Opinion on ducktail in midyear narrow body.

[clex2]

I just dropped off my '75 911S Targa at the restoration shop. The shop owner and I briefly went over the car and discussed the big picture, the general direction I wanted to go with the car. The midyears were never that well received, so concours was out of the question (besides $$$$), so we talked a little about a mild restomod. It no longer has the 2.7, but instead has a '79 SC 3.0. Probably going to do a stand alone MFI and exhaust, suspension, and then we came to the body and I recently added a ducktail and front chin spoiler. The ducktail really didn't sit well with the shop owner, as he thinks it's an abomination which ruins the lines of the 911. I, however, absolutely love it, and it doesn't hurt that it's period correct. I debated the whole narrow body issue and whether I should add SC flares, but ultimately I was sold on the way the car currently looks with the Duck and chin mixed with the right stance on 951 7 and 8 x 16 Fuchs. Of course, it's a matter of personal preference, but I'd like to hear from the community if the ducktail is as hideous as I was told, or does it look good, as I believe. I was really surprised how well it looked despite my car being a narrow body. I have included some pics as reference.

[Algernon]

As I wrote on your other post,
"Those two look absolutely brilliant!
But I can't believe you would put a tail on such a beautiful Targa - what next - flames down the side?"

[juanbenae]

that works well, piss in yir wrenches general direction. wish you lived closer you could take us for a ride...

[RSBob]

Ducks always look good on targas. It compliments the lines beautifuly. Do it.

[Arne2]

I'm not a fair judge, as I don't care for ducktails on much of anything, although "abomination" might be a bit harsh. I vote for no duck.

[fanaudical]

Huh - I also have a '75 Targa and have often wondered what it would look like with a duck tail. (Mine is even the same color as yours.) I'm not sure I like it, but it's your car - your mechanic should be willing to do what you ask/pay for (as long as it doesn't compromise safety).

Question: Is yours at stock ride height? Or is that Euro ride height?

[J-Mac]

I say leave it off. I love the classic look of your Targa in silver. But what would I know, I just put one on my 75 Carrera.

[Bill Douglas]

I say leave it off. Your car is GORGEOUS without it.

[LakeCleElum]

I love Targa's....Yours is beautiful.............BUT, IMO it would look like a Duck out of Water with a tail......That's just me...

[JohnJL]

Ive had my 71 Targa with and without ducks. Without appealed to me better, more classic.

[universeman]

I agree. Without - 100% classic. With - 90% classic, 10% trying-a-little-too-hard-to-be-cool.

[fintstone]

I would leave the duck off...and polish the petals on your wheels. Beautiful car as is.

[Porboynz]

I would do what makes you happy, its a difficult road pleasing all the people all the time.

[javadog]

Since you asked for opinions, I think your car looks better without the ducktail. If you are installing it just for looks, I'd leave it off. If you notice a difference in how the car handles at higher speeds, and that's important to you, then leave it on. You can always fit it to your car, then paint it along with the original lid and have both available.

Your car, your decision, but that's my opinion.

JR

[WPOZZZ]

Have the duck painted at the same time. Swap decklids as you wish.

[Coastr]

I vote for this. Looks beautiful.

It's your car though, do what you want. Hang onto the old decklid in case you change your mind.

[VFR750]

If you like the Duck, put it on.

This is your car, do what makes yourself smile.

Everyone else's opinion, while valid, are really not important.

Here is a solution:

Buy a ducktail, paint both the standard and the duck. Stick one up one the wall as art. Put the other one on the car.

In a few years, change your mind and swap tails. Now the new art piece will have provenance.

[drcoastline]

Your car is gorgeous with and with out the duck. I say have it both ways. Get the duck fitted and painted. It's an easily removed mod depending on your mood, unlike SC flares. Once the flares are on it's not quick, easy or inexpensive to reverse.

I have a 74 Targa. Very similar to your car but chocolate brown and came with cookies. I am fitting SC flares and added the rubber lower valance lip. I have my stock lid, a Duck and an early style whale/Weissach tail. I have a set of Fuchs and BBS's and a fiberglass RS style lower valance for an impact bumper car. The way I see it I have what 10 variations depending on my mood. I mix and match tails, wheels and valances. I don't often use the fiberglass valance or the stock lid but they're nice to have.

Make your self happy it's your car. A duck can be removed and replaced relatively quickly.

Good luck in what ever you decide. The car looks great.

[jittsl]

I originally put a duck on my 70 911 narrow body but it never looked right to me (although I love them with RS/SC rear flares). Eventually I went back to no wing and love it that way.

[clex2]

Thanks for all your opinions. I'm still torn. I have a trove of pictures taken off this board showing all forms of targas with ducktails and I believe that, in general, the SC flared cars fit the ducktail best. Narrow body cars like mine, typically look awkard with the duck, but either I'm way biased beacuse it's my own car, or the stance and the fact that I fit 8 x 16 951 fuchs in the rear, somehow makes the duck on my car work visually. There is no right answer here. Either you liek the ducktail or not. I will just have both lids painted when the car is resprayed and I will be able to have both depending on the mood. Here is a picture of my car as it looked for the better part of 25 years wearing 6 and 7 x 15 Fuchs. Somehow the 16 inch wheels really improve the cars appearance IMHO.