Targa top prices, where to start?

[fallingat120mph]

Just curious about why the prices of used targa tops are somewhat high - or maybe they aren't and that's just what the market is?

Condition from use (just get bad) or scarcity???


Also, for anyone that has sold or purchased a top, what are the key elements that people are looking at?





Erik

[MBAtarga]

The last time I saw the "list price" of a Targa top from Porsche NA - it was around $21k. And that was probably 15-20 years ago.

They command a relatively high price because they are a limited commodity. There is no aftermarket mfr of the stock targa assemblies.

One thing to note - there are at least 3 types - those with earlier style latches and then the later version with roller latches (86? and later.) The earlier style has at least two versions. One version with a center rear pin - and earlier years was without.

[fallingat120mph]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

The last time I saw the "list price" of a Targa top from Porsche NA - it was around $21k. And that was probably 15-20 years ago.

They command a relatively high price because they are a limited commodity. There is no aftermarket mfr of the stock targa assemblies.

One thing to note - there are at least 3 types - those with earlier style latches and then the later version with roller latches (86? and later.) The earlier style has at least two versions. One version with a center rear pin - and earlier years was without.

Thank you!

I did notice the different types. Mine is off an 86' and have noticed in old ads/posts the question of "what type/version?" did come up in the follow up comments...

Appreciate the feedback -

Erik

[John W.]

This is kinda embarrassing but this spring I got my 89 targa top skin replaced by a supposedly reputable auto upholstery shop. It didn’t go on as smoothly as it use to but I tugged on it from both sides pretty hard and all seemed good. I head out on the freeway about 75 and it just blows off flying across several lanes. By the time I can loop around the freeway it’s a mangled mess. I go to the shop I should of went to in the first place and he says big mistake, there’s only a few places in the US that can refurbish targa tops since it needs a special jig to keep it square when they stretch the top on. He ordered me a new top from the factory for 18k. For me, the lesson learned is always go with the expert.

[fallingat120mph]

Originally Posted by John W.

This is kinda embarrassing but this spring I got my 89 targa top skin replaced by a supposedly reputable auto upholstery shop. It didn’t go on as smoothly as it use to but I tugged on it from both sides pretty hard and all seemed good. I head out on the freeway about 75 and it just blows off flying across several lanes. By the time I can loop around the freeway it’s a mangled mess. I go to the shop I should of went to in the first place and he says big mistake, there’s only a few places in the US that can refurbish targa tops since it needs a special jig to keep it square when they stretch the top on. He ordered me a new top from the factory for 18k. For me, the lesson learned is always go with the expert.

I have heard a few stories about the tops, very similar to yours (not refurbished right)...so, probably not as embarrassing as you think.

I think your response is a reason I am mixed about what to ask price wise AND whether to sell or not, in the event I pick up another targa (which we do miss a bit now, that we are in the midwest - and the weather here is near perfect for it).

Thanks for the input...much appreciated.


Erik

[darrin]

Erik - There are a few on eBay right now that, like yours, fit 86+ 911s -- asking price is $3k-3.5k -- e.g. https://www.ebay.com/itm/286113794375?_skw=porsche+911+targa+top&itmmeta=01 JBEZT4HM06X5RXKEZ8EN8840&hash=item429db60947:g:BPE AAOSwSVRnET~z&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx%2B KZ9MfhVJKkM8HV1JO3glXkqnAwbj6MQJM7r4Re6VAJHm3lqYI0 tm%2F0pcsNfTCGMUVE7ysqAjoDHmAWr6LO4r03e0bRtG7JFjY% 2BwSqoTgbJDtPfYQPOvuvfGcQbsuZqiqrgGdEYqkVR%2Fs%2BB VHUQG8AQCTiTAuCb8XnDWfeUsxgZWbxzp9Chc2SlIPZQ5CkrV6 TQJjs7qP%2BWcDxzpjAx4oFpNoTZJHTBYBMA%2Fek%2FvvYJqT rzDxHLGLSP41y3P2qX4MawWviZyJgUeVtBDGD4yODEgy6LqZ1B 3oZOm6Rd8%2Fv%2F6V4yPRQVCDg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBM9sjo 39tk and https://www.ebay.com/itm/204431262167?_skw=porsche+911+targa+top&itmmeta=01 JBEZT4HNAQW13K67YPNEG4EX&hash=item2f990d81d7:g:1W4 AAOSwO85k3OmL&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx%2B KZ9MfhVJKm1H2eSXhSz7szTQGikX9LAd3zdbwZLpxFqPas8mvd %2B3BdhrAOhuwurzvjKAUgwNBDf7Wt920nPgzUyNS%2BIPxi1g bY2jcimTmc%2F6o0hXg1L3K%2BJMWc4thyrhK0Qki74nZfw5XZ DXWva4qhOeoZmS7gxGn9v69FBz61TMf%2BGSDpbKjseRjWRkdw 8CVMVHWOcxcM52ftfonKn%2F5oUQy25eJBCimAMXmISD38AF8P jCd%2B3iwZ%2Ff8Gzi3rVgkD3kj3gwuE%2BRovczxFEy7bSJI% 2Btvh%2BFJ6s4eYyS2dTsUyCAoTKe0A%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9S R_jI6N_bZA -- I'd view these prices (assuming tops are sound/crack-free) as the cost for a rebuildable core, with total price for a "like new" top being core cost + a percentage of cost to have a targa top specialist like dan pectel or Dave brown performa. rebuild.

[fallingat120mph]

Originally Posted by darrin

Erik - There are a few on eBay right now that, like yours, fit 86+ 911s -- asking price is $3k-3.5k -- I'd view these prices (assuming tops are sound/crack-free) as the cost for a rebuildable core, with total price for a "like new" top being core cost + a percentage of cost to have a targa top specialist like dan pectel or Dave brown performa. rebuild.

Thanks!

Saw those myself - - my top was recovered about 10/12 years ago (sent to NJ), and as it would - within a few weeks of getting it back, the car was hit and written off so my "new" top only had seen a few weeks of use and has been in storage for the last 10 years...

I was going to start in that range ($3500+/maybe $4000) and see...would love to find someone in the Midwest to buy so I can drive it to them myself and not worry about shipping (price doesn't matter just so it shows up in one piece).


Again, thank you - and to everyone else. Some of the ebay sales have been sitting there a bit and some of the Pelican forum sales are different model years and/or in various conditions, old ads, etc...

Erik

[Mocker]

If Dan P in NJ refurb'ed your targa top, that is a selling point, and it's worth a small premium to one that was fixed by a rando. Just FYI.

[fallingat120mph]

Originally Posted by Mocker

If Dan P in NJ refurb'ed your targa top, that is a selling point, and it's worth a small premium to one that was fixed by a rando. Just FYI.

I see that. People always asked where I had it done and all I knew back then was my shop (in TX) sent it off to "NJ"...

Always trusted their judgment and the shop owner explained back then the process...


So, yes, get it done right.



Erik