Highlights

Lovely specification
Excellent history
Manual transmission
One of the last air-cooled 911s

The Appeal

As the last of the air-cooled 911s, the 993 is a sought after machine. Increasingly difficult to find in original and clean condition, they’re one of the most desirable sports cars on the planet.

This example has been meticulously maintained and benefits from the manual transmission and sliding panoramic roof fitted to all 993 Targa models. With an excellent specification too, it makes this a covetable and collectible car.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in March 1998
One of the last 993s built
7 owners from new
Current owner since June 2017
Rarely used in recent years and kept in underground dry storage
Less than 700 miles covered since November 2017
Full specialist service history
Original owner’s handbooks included
2x sets of keys
Previous MOT certificates
Large file of service and maintenance receipts
Current MOT to June 2023
Only selling as the owner is emigrating
Six previous owners

The Interior

Terracotta Red leather upholstery
Electric windows and door mirrors
Air conditioning
Electrically operated seats
Sony CD/Radio with MP3 playback and JBL front speakers

While the exterior is finished in subtle tones, the interior is a riot of bright red fabrics. Red leather swathes the seats, door cards, dashboard and gear-lever, while it’s complemented by deep red carpets.

All of the leather looks to be in very nice condition, with no signs of notable damage or fading from sunlight - the red colour is still deep and bright. There’s the usual light wear to the seats, with a little more creasing evident on the driver’s seat, but the rear seats almost look like they’ve never been used. The leather of the gear-lever is showing some wear, as you’d expect, but there are no tears we could see.

Similarly, the carpets and contrasting black overmats look in fine order, with no staining or damage evident. At the front, the luggage compartment is trimmed in dark grey carpet, which looks just as good as the cabin carpet. Under this there is the usual spacesaver spare wheel, as well as the toolkit and air pump.

Looking at the switchgear and driving controls, everything looks in very fine condition, with only very light evidence of wear. One of the car’s notable features is the electrically operated sunblind that helps make the cabin much more comfortable in sunny weather. We’re assured by the vendor that all of the car’s features work very well, with no issues whatsoever.

The Exterior

Arctic Silver Metallic (Code L92U)
Panoramic sliding glass roof
Original split-rim alloys

Shimmering in its coat of Arctic Silver Metallic, the bodywork of this 993 presents extremely well. Of course, there are a few very minor imperfections such as light scratches and small stone chips, but nothing that would concern us.

Overall the paintwork is in very good order and the panels themselves all appear to be smooth and free from damage or corrosion. Likewise, the external trim is all present and correct, with the light lenses, glass and badging all looking to be undamaged and in fine fettle.

That lovely big sliding glass roof presents very well, with no chips or damage we could see, and operates smoothly. Much the same can be said for the electrically operated rear spoiler too.

It’s great to see the car still riding on its original factory 17” split-rim alloy wheels. Here they are shod in matching Pirelli P Zero tyres which all look in excellent condition and appear to have good tread levels.

We’re told by the vendor that the underside is in excellent condition, with no damage or evidence of corrosion.

The Mechanics

3.6-litre air-cooled flat-six
6-speed manual transmission
285bhp Vario-Ram Engine

That charismatic air-cooled flat-six provides an incredibly evocative soundtrack, and the Targa layout means that the driver really gets to enjoy every decibel of that exhaust note. With a full specialist service history and extensive maintenance record, it’s clear this car has been well cared for mechanically. The engine bay itself appears to be very clean and tidy, with no signs of leaks, overheating or significant wear.

With a manual transmission and a revised alloy multilink rear suspension setup, this 993 should deliver an excellent and tactile driving experience.

We’re told by the vendor that the car drives extremely well, with smooth acceleration, great handling and perfect gear changes. They tell us that there are no mechanical issues that they are aware of.

Summary

If you want to put a classic 911 on your driveway, the 993 is probably the best choice. Retaining that iconic air-cooled drivetrain, but adding more modern suspension, reliability and some choice luxuries, we think it’s the sweet spot of all 911s.

This particular example is presented in an ideal specification, with a great history and in superb original condition. When it comes to 993 Targas, it doesn’t get much better than this…

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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