1996 PORSCHE 911 (993) TARGA - MANUAL

This Porsche 993 Targa is a well-maintained example of the last air-cooled 911 model, which is original and unmodified throughout, and remains in very good condition. It is powered by the later 282bhp 3.6-litre ‘VarioRam’ flat-six engine mated to the desirable six-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 133,600 km from new.

First registered in February 1996, it is understood to be an original German delivery car, while a service stamp from 1999 shows that the car was in Italy at that point. For at least the last 17 years, this 911 has been in France, and it was acquired by the vendor seven years ago.

It left the factory in Arena Red, with an interior of grey leather, and equipped with a number of desirable options that included electrically adjustable and heated front seats, air-conditioning, and the Porsche CR-21 radio cassette head unit and CD changer.

Today, its bodywork presents in excellent condition, with the vendor reporting that it has not suffered from any accident damage. Furthermore, the Arena Red paint finish is believed to be all original - with the exception of the front bumper that has just been repainted due to stone chips. All of the body trims and badges are present and correct, and the light lenses are in great shape, along with the rear reflector strip.

Its sliding glass Targa roof is in superb order, with no damage, and it operates correctly. The car rides on the correct set of 17-inch split-rim Targa Speedline alloy wheels, which present very well.

In the cabin, the grey leather is all original and is in very good condition, with no heavy discolouration, and only relatively minor wear on the seat bolsters that you would expect. There is also some wear around the seat adjustment controls, and a few small marks on the carpet. Its rear seats appear to have been barely used, though the steering wheel, gear knob, and handbrake grip all have some surface wear. Overall, the interior is very impressive for a car that is now 25 years old. All of the switches and buttons work as they should, and there are no warning lights.

The last scheduled maintenance was in March 2021, when the car was given an engine oil and filter change, new shock absorbers, four new tyres, and had the aforementioned front bumper respray. A summary of the service history is included below.

The most recent 'contrôle technique’ roadworthiness test was carried out on 4 March 2021 at 133,536 km, which resulted in a clean pass with no faults or advisory notices. The certificate is valid in France until March 2023. All four Bridgestone tyres are brand new.

Accompanying the car is the original handbook, service directory, and the guarantee and service booklet. Some additional invoices are also included, as shown in the photo gallery. The original tool kit, first aid kit, and space-saver spare wheel are also present.

This Porsche 993 Targa is a highly original example of a rewarding open-top air-cooled 911. With its retractable roof panels, it is arguably the best of both worlds - giving ‘en plein air’ motoring in warm sunny weather, while offering all the refinement and security of a coupe when closed. Presented in very good condition, with solid service history and a great factory specification, this 993 Targa is an exciting driver’s car and a true modern classic.

Summary of maintenance history:

• 1997 - 20,920 km (Service)
• 1999 - 41,212 km (Service)
• 2001 - 62,150 km (Service)
• 2003 - 75,923 km (Service)
• 2003 - 78,725 km (Service)
• 2006 - 100,092 km (Service)
• 2007 - Mileage not recorded (Service, new clutch and bearings, brakes, exhaust)
• 2008 - Mileage not recorded (New tyres only)
• 2011 - 120,000 km (Service, belts)
• 2014 - 126,770 km (Service)
• 2016 - 129,900 km (Service)
• 2020 - Mileage not recorded (Service)
• 2021 - 134,000 km (Service, tyres, shock absorbers)

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