A bespoke 1972 Porsche 911 Targa will be auctioned this month to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Porsche Design.
The 911 is being sold as part of Sotheby’s Luxury Week in New York. The winning bidder will also receive a one-of-a-kind wrist watch: the Chronograph I – 911S 2.4 Targa.
Both the car and watch pay tribute to the work of F.A. Porsche, who founded Porsche Design in 1972.
Five decades of design
While other members of the Porsche family had an engineering focus, Ferdinand Anton Porsche had a particular interest in product design and craftsmanship. His early work included styling the original Porsche 911, along with the 904 racing car.
A change in management policy led F.A. Porsche to create Porsche Design Studio in 1972. He was later joined by his brother, Hans-Peter Porsche.
Porsche Design’s first product was the Chronograph I wristwatch, featuring a radical matte black steel finish. The company has since designed everything from sunglasses to luggage, and kettles to toasters.
Back in black
Star of the auction is the 1972 Porsche 911S 2.4 Targa, thoroughly restored and refurbished by experts at Porsche Classic over a period of two years. The Sonderwunsch (special request) scheme was used to access a wider range of custom finishes.
Components from the higher-specification ‘S’ version include a 190hp engine, replacing the Targa’s original 130hp flat-six. Chassis and brake upgrades were fitted, too.
Solid black paint, the preferred choice of F.A. Porsche, is used for the exterior. The classic Fuchs wheels have an anodised finish, with a platinum satin effect for the Targa roll bar and other exterior details. ‘Porsche Design’ lettering is on the sill stripes.
Inside, the Targa has black leather seats with retro-styled Sport-Tex fabric inserts. This trim can also be found on the dashboard and door cards.
Bid for Porsche Design history
The Chronograph I – 911S 2.4 Targa watch has a unique winding rotor on the back of its case. Echoing the shape of Fuchs wheels, it was developed by Porsche Design’s in-house watchmakers.
Both the 911 Targa and Chronograph I watch have spent much of 2022 on display, acting as central exhibits for the ‘50 Years of Porsche Design’ show at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart.
As part of Sotheby’s Luxury Week 2022, both items will be auctioned online between 29 November and 14 December 2022.
A pre-sale estimate of £240,000 to £330,000 has been suggested for this desirable Porsche car and watch combo.
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