1996 PORSCHE 911 (993) TARGA - 6 SPD MANUAL

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1996 PORSCHE 911 (993) TARGA - 6 SPD MANUAL

This 1996 Porsche 911 (993) Targa is a superb example of the last air-cooled and last hand-built 911 model, presented with outstanding service history from new. It is equipped with the 282bhp 3.6-litre ‘VarioRam’ flat-six engine mated to the sought-after six-speed manual transmission. Finished in the classic combination of Polar Silver over a Midnight Blue leather interior.

Built at the Zuffenhausen factory, this right-hand drive 993 Carrera 2 Targa was first registered in the UK in February 1996, supplied new by Porsche dealer Lancaster in Cambridge. It benefits from having the VarioRam engine, which provides higher torque in the mid range. The dealer vendor acquired the car last year, and is now offering it to another enthusiast owner.

The Polar Silver paintwork is described as being in very good condition by the vendor, and appears to be the original finish. It has been driven and enjoyed as intended, so there are some stone chips at the front - which are clearly shown in the gallery below - as well as some flaking of enamel paint on the Porsche bonnet badge.

Its panoramic glass sliding roof is in superb condition and works perfectly. All of the glass, light lenses, and window seals are in great shape, including the rear reflector strip. The door jambs, sill covers, bonnet and engine lid shuts are sound, with no evidence of any corrosion.

The car sits on the correct set of 17-inch split-rim Targa Speedline alloy wheels, which have only a few blemishes around the rims and some minor lacquer peeling, but are otherwise in very good condition.

Inside, the original dark blue leather has aged very well, with only the slightest discolouration in a few places along the bolsters. There is also some bunching of the leather on the seat base cushions, both there are no rips or holes. Its original steering wheel and gear knob show only wear consistent with the age and mileage.

The car is equipped with the electrically adjustable comfort seats, as well as climate control, cruise control and a rear wiper. The original VDO gauges ahead of the driver are all clear and undamaged, and the LCD readout is also working as it should. Bidders should note that the odometer was non-functioning for approximately 18 months from mid-2018 through to the present day. However, the vendor has confirmed that fewer than 1,000 miles were added to the total during that period, so the approximate true mileage today is 138,500 miles. He has also stated that the odometer will be working again by the time the car is handed over to its next owner.

This 993’s service history is comprehensive, with no fewer than 23 main dealer and specialist stamps present in the booklets with the car. With the exception of 2014, the car has been seen and serviced every year without fail, exclusively by Official Porsche Centres as well as recognised specialists JZM and Francis Tuthill. It was last serviced at Porsche Centre Bristol in July 2019, which comprised of standard yearly maintenance.

The visits prior to this were in November 2018 also at Porsche Centre Bristol, and November 2017 at Porsche Centre Tewkesbury. It is becoming increasingly rare to find a Porsche of this age that has been inspected and serviced so regularly, and the near two-dozen stamps from new present a superb record of the history.

Its most recent MOT test was carried out on 25 June 2018 at 137,782 miles. A front wiper blade needed replacing, and there were also a few advisories regarding a non-excessive oil leak, wear to the front strut bushes, shock absorbers and bump stops. However, all of these were rectified at the time. The vendor will supply the car with a fresh 12-month, advisory-free MOT certificate.

The split-rim alloy wheels are fitted with a full set of N-rated Pirelli P Zero Rosso tyres, in size 205/50 ZR17 at the front and 255/40 ZR17 at the rear.

The car is accompanied by a detailed history file that includes two stamped maintenance booklets. The driver’s manual and other original user guides are also included, and it retains the space-saver spare wheel and tool roll.

This Porsche 993 Carrera 2 Targa is an original C16-code UK model that has never been modified. There are only minor cosmetic imperfections present, which do nothing to detract from how well this particular example drives. It is a well-presented car in sound mechanical condition, which is ready to excite and delight a new owner.