after I purchased the car (by a respected shop that only works on air cooled Porsches) the car because it was failing. The engine drips oil, but not a great amount. By the end of the year, there is spotting on the cardboard under the car, but it’s not a pool and it never required me to top off the oil. The inspection also revealed a small rust hole by the front left fog light, but I have been unable to locate it to photograph it. In that regard, I tried to make sure all the defects are shown in the photos. Also, the passenger visor has been re-installed since the photos were taken.
What this car lacks in showmanship, it more than makes up for in excitement of drive. It always starts, pulls strongly, and has been completely reliable (except once when the clutch went out, which was subsequently replaced). In the earlier years of my ownership, I routinely took 100 mile drives. Now, married and two kids later, my trips are more to the golf course and back, with an occasional stop at Dairy Queen for ice cream with my son. Which is why I’m selling it. It’s basically a beautiful piece of art that takes up a much needed stall in our garage.
In order to be fully transparent, I took it to the local Porsche dealership last fall and had it inspected (and added about 100 miles since that inspection). The results, and estimates, are in the pictures. The six page invoice shows what was repaired. The two page document titled “Customer Detailed Copy” shows what was not done. I asked the dealership for a PPI, but they told me that the inspection that they did was more thorough than a typical PPI, so it would be a waste of money because whatever was in it would just duplicate the inspection I had done. I’m happy to respond to any questions you may have. Thank you for bidding!