1973 Porsche 911 Speedster Conversion 3.6L
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1973
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 911T Modified
- VIN: 9113111297
- Mileage Shown: 1,856mi (TMU)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: White
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Lincoln, CA 95648
- Lot #: V-0046249
With the intent to bridge the gap between the original 356 Speedster of the 1950s and the 1989 911 Speedster, this 1973 911T Targa was acquired by the seller in 1990 at approximately 74k miles Subsequently, it underwent a Speedster-style transformation, incorporating a 1994 Porsche Speedster windshield & frame, a custom clamshell cover, a steel fabricated deck lid, a 3.6-liter flat-six engine, a G50 transmission with a limited-slip differential, and several other enhancements. Previously listed on PCARMARKET, this one-of-a-kind Speedster conversion is being offered for auction by its longtime owner out of California.
Originally specified as a 911T Targa, this example underwent a complete transformation to achieve a Speedster-style aesthetic. Professionally refinished in white, the vehicle was fitted with an electrically operated custom soft top, a 1994 911 Speedster windshield, and a hand-crafted double-hump clamshell cover. Other enhancements included the fitment of a 911S steel front bumper, a steel fabricated rear decklid fitted to streamline the rear body profile, Carrera-derived rear fender wells, and Carrera-style flair bumper ends. Additional details include black-finished horn grilles, rubber trim strips, factory polished mirrors, 993 door handles, chrome rear bumperettes, and factory staggered-width Fuchs wheels dressed in a set of older tires. A collection of images are provided in the gallery.
The cabin features black leather upholstery with matching carpets. Customizations include a modified dashboard pad and vents for the Speedster windshield, and factory seats with shaved headrests to align with the clamshell. Additionally, it includes ’89 Speedster power-operated windows with power regulators, window channels, and seals, as well as a custom-fabricated hidden roll bar extending from the rear to the front shock tower. Retractable seatbelts with shoulder harnesses are sourced from a 1984 Porsche. All gauges and electronics are reported to be functioning properly, though the air conditioner is recommended for service and the odometer was reset to "0" upon the seller's acquisition.
Power is provided by an air-cooled 3.6L flat-six engine donated from a 1996 Porsche 993 Carrera, rated at 272 HP and 243 lb.-ft of torque. The rear wheels are driven through an upgraded 5-speed G50 manual transmission paired with a limited-slip differential. Other equipment includes an electronic speedometer, hydraulic clutch, and late-model Boxster 4-piston front and rear brake calipers.
This sale will include a clean title.
The seller would like you to know: “This is the car that Porsche coulda/shoulda built between the 356 and '89 Porsche Speedster. I was inspired to build this car having seen the Stan Townsend 911 'Speedster' in 1972. In 1990, I began the project by acquiring the '73 911T Targa chassis. My goal was to create a modern 911 Speedster that would be fun, reliable, and comfortable to drive - even with air conditioning! It has been a long, and sometimes times frustrating, but ultimately satisfying project. No expense and unlimited time have been devoted to completing this build to the highest standards.”
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $60,000
- Auction End: Jul 23, 2024 06:47:24PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 19
Comments (42)
Bid in the amount of $60,000
Bid in the amount of $57,000
Bid in the amount of $56,000
Bid in the amount of $55,000
Bid in the amount of $53,000
Bid in the amount of $52,000
Bid in the amount of $50,500
Bid in the amount of $48,500
Bid in the amount of $47,500
Bid in the amount of $45,000
Bid in the amount of $43,000
Bid in the amount of $42,000
Bid in the amount of $41,500
Bid in the amount of $40,000
original hard tubing all other fuel hoses and hard tubing was new when I built the car.
Does this still have the original steel fuel lines through the Tunnel, or have they been replaced w/ new?
Bid in the amount of $35,000
The clamshell top is a nice improvement over Stan's original solution. I visited Stan for his story, chased down the car's next owner, then wrote an article about it for Excellence mag back in the day. His idea was monumental, and it even inspired a diecast model of Stan's Speedster. There have been several further renditions of Stan's concept over the years since he created his, and this one is the best I've seen so far. Best wishes for your auction!
I bought it from a friend in Costa Mesa that sells parts and cars. He told me at the time but don’t remember. I think it was less than 12000 miles. I will ask him in the morning maybe he remembers.
How many miles are on the motor?
Hello It's a stock 964 computer.(I think 88 pin) stock 964 wire harnes on the engine. I wanted to run it stock before I did and other mods. The A/C is a complete 964 unit with a large front con denser and 16" fan. Blowes 42 degrees just like all Porsches. Great A/C but just like all Porsche A/C takes 10minuts to cool off hot car.
Very Interesting. What computer is the engine controlled by, Porsche 55 pin, 88 pin or aftermarket?
Just confirming the AC is a full 964 suitcase in the frunk? Thanks
The A/C unit is out of a 964. The complete unit with a condenser in the floor of trunk with a 16" fan blowing
air thru it. 42 degrees 1 condenser
The air conditioning control unit has been upgraded. Is that completely electric system? Dual condenser? What’s that control unit?
Bid in the amount of $28,500
Varioram was to tall to clear the deck lid. I wanted a nice line from clam shell to tail light. Not the hump like the factory did. The real speedster look.
Engine upgrade is described as 1996 993. Why does this not have the Varioram intake manifold is it a 1996 or some other year? Thanks
The only service that I would do before I deliver to the new owner would be.
Change all filters and oil. Recharge the A/C Porsche A/C looses freon about every 2 years.
Itg's not freon it's the later stuff I think its A130??????
@eurosport any known issues or repairs/services needed. Doesn’t the 3.6 have a belt that needs to be changed that drives the distributor? What does it mean that the Air Conditioning is recommended for service?
Bid in the amount of $25,000
California title in my name. 1973 so no smog needed.
Bid in the amount of $20,000
Just wondering if it will carry a California title.
Bid in the amount of $7,500
The (rolll bar)is mostly for taking out any flex or twist in the body. It's welded to front shock towers then goes through to cockpit. There is a roll bar just behind the seats then on to the rear crosmember.
The soft top is a stock speedster top frame (1989) with a changed rear frame under rear window. I used all factory parts so anything could be replaced. Driving to Lit Show in LA and it raided put the top up and
NO LEAKS. 2 minutes to put up top and rear window.
Very cool creation - nice work! I can’t quite picture the hidden roll bar system. What is that and its purpose? How does it connect to the front shock towers? Also, is the soft top a a standard 911 speedster top and is a replacement able to be purchased or is it totally custom?
Yes there is a rear window. It zips in and comes in a roll bag. That way it lays out flat and no wrinkles.
@eurosport the top video seems to show the rear window is missing from the top. Is there a rear window?
video of power top
https://youtu.be/IXuv2lAveU0?si=FesP81MAhEZY9GrD
Hello I just took a video of the top going down and stoared under the power Clam Shell.
Will post later tonight.
wideridezzz Please give an emal address for video of top operation.
I think this auction presentation should include a video of the top opening & closing and how all that works.