Galpin Motors debuted its 1986 Porsche bb-Auto Targa Hybrid in the Porsche Classic Restoration Challenge at the Werks Reunion Monterey on Friday, Aug. 16. Following its debut at the Werks Reunion, the Targa was displayed on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, Aug. 18. bb-Auto founder Rainer Buchmann and Beau Boeckmann of Galpin were both in attendance for the reveal.
Meticulously restored by the expert team at Galpin Auto Sports and Porsche Santa Clarita, the neon-hued throwback pays homage to the iconic bb-Auto “Rainbow” Turbo Targa, originally crafted in collaboration with Polaroid for the 1976 Photokina photography show. Rainer and Kathrin Buchmann founded bb-Auto in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1974.
“This project is a true labor of love, blending classic Porsche heritage with our own Galpizined style,” said Beau Boeckmann, president and CEO of Galpin Motors. “Honoring the iconic bb-Auto company and continuing its legacy with our team was our mission.”
The 1986 Porsche bb-Auto Targa Hybrid blends heritage with cutting-edge technology. Under the hood, the Ed Pink Racing engine enhanced with Vonnen hybrid technology delivers an exhilarating 550 horsepower. The Vonnen technology provides rapid bursts of power to the engine and is lighter and more compact than traditional EV batteries. It features a 110-kilowatt electric motor-generator positioned between the engine and transmission. To manage heat, Vonnen includes two cooling circuits with bumper-mounted heat exchangers.
That power is coupled with modern features such as an Active Suspension Management system, custom 18-inch Titan 7 wheels and Brembo brakes.
The exterior boasts an eye-catching paint job reminiscent of its historic predecessor with signature Galpin flair, while the fully custom interior features bespoke Recaro LX seats, an electric A/C system, and a 660-watt Focal sound system integrated with a Porsche Classic Communication radio and 9.2-inch infotainment screen.
In addition to the 1986 Porsche bb-Auto Targa Hybrid, the Galpin Motors display at the Werks Reunion will feature the 1984 Porsche bb-Auto 911 Slantnose and 1981 Porsche bb-Auto 928 Targa. bb-Auto founders Rainer and Katherin Buchmann were also in attendance make an appearance to sign autographs.
Galpin Motors holds exclusive U.S. rights for bb-Auto, a renowned German design firm celebrated for customizing Porsches and other European vehicles. In honor of bb-Auto’s 50-year legacy, Galpin Motors plans a limited run of seven 50th Anniversary bb Targa hybrids, each tailored to its owner’s specifications.
