Porsche 911 Targa, test drive

Once I had a rough understanding of the operation, I was asked to take over driving the car.

Since we are here, we decide to drive with the roof open. Of course, Targa of this era did not open and close the roof fully automatically like today's 911.When the roof is removed by hand, it folds down and fits neatly into the front trunk.The first is the "I" in "I".

First, put the car in first gear and start driving; it is a strange feeling to have no clutch to operate the H-pattern shifter. When I step on the accelerator pedal normally, the car starts running really smoothly.

How does this Sportmatic work?There is a sensor on the shift knob that disengages the clutch when you put your hand on the shift and makes it ready to shift.So, he says, people whose driving style is such that they hold the shift knob all the time should be careful.

Shifting up a gear is smoother when the accelerator is slightly relaxed while shifting.This car has only three gears.Therefore, first gear is used for starting, and most of the time the car is driven in second gear, and third gear is used for overdrive purposes.

If you change from first to second gear too early, acceleration is a bit sluggish, but once the engine revs up in second gear, the car runs very solidly. The 164 PS is sufficient for such a small car, and the sound of the Porsche's air-cooled engine is pleasant as the rpm increases.

The 2.7L engine feels very nimble compared to the 3.6L in my 964.

Shifting down from 3rd gear to 2nd gear, for example, can be done normally, without any need to be aware of the rpm adjustment, and there are no strange shifting shocks.

The turnability, behavior, and response in the corners are 911 itself.The front suspension contracts and the front load is placed on the car to make a turn, and I can't help but smile. To be honest, there are times when I wish for one more gear when driving on winding roads, but the Targa is not suited to the kind of driving that brings out the sweat.

Wide gear ratio suits cruising gracefully.The first is the "I" in "I".

Incidentally, the wind roll-in didn't bother me so much at the pace that I'd be flowing down the mountain road, butThe owner says that the wind rolls in a lot at high speeds, so you shouldn't drive with the roof open.Yes.

The Targa, my 964, and the authentic 73 Carrera RS in the back.

Return to the parking lot and put the gear in P.It's also refreshing to see a shift with an H pattern but with a PIt is.

After getting out of the car, I took another look at it and found it to be a very cool and stylish car. There are not so many cars with a design that would be picturesque even when parked on the street in the city.

The wheel arches are silver moldings, a feature of the '76 model.

This car is not only fun to drive when you are in it, but it is also fun when you get out and look back at it. It was a car that entertained me twice.

Thank you to the owner for letting me drive his precious 911S Targa!