This 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa Custom is a quintessential expression of the G-body era—blending the unmistakable character of an air-cooled 911 with meaningful performance and cosmetic upgrades that elevate both its drivability and presence. It’s also a numbers-matching example, retaining its original engine, chassis, and G50 transmission, and it comes with a Certificate of Excellence from Porsche, attesting to its authenticity and pedigree.
Power comes from the legendary 3.2-liter flat-six, which in factory form delivers around 217 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. However, this example has been tastefully tuned with the catalytic converter deleted and a straight-piped exhaust system installed, resulting in improved breathing, a more aggressive tone, and an estimated output of approximately 265 horsepower. That extra performance is fully exploitable thanks to the G50 5-speed manual transmission, introduced for the 1987 model year and widely praised for its hydraulic clutch and precise, smooth shifts.
Handling is sharpened with a performance-tuned Elephant Racing suspension and Red Line struts, offering confident, responsive cornering while remaining comfortable on the street. Braking power is provided by four-wheel disc brakes, and grip is maximized with the largest possible tires for this setup: Dunlop Direzza ZIII tires (205/55R16 front, 225/50R16 rear), mounted on classic Fuchs wheels dated to 2019.
Cosmetically, this Targa has been refined with a clean, modern aesthetic. Bumperette deletes and a rear wing delete give the car a sleeker, more cohesive look. The iconic Targa roll hoop has been custom-smooth finished, enhancing its silhouette without losing its identity. LED projector headlights have been fitted up front to offer improved night visibility while keeping a sharp visual signature.
The cabin has been stripped down and purpose-built with the driver in mind. The original radio has been deleted, and in its place is a clean, focused cockpit featuring custom handmade leather roadster-style seats with grommets, a Momo Prototipo steering wheel, and a full set of new gauges for improved readability and aesthetics. A WEVO Porsche G50 short shifter allows for quicker, more tactile gear changes, while Rennline floorboards, door cards, and performance pedals add a motorsport-inspired touch. Custom aluminum wheel stalks and a Rennline blower motor cover complete the refined yet purposeful interior. A rear seat delete further enhances the driver-focused nature of the build.
Despite the extensive modifications, all original stock items will be included with the vehicle, preserving its heritage for future restoration or collector value. Approximately 18,500 Carrera Targas were produced from 1984 to 1989, but late-production G50-equipped cars like this one are especially desirable. They offer the perfect balance of mechanical simplicity, analog engagement, and real-world usability—with this particular example elevated by its thoughtful and performance-minded upgrades.
For both collectors and driving enthusiasts, this 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa Custom offers an exceptional blend of period charm, modern capability, and heritage. It's a car that looks as good as it drives—and drives even better than it looks.
