Requiem for a Targa

[Seahawk]

HVAC in the house went down yesterday, repair guy can't get out until 1230. Around 1400 he has the goods on my system, about $500 clams for a pressure fluxerator.

I decide, since it's cold but sunny, to take the Targa back to work. I live in a very rural area, with series of narrow country roads leading out to the highway. About three miles into the journey, on a very narrow, curvey and undulating stretch, a car gets into my lane, maybe a foot and a half over the double yellows. Unfortunately, I was right on the line, just loping really, the car wasn't even warmed up and the tires were cold. I was going 55 in a 45.

I only blame myself, not the other car. On an ordinary day I would have been fine. The combination of cold tires, cold road and my correction got me sideways, then on my side, then two impacts with the dirt hill on the opposite shoulder and then back upright. I may have bitten the lip of the road (no shoulder) on my side, but I couldn't find any evidence.

Since the road the very up and down, the other driver never saw me crash. The interesting thing is that, even with my exhaust impinged, the car started and I was able to limp off back down the hill. The throttle linkage barely worked, but it was enough. There were no other cars involved and no other cars came by until I got the car off the road.

I'm fine, the car will be totaled by USAA. I am simply sick about the loss of a very cherished car. I owned the Targa for three years, put over 40 thousand miles on it and loved every minute...no mechanical issues at all, not a one.

I was talking with a good friend of mine a hour or so ago and (he owns a convertable) and I mentioned to him that there have been moments in the Targa, Spring day, Dire Straits blasting, wind and sun in my face, when all was right with the world.

Again, my fault and I am not maudalin at all...ok, a lot of saddness. I will say that if any 964 owners need my spares, car cover or any other incidentals, PM and they are yours for the price of shipping

I seemed to have touched every panel on the car, wheels as well. It's a gift.

Edit: It snowed today. Yesterday was beautiful. Also, not sure of the mechanical, front oil cooler ruptured.

[slodave]

That's too bad. I'm glad you are alright.

[Tim Hancock]

That sucks Seahawk! Once the dust settles, maybe you might want to buy it back and make a project out of it as it appears to be a very nice well kept example.

[steve911]

+1 Glad you're OK. Sounds pretty hairy, but cars can be replaced.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by Tim Hancock

That sucks Seahawk! Once the dust settles, maybe you might want to buy it back and make a project out of it as it appears to be a very nice well kept example.

Thanks, Tim...I wish I was up for the project, but the first estimate from the USAA folks, without mechanicals, is over $20k.

I know. Salvage is estimated at 3 to 4K.

[HardDrive]

Damn shame Seahawk. Sorry to hear it.

[hpservertech]

Glad your ok.

But can't you just buff that right out?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Damn Paul, glad you're ok. The answer is obvious, of course. Transplant your 3.6 into a longhood and the 964 will live on!

[gr8fl4porsche]

The important thing is that no-one was hurt - it's just a car. You can get a new one.

To help ease your pain of looking at a wrecked car everyday, I will give you 3k for it and pick it up tomorrow. Do we have a deal?

[Gogar]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Damn Paul, glad you're ok. The answer is obvious, of course. Transplant your 3.6 into a longhood and the 964 will live on!

+1+1!!

You'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner! Or find a nice 76 or 77 tub and toss it all in there (er, most of it.)

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Damn Paul, glad you're ok. The answer is obvious, of course. Transplant your 3.6 into a longhood and the 964 will live on!

Thanks, Matt. I just feel so stupid I didn't pull it out.

Gogar: You are bad man! If you get some time in DC, come on down!

[Tobra]

glad you are undamaged.

I know where you could get a nice 914 shell to drop the drivetrain into...

[scottmandue]

Also glad to hear you are okay... "on your side"? that must have been hairy!

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Ouch! very sorry to see the end of such a beautiful car, what a great color! like a june bug.

glad you are OK and can look forward to something new.

if you can get it back at $3K salvage, do! I'll come down and help pull it apart over a weekend.

keep us posted on the search. I know of an amazing 97 C4S up here.

[kach22i]

Sorry to see this happen, it was a nice car.

Is most of the damage limited to the body panels?

Could be fate calling you to replace it all with carbon fiber and fiberglass body parts. Would be like an extra 50 hp or more for free and better braking.

When life gives you lemons, make some lemon-aid.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by kach22i

Sorry to see this happen, it was a nice car.

Is most of the damage limited to the body panels?

Could be fate calling you to replace it all with carbon fiber and fiberglass body parts. Would be like an extra 50 hp or more for free and better braking.

When life gives you lemons, make some lemon-aid.

Thanks, George...at this juncture, a project is impractical but not improbable

[kach22i]

So a 959 body kit is out of the question?

Just kidding.

[MT930]

Good to know you were un harmed. The car took good care of you during the accident. Glad no one was hurt.

Sorry for the loss.

[M.D. Holloway]

Seahawk - glad to hear you were not hurt.

Would that top fit a 77?

[M.D. Holloway]

while we are on it, would an engine and the trans fit?

Just asking...