1967 911S "Soft-Window" Targa

US safety regulations usually result in less-than-beautiful designs, with one notable exception: the 911 Targa. Worried that the NHTSA might ban convertibles with fully retractable soft tops, Porsche developed the 911 Targa as an open-air alternative. With its distinct roll bar, and removable top, early Targas had removable, clear plastic windows to give the most open-air experience to drivers while meeting “proposed” safety regulations. By 1968 a glass window replaced the removable plastic making these early “Soft-Window” Targas highly prized by collectors today.

This 1967 911S “Soft-Window” Targa was refinished in its original color of Polo Red roughly 15 years ago and includes plenty of photos and receipts from the restoration with the sale. For a 15 year old restoration, the paint still looks to be in very nice condition.

The interior is finished in Black leatherette with patterned seat inserts and is in excellent condition as well. It includes lap belts, a Becker Europa radio, and wood-rimmed steering wheel added by the seller after their purchase. Pictures of the engine bay and under carriage are excellent, showing only minimal wear and a tad bit of surface rust on the exhaust. But damn good for 15 years old.

This car sold last year on Bring a Trailer for $258,000, which was a solid sale considering prices for early Targas had been in a decline since peaking in 2021. This time around, it sold at a final bid of $265,000, which is a good look since we haven’t seen a ‘67 Targa sell for over $200k yet this year. Fair deal for a nice car, and some fun for the seller without loosing money in a softer market. Maybe this sale is the turning point in the Soft-Window Targa market? I hope so.

Two things that go hand-in-hand? Porsche and watches. Every Porschephile I know is also a watch nerd. And like Porsches, watches can be enjoyed at all price points. 

On a recent visit to Pittsburgh, SML subscriber Allan S. tossed me his new Sheffield Allsport watch. Sheffield Watches is a reboot of an old dive watch brand founded in New York in the ‘50s that was synonymous with producing low-price point, quality watches. The weight of the stainless steel case felt robust, as did the feel of the screw-down crown and unidirectional bezel—definitely quality. As for price point, the Sheffield diver punches way above its weight at $108. You can’t buy more watch for the money, period. 

And that’s what Sheffield Watches’ founder Jay Turkbas set out to accomplish, reviving the brand's ethos and creating a watch synonymous with quality, technology, and affordability. Taking inspiration from his original Sheffield watch from the ’70s and his 30-plus years of experience in product development and innovation, he knocked it out of the park with a durable watch capable of exploring the depths of the ocean one day and cars & coffee the next. And all at a price point equivalent to the $13 the watch originally cost back then. Take a moment to give Sheffield Watches a look. I know you’ll be just as impressed as I am.

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