Tracking Down Targa in Ontario

[RandalJ]

From 2002-2007 I owned a 1986 Prussian blue targa in the Phoenix area. I've tried to track it down off and on, and last I saw it was registered in Ontario, in August 2012.

Before then I saw it on Autotrader (located in Ohio or Kentuky), and it had about 130k miles, and looked like it was in need of some TLC. Looked dusty and asking price was only $10k. But it was definitely my old car because I recognized the Autothority MAF and the zbox speaker enclosure in back. But the advertiser never got back to me, and ad came down after I inquired. So, all I know is it's in Ontario.

Just wondering whether any of you in Ontario know of the car, and whether the owner is another Pelican. I'd like to see if it might be up for sale anytime soon, or at least offer to share my known history with it. I still have some great photos of it.



Thanks.

[brock911]

I'll keep my eyes open, if I see it I shall let you know.
Best wishes with your search, looks like a beautiful car.
Mike

[nytko]

Nice car

[RandalJ]

Thanks. Would be cool to find it after all these years and miles...

[John 996 TT Cab]

It's always nice to see our old cars. Last year I was at a PCA dinner and the gentleman across from my thanked me for looking after the '82 Signal Yellow Targa that he now owned. I had it from new on December 24, 1981 until I bought a 996 TT Cab in April of 2008! I also see my first Porsche, a Signal Yellow 911 Targa quite often (had it from September/72 to April/08) as a friend of mine bought and restored it.

John in Vancouver

[RandalJ]

I think I've narrowed it down to a location in Ontario! It was last registered last July in Sault Ste Marie. I found this via CarProof.

[brock911]

That should make it easier, there can't be too many targa's in the Sault, assuming the the car is still there, after all if the car was last registered there in July 2012 it may be making its way out of the garage any time now... , the Sault gets a fair bit of snow.

Not sure if there are any Pelicans out there but if there are you are one step closer.

If you really want to know who the car is registered to (if you're certain it's in Ontario) the Ministry offers a service for $20, it's called a Vehicle Information Package or used car package.

Anyone can purchase one for the required fee, just provide the VIN and the Ministry will provide a print out, it will identify the name's and cities of the registered owners in Ontario. I'm not sure but maybe you can contact a "Service Ontario" office, this is the Ministry of Ontario License Bureau office that handles all vehicle related transactions and offer to pay the fee by credit card, maybe they will fax or scan and email the results to you?

From there you can do a little more investigating to narrow down the search and perhaps come up with an address to send a letter, or a Pelican in the area could assist?

Mike

[RandalJ]

Thanks, Mike. A Google search does not even turn up a Porsche repair shop in the area, but I did email another Pelican who I found had a 944 for sale in Sault Ste Marie ON four years ago, to ask whether he had seen it around. Your suggestion sounds like it would turn up a definitive result. I would just feel funny approaching it that way, you know, prying into someone's records. Maybe if nothing else turns it up. Thanks again.

[brock911]

RandalJ, I understand the "feeling funny" emotion, however, if you want to know you are doing what you can to locate and possibly re-purchase your old car, pursue it, these are not private records.

The current owner may appreciate hearing from you and talking about your old - his new car, this would certainly move you to the front of the line if and when he decides to sell.

You never know the car may be for sale right now?

Mike

[upwardr]

Hey mike I never thought of using these sellers packages that way. I found the original bill of sale for my first 911 now sold to Toronto area. Would consider buying it if I could find it. I will try this see what happens.
Thanks

Didn't mean to hijack the thread, carry on.

[brock911]

Originally Posted by upwardr

Hey mike I never thought of using these sellers packages that way. I found the original bill of sale for my first 911 now sold to Toronto area. Would consider buying it if I could find it. I will try this see what happens.
Thanks

Didn't mean to hijack the thread, carry on.

Hi Larry, good luck with the search, let me know how you make out?

Next time in Niagara let me know, always enjoy talking Porsche.

Mike

[the walrus]

FOUND!!! I have Randy's old car! 2,200 miles between Randy and me, and 5+ years since Randy has owned her.

Randy contacted me this week by e-mail, at first I was on guard looking out for a scam, but now I know its all above board. Randy seems like a real stand up guy. What a trip its been hearing about the car's history and seeing the old pictures he's sent me.


As seen today in Petosky MI.

The wife and I had a day without our 3yr old son, so we loaded into the Targa and made the 225mi round trip there and back from 'the Soo'. Car performed great, no issues at all. Top off for the first half, until the temperature dropped with sundown. The seats are the most comfortable I've ever sat in, even with 130k miles of service behind them.
Highlight of the drive was watching an almost new blue Carrera convertible approach in my rear view, letting him pass me, then playing chase through some twisty cottage roads, the driver in the lead car seemed really into it, my wife wasn't enjoying it at all, so I slowed and then he did too, eventually he turned off, I could see he slowed to a stop at the turn, but I drove past, I wish I had of stopped to chat.

I hadn't really been thinking of selling, I'm enjoying it more than I thought I ever would,, but you can't keep them all and it would be cool to see it back in the hands of a sentimental previous owner. Randy and I can sort out those details when the time is right, but for now I thought the forum guys might get a kick out of seeing a previous owner find his old car.

[JJ 911SC]

Good for you.

What is with the new Pelican User Name, turning a new page?

[RandalJ]

Yes, it is found!

When I saw it in the Auto Trader back in Sep 2011, it came with a pitiful description of the condition, and at the low asking price I was worried that if it was that bad, it might end up in the hands of a salvage yard. Instead, I know it is in good hands and is running strong as ever!

Thanks to the Walrus for responding!

[brock911]

Nice to see, how did you end up finding each-other? I realize that an email initiated the contact but how did that come about?

Nice detective work,
Mike

[RandalJ]

Mike, I followed your advice, and then did a search through Linked-In and Zoominfo. Then guessed at Paul's work email address and guessed right. Just lucky.