Preliminary identification

Porsche 911 Targa Lithograph Poster by Arthur A. Kaplan Co.

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a striking 1983 commercial lithograph poster featuring a head-on view of a classic red Porsche 911 Targa. It was produced as a promotional piece for the Valenchis Gallery at Turnberry in Miami, Florida, capturing the peak of 1980s automotive design and Miami's high-flying art scene.

Story

In 1983, Miami was transforming into a playground of neon, art deco revival, and high-end sports cars. This poster, printed by a major NYC art publisher, perfectly captures that era's obsession with the sleek lines of the Porsche 911.

Maker / Origin

The Arthur A. Kaplan Company was a prolific New York City-based print publisher founded in the mid-20th century, famous for distributing decorative prints, fine art reproductions, and commercial posters across the globe. This specific piece was commissioned or customized to promote the Valenchis Gallery, a notable art venue located in the upscale Turnberry Isle area of Miami during the 1980s boom.

Condition & Value

The poster shows some visible wear along the top edge, including minor creasing, scuffing, and tiny pinholes or staple marks in the corners. There is also minor edge wear on the right side. Keeping it flat and framing it will prevent further wear and significantly improve its display value.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.