Highlights
- 53,567 miles indicated
- Air-cooled 3.6-litre
- Excellent service history
- Overall superb condition
- Tiptronic transmission
The Appeal
Last of the air-cooled 911s, the 993 is regarded by many enthusiasts as the last 911 that retained the spirit and feel of the original. Certainly, good examples are now highly prized and much sought after – and this is definitely a good example.
Clearly cherished and well maintained, with a handsome specification, low mileage and superb history, we think this is as good an example as you’re likely to find. Add to that the fact that this is the Targa model – so you have all the benefits of both a coupé and a convertible – and it makes this a very desirable vehicle indeed.
Whether you’re looking for a well-kept modern classic for shows and weekend trips, or an appreciating asset you can enjoy from time to time, this lovely 911 would be ideal.
The History and Paperwork
- First supplied and registered in March 1996 by Stratstone Porsche, Cheshire
- Four owners from new, current owner since October 2020
- Excellent service record, with a total of 20 stamps – all main dealer or specialist
- Last stamped service in July 2022 at 53,148 miles
- Current MOT to July 2023, superb MOT history with no fails since 2010
- Complete with the owner’s handbooks and two sets of keys
- 53,567 miles indicated, verified by the MOT and service records
- Very large history file, with numerous invoices and records
- The vendor tells us they have always kept the car dry-stored
The Interior
- Light grey leather upholstery
- Electrically adjusted seats
- Electric glass sliding roof and blind
- Electric windows and door mirrors
- Air conditioning
- Retro-styled VDO sound system – CD, radio and USB
Soft, supple grey leather adorns the interior of this 911 and, along with the large glass roof, keeps the feel of the cabin bright and airy. The leather itself looks to be in very fine fettle, with light creasing and minimal evidence of wear. In fact the rear seats appear to be almost unused, and there is no significant wear or damage anywhere we could see.
Neatly complementing the leather, the carpets are light grey and the footwells further protected with dark grey ‘Porsche’ branded floor mats. There is some marking to the carpet in the driver’s side footwell, but no more than you;d expect with a car of this vintage.
All of the driving controls, instruments and switchgear present very nicely. We noticed only the most minimal evidence of blemishes or marks, which is quite remarkable for a 27 year old car. The vendor assures us that everything operates as it should too, with no issues or faults to report.
At the front is a reasonably sized luggage compartment, or “frunk”, trimmed out in neat dark grey carpet. It also contains a space saver spare wheel, toolkit and air compressor.
The Exterior
- Silver metallic paintwork
- New front fog lights and HiD headlights
- Original alloys, refurbished by Exel Wheels
Resplendent in its original factory shade of metallic silver, the paintwork of this 993 is really quite excellent. We couldn’t see any marks, scuffs or scratches of note.
Partnering the paint perfectly, the bodywork is smooth and clean, with no signs of damage or corrosion we could discern. Similarly, the trim, badging and glass is all very smart, with no damage or fading apparent. The vendor tells us that the front scuttle was redone and the windscreen replaced in 2013, and that this is still under a lifetime warranty.
Other work that has been carried out includes fitting a new gas struts. The front fog lights have been replaced, as the originals had gone cloudy, while the headlights are HiD units.
We’ve always been suckers for the 17-inch, two-piece alloys of the 993 generation Targa, and these are presented in lovely condition. They have been refurbished by Exel Wheels and are shod in a matched set of Michelin Pilot Sport Tyres.
Taking a look under the car, it is evident that it really has been well looked after. The floors and sills look to be in very good order, with no corrosion or damage we could see. There is a little surface corrosion to some drivetrain components, but nothing more than you’d expect to see.
The Mechanics
- Air-cooled 3,596cc flat-six engine
- Four-speed ‘Tiptronic’ automatic transmission
- Rear wheel drive
- Excellent service and maintenance record
- New battery installed in 2022
With that soulful and sonorous flat-six warbling away at the back, the engine and drivetrain of this Porsche is classically 911. As a 1996 MY car, the 3.6-litre lump delivers a very usable 285hp to the rear wheels – enabling fine performance.
Under the engine cover, the bay is lovely and clean, with no signs of any problems. Along with regular maintenance, the vendor tells us that in their ownership a number of jobs have been done, including: new Beru HT leads, uprated C4 engine mounts, sports air box, air-conditioning re-gas, uprated SuperPro front wishbone bushes and new exhaust heat shields.
The vendor tells us that the car starts, runs and drives extremely well, with no issues or faults to mention.
Summary
As one of the most adored sports cars in the world, we see quite a few 911s. We don’t see many presented in this kind of condition though - it really is excellent, inside and out. That fine condition, along with the low mileage and extensive service record, give us confidence in saying this is one of the nicest 993 Targas we’ve seen.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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