My obsession began when I was nine years old. It all happened innocently enough, when I was on my bike, minding my own business when I heard a sound that was completely foreign (quite literally as it turns out). As I cranked my head back to find the source of this music, my eyes caught a yellow blur. As quickly as the sound came, it was gone.
That introduction left me with quite an ‘impression', both mentally and physically. As it turned out, in my enthusiasm to catch the source, I bounced my bike off a curb and into a thick hedge of evergreen. I still have the scars on my right leg as a souvenir of that first rendezvous.
After many years of coveting and learning about the marque I acquired an example that while not perfect, was right up my alley. At the time I had a Honda Prelude SRV, which I sold to make room for the object of my desire (as seen on these pages).
The car was a 1976 911S Targa. Yes, one of the infamous 2.7s.... Not only did it have the old mechanical tensioners and five blade fan, it was in need of some new rubber and paint. I threw caution to the wind, and purchased the car after an inspection and no fewer than four visits. I have not regretted that purchased even once, and that was five years ago. I enjoy the car and drive it as much as possible, which means everyday in the summer. You see I live in Canada, and driving such a lite and nimble car in the winter, would be foolish considering the amount of driving I do. (Besides the amount of salt used by the locals during the winter months, would ensure a shortened life span even though the car is galvanized...)
Which brings me to my next ‘project', a 1970 911E Targa. Last weekend I purchased a stable mate that is sure to require many hours of my attention. This car is by all definitions, a basket case. Let's put it this way, any two parts that where touching when the car left the factory are no longer touching. Apparently, the car fell victim to good intention and lack of follow-thru. I followed up a message that was posted to Porschefans, and found myself driving many hours North of Toronto to view what was described as a complete car except for the windshield and axles halves. To my disappointment the car was somewhat less than what I had anticipated. I wanted the car but couldn't justify the asking price, so I offered an amount that I thought was fair. The owner said he couldn't let it go for that amount, so I gave him my number and told him to call if he had a change of heart. I drove home that night knowing that I wasn't getting the car and tried to put it out of my mind. A month past and the phone rang, and negotiations where re started.
The net result was that I agreed to purchase the car upon another inspection and confirmation of the parts inventory.
Last weekend I went with a friend to look at the car with the intention of bringing it home. In fact I did and now the scope of my undertaking is beginning to hit me. I've spent the last week emptying the cube van of all the parts and cataloguing them so that I can start my list of required parts. I have accounted for most parts, including the rear axle halves. Unfortunately I have found some parts that were not included and will be required. Those parts will be listed here, and if anyone that visits has some I'd be happy to hear from them.
In the near future I'll be including some pictures of my adventure so far, as well as an update of progress.