Abandoned Find
Porsche often boasts that over 70% of their cars are still on the road, but this particular 911 Targa was not among them. The classic sports car, abandoned for more than three decades, was recently discovered in Idaho, where it was deteriorating under layers of pine cones and time.
Its rescuer, Markos Marzouca, said the neglected Targa had been standing just a few steps from his office for 31 years. During that time, many people tried to buy it, but no one managed to close a deal.
“I got lucky and asked on the right day,” Marzouca admitted.
Car’s Condition
When Markos finally got the car at his disposal, he found the 1970 Porsche half-buried in pine needles, and squirrels had turned the car into their personal food storage. However, this did not deter Markos, who was determined to save the car. After it was towed and washed, the old Porsche turned out to be in much better condition than expected, and a restoration project began.
Car’s History
The 1970 Porsche 911 Targa may not have been kept in ideal conditions, but it undoubtedly lived a rich life. Initially sold through Vasek Polak in California, its first owner actively drove it across the western United States and Canada, even making trips over Trail Creek Summit. In total, the car covered 101,000 miles (162,500 km), and amazingly, it is still equipped with the original 2.0-liter flat-six engine.
Engine Revival
Markos plans to restore the car in stages, aiming for what he calls “a car with a solid base and a tuned drivetrain, but with an old body.” Despite all the necessary work, he hopes to get the car into working order by the New Year.
The first task was replacing the rusty front suspension panels before moving on to the rear-mounted 2.0-liter flat-six engine. Surprisingly, the engine still turns over by crank, but the throttle linkages are seized.
Further Plans
This project is a reminder of how even the most forgotten machines can be brought back to life with patience and determination. We will follow its progress, and in the meantime, you can see the Targa after its first wash in over three decades.
Introduced in 1965, the 911 Targa filled the gap between the open cabriolet and the fixed-roof coupe, offering safety and style thanks to its characteristic stainless steel roll bar and removable roof panels. This format has remained an integral part of the 911 model range ever since.
Similar stories of classic car finds demonstrate how resilient old Porsches can be, even after decades of neglect. The revival of this Targa not only returns another unique specimen to the roads but also preserves a piece of automotive history for future generations.