1970 Porsche 911 S 2.2 Targa
About the Car
1970 Porsche 911 S 2.2 Targa
1970 Porsche 911 Evolution: Porsche's 1970 model year saw a significant evolution of the iconic 911, with a larger 2.2-liter boxer-six engine.
Increased Power: This enhanced engine delivered increased torque across a wider RPM range and boasted higher horsepower, particularly in the powerful 911 S variant.
Distinctive Features: The 911 S stood out with features like forged pistons, fuel injection, and exclusive rear anti-roll bar, providing a thrilling driving experience.
Weight-conscious Design: Porsche utilized magnesium for the crankcases of all 911 engines, emphasizing the importance of weight reduction in their design philosophy.
Open-Air Thrills: The open 911 Targa, with its steel safety bar and removable folding roof, gained a devoted following among Porsche enthusiasts.
Historic Year: 1970 marked a historic year not just for Porsche but also for global music as the Beatles disbanded and Queen emerged.
Le Mans Victory: Porsche celebrated a major motorsport victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Porsche 917.
Safety Cabriolet: The Porsche 911 Targa was a pioneering 'safety cabriolet,' designed to meet stringent US regulations and featuring robust bumpers.
Rigid Roof Design: The defining feature of the Porsche 911 S 2.2 Targa was its sturdy, removable folding roof paired with a steel rollover bar for added safety.
Driving Sensation: The introduction of the Targa almost 60 years ago revolutionized not only the concept of convertible cars but also the unique Porsche driving experience it offered.
In 1970, Porsche made a significant enhancement to the iconic 911 model. They increased the boxer-six engine's size by 200 cc, bringing it to 2.2 liters. This upgraded engine was not only quieter but also delivered more torque across a broader range of RPMs and produced higher horsepower. Among the 911 variants, the 911 S stood out with its powerful engine, boasting 180 PS, along with features like forged pistons and fuel injection. Exclusively for the 911 S, Porsche added an anti-roll bar at the rear axle and inner vented brake discs.
The 911 E, on the other hand, had a 155 PS engine, while the 911 T featured a 125 PS boxer-six. Porsche was also mindful of weight reduction, using magnesium for the crankcases of all nine-eleven engines. The 911 Targa, characterized by its steel safety bar and removable folding roof, garnered a dedicated following among Porsche enthusiasts. Remarkably, in 1970, almost a third of Porsche's production volume consisted of the open 911 Targa.
1970 was a year marked by unforgettable moments. It was the year the Beatles disbanded, Queen was formed, and the Porsche 917 triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Notably, one in every three 911s rolling out of the Zuffenhausen plant was a Targa. Porsche had introduced the first-ever Porsche 911 Targa five years earlier as a response to stricter safety regulations in the US. This unique model featured robust bumpers with black 'bellows' on the sides, capable of withstanding impacts up to 8 km/h without damaging the car's bodywork.
The defining feature of the Porsche 911 S 2.2 Targa was its sturdy, removable folding roof, coupled with a steel rollover bar cherished by Porsche aficionados. The 911 S weighed 1,020 kg and reached an impressive top speed of 230 km/h. Under the hood, the top-of-the-range 132 kW (180 PS) engine incorporated intake manifold injection and forged pistons. Additionally, the S version offered a rear anti-roll bar and internally ventilated brake discs. The introduction of the Targa nearly six decades ago not only introduced a new concept but also ushered in an entirely unique driving experience synonymous with Porsche.