Porsche Carrera Targa ‘Safari’ Wins People’s Choice Award in Monterey

Porsche Santa Clarita, member of the Galpin Motors family, wins the award for second year-in-a-row with this Carrera Targa ‘Safari.’

A 1974 Porsche Carrera Targa ‘Safari’ created by Porsche Santa Clarita, member of the Galpin Motors family, won the People’s Choice Award at Werks Reunion on Friday August 19. These types of builds have become more and more popular in recent years. It is rumored that Porsche may even offer a factory 992 Safari model in the near future. The Galpin Motors family capitalized on this popularity with a unique take on their Safari build. They are no strangers to building desirable cars as this is the second year in a row, they have taken home the People’s Choice Award.

The winning Porsche was revealed as part of the Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge. “It’s an honor to participate again in the Porsche Classic Restoration challenge and there was no shortage of inspiration this year,” said Beau Boeckmann, President and Chief Operating Officer for Galpin Motors. “Our goal with this Targa was to build something that was modified like it might be in period with just the right amount of modern touches and performance. We can’t wait to spend some time in the dirt with it.”

Rare Targa

A 1974 Carrera Targa is a rare sight in the U.S. Only 246 examples were ever sold here. This car is chassis number 161. However, the rarity did not scare off the Galpin Motors team. The most obvious changes are on the outside and we will get to those, but this car brings more to the table than rugged looks. The 2.7L flat-six engine was modified with larger 92mm cylinders to help it produce a healthy 180 horsepower. Other mechanical upgrades include the brakes from a 986 generation Boxster, and of course the modified suspension. The car now uses a Stage 4 Elephant Racing Safari System combined with hollow RSR sway bars, coilovers by MCS and upgraded BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 tires.

Exterior Upgrades

Well, you can’t help but notice the Lime Green paint that even covers the Targa bar. This is enhanced with center and side stripes that crank up that ‘70s vibe. The other obvious change is the TRE lightbar that is mounted to the custom front bumper. There is also a skid plate up front to protect the car when it is doing safari-like things. The ‘Carrera’ script along the side has been replaced by a ‘Safari’ script. Out back you will notice an iconic ducktail spoiler. The white wheels set the whole thing off. It is a stunning build.

Inside

Hop inside and you see a lot more custom work. The rear seats have been removed to help reduce weight. There is also a custom-built roll cage that is also painted in Lime Green to match the exterior. The interior also features an orange leather that looks beautiful. This car might look tough, but it is also about comfort. The climate control system has been completely refurbished. And there is now a custom audio system with Porsche’s original classic radio upgraded with navigation. This is how you create an award winning build, and we can’t wait to see what the Galpin Motors team comes up with for next year.

Photos: Kahn Media

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Joe Kucinski

Joe has been obsessed with cars since he got his very first Matchbox toy in the ‘70s. In 2003, he found a new obsession in track days that led to obtaining his SCCA competition license in 2015. In 2019, he became a certified driving instructor for the National Auto Sport Association. His love for all things four wheels has never wavered, whether it's driving some of the best cars in the world on the racetrack, tackling 2,000-mile road trips in 2-seat sports cars or being winched off the side of a mountaintop in a Jeep. Writing for the suite of Internet Brands Auto Communities sites, including Rennlist.com, Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 6 Speed and more allows him to share that knowledge and passion with others.