An iconic and expensive classic, the first-generation Porsche 911 isn’t the type of vehicle you’d expect to find in derelict condition in someone’s backyard. Yet many of these German sports cars are still waiting to be rescued after decades of neglect. This 1978 911 S Targa is one of those rigs.
As with many classics, the 911 was retired from the road when the original owner passed away. That was some 20 years ago, as of 2024. Luckily enough, the 911 spent most of that time under a tarp. But even though that’s a big improvement over full exposure to the elements, it wasn’t enough to keep the car completely safe from moisture, mold, and critters.
Tasked with giving the 911 a makeover before the owner’s son puts it back on the road, Larry Kosilla of AMMO NYC uncovered a sports car with faded paint, a moldy and rat-infested interior, and a seized engine. On the flip side, the Porsche was still in decent shape for a vehicle that had been sitting for two decades, which is usually long enough to inflict severe rust damage.
Grime isn’t an issue for professional detailers, so Larry cleaned up the exterior in no time. Moreover, he revived the yellow paint—except for the hood area, which has been peeling off due to a repaint. The interior was a much more difficult task due to the massive amount of mold and dirt that plagued the leather seats and the super-thick carpets. Thankfully, modern cleaning products deliver outstanding results, and the cabin ended up looking almost brand-new.
He also called in a friend to help free the engine and presented the owner with a 911 that’s only a few repairs away from becoming a road-worthy rig. But wait, there’s even more good news. According to our host, this 911 will get a complete restoration.
This specific 911 left the assembly line for the 1978 model year when Porsche introduced a new 3.0-liter flat-six as the main powerplant. The said unit delivered 172 horsepower and 189 pound-feet (256 Nm) of torque in US-spec models. The European version had 178 horses and 195 pound-feet (265 Nm) on tap.
The Targa model, which had been in production since 1966, was the only open-top variant of the 911 at the time. Porsche did not introduce a fully-fledged convertible until late 1982.
Porsche sold 11,243 units in 1978, 5,015 of which were shipped in the United States. Unlike in Europe, where the majority of 911s sold were coupes, US buyers purchased more Targa versions. Specifically, 2,579 examples were ordered with the removable top or 51.4% of total US sales. For reference, Porsche sold only 1,729 Targa units in Europe.
This Targa was finished in Rallye Yellow, one of 30 hues available that year. See the lively-colored 911 spring back to life after its first wash in 20 years by hitting the play button below.