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FOR SALE

1996 Porsche 911 Targa (993)

£50,950

Great Service History | Low Mileage | Varioram

  • Mileage~77,399 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine3.6L
  • LocationWaltham Abbey

£50,950

1996 Porsche 911 Targa (993)

Premium Classified Sale

Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

Quality engineering, iconic styling and fantastic performance – when it comes to automotive legends, the 911 is one of the greats.

The Porsche 911 has long been recognised as one of the most iconic and influential sports cars in recent history, with its instantly recognisable styling, low driving position, and precision engineering - it’s not hard to see why. Arguably the prettiest generation of the 911, the 993 offers a distinctive silhouette with great curves and attractive detailing which will turn heads wherever you go. This is the "Targa" variant of the 993 body shape with a panoramic retractable glass roof. The 993 is very potent on the road, it was one of the finest sports cars back in the '90s and still holds its own today, with the unbeatable tune of the air-cooled block positioned just behind you.

This Porsche comes to market from ~11 years ownership and is finished in "Polar Silver" over "Midnite Blue", a smart colour combination. The car comes with a well documented service history with over 18 service stamps, a modest mileage of ~77,300, with only ~4,000 covered in the current ownership. The car's MOT runs to 19th July 2024 and showed no advisories, and with the current owner it has had annual checks/servicing with "911 Carrera Engineering", last serviced just under ~400 miles ago.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Brett the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Exterior

The iconic 911 silhouette, finished in a smart coat of Polar Silver makes an eye-catching combination.

Wheels and Tyres

Coming from factory with the 17" split-rim Porsche alloys, it's a giveaway that this car is more than your standard Carrera. The wheels are in good condition with a few minor marks, but overall really smart. There was a small note of curb rash to the nearside rear wheel that we observed on our visit. The Porsche badged centre caps show in great condition with no significant marks, there were a few minor signs of wear around the centre badging but nothing overly concerning. The bolts to the split-rim wheels did show with a little sign of corrosion but again nothing that stood out as an apparent issue.

The wheels are fitted with Falken Azenis tyres showing 205/50 to the front and 255/40 to the rear. These look in great condition and appear to have plenty of tread remaining. Take a look through the gallery section to see more detail on the Porsche.

Bodywork

The bodywork on this Targa looks good, shut lines and panel gaps look great and both doors, engine cover and bonnet section open and close well. There was a note of slight misalignment to the plastic guards on the underside of the front bumper, nothing too concerning we felt, and also of note is a small crack to the front bumper next to the towing eye hole as pictured.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Looking over the 993 Targa, the car is in good condition with the "Polar Silver" (L92M) paint finish looking great. The colour looks an even match across the car, and the finish to the paint is much the same as captured in the photos and media. We noted no major scratches although there were some signs of paint chipping on the underside of the front bumper that come with time.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The 993 reinvented the Targa concept, with a large glass roof that operated at the touch of a button, retracts under the rear window. When closed, the glass panel gives the interior a light and open feel, while another button operates a blind to keep out strong sun. All of the glass sections around the Porsche looked great with windscreen, windows, mirrors and lenses all appearing in a good condition with no cracks, chips or significant scratching that we observed on our visit.

Take a look through the exterior gallery and review video, we take you across all the areas of the car as if you were standing there for yourself. This way, you can see in greater detail what a great looking car the 993 Targa really is.

Interior

The classic Porsche instrument cluster, quality materials in the cabin, the 911 is all about the driving experience.

Seats and Carpets

The "Midnite Blue" seats are in good condition, showing just some creases to the leathers and wear to the outer . There were a few minor marks to the rear of the passenger front seat that we noted on our visit. Looking over the rear cabin sections showed the condition to be really good with barely a mark noted on the back seats.

The carpets in the cabin are also in good condition, with minimal signs of age. There is a slight sign of scuffing closest to the drivers footwell but nothing that caused any real concern. We also reviewed the front boot section which again displayed well and is clean and tidy. Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The dashboard and centre console display very well, with no evidence of cracks or significant damage. The classic 5 dial Porsche setup looks great on the driver facing section.

Dash instruments present really well showing no signs of fogging or display issues with the odometer showing a reading of ~77,399 miles on clock during our visit.

Our interior gallery section takes you over some closer images of the Porsche's dashboard, head over and see the cars interior in finer detail.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The classic 4 spoke steering wheel features a matching colour scheme to the rest of the interior, nothing was a real concern here but did show with a few signs of patina. The Porsche embossed crest in the centre of the wheel was a lovely highlight to the drivers section.

The gear stick showed a minor amount of age related wear but no visible signs of damage and presenting in respectable condition. The handbrake situated behind the gearstick looked in good condition, just a minor sign of wear to the edge of the lever.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

Mechanics

The legendary 3.6L air-cooled Varioram flat-six engine delivers some rapid performance, pushing out ~272BHP, a 0-60 time of ~5.3 seconds and a top speed of ~166MPH.

Engine and Gearbox

The air-cooled engine has so much character compared to the later water-cooled ones, a unique sound, and with a great amount of power on tap. Starting up from cold, we noted no concerns and the 993 performed without issue when running and out on the road. A great note with the Porsche through current ownership for the past ~11 years, is the regular checks/servicing carried out on the car, due to the low mileage the car covered in some years, Brett's German car specialist told him he didn't need to service the car every year so services are spaced out, every 2-3 years. Oil leaks from the engine can be common on the 993 but this example does not have any oil leaks.

We took the car out around some local roads with the current owner to get a better feel for what this vehicle is all about. On the drive, we run through the motions, taking the Porsche through to the gears and getting an overview from Brett's perspective on how the car performs.

Suspension and Brakes

Porsche engineers created a new light-alloy subframe and wishbone suspension with these cars which made for a more improved driving and handling experience from its predecessors. We noted no knocks, bangs or issue from the suspension when we were on the road in the car, and it gave us no concerns in its performance or handling.

The brakes bring the car to a halt in a straight line with no juddering reported to come through the pedal. The stopping power and control felt great, worked as to be expected and was in line with the expectations of Porsche quality. Please take a look over the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the car.

The Drive

Excellent handling in the Porsche was proven as it gripped the turns and corners out on our test drive without concern. The soundtrack out on the roads was beautiful with its powerful Porsche brakes providing great stopping power. Overall, the 993 provides refinement and open-air enjoyment in one very stylish package.

Electrics and Other

The optional equipment codes - detailed in the servicing book, note the Porsche includes; (C16) UK LUX spec including tinted windows and metallic paint, (033) Lowered suspension, (425) Rear window wiper and (567) a Top-tinted windscreen.

Overall the Porsche is fairly straightforward with its electrical components, designed mainly for driver enjoyment and road focus. Brett told us that he has had no issues with the electrical elements on the car and to the best of his knowledge, everything was working as it should do, including the rear spoiler switch which we demonstrate in our mechanical review video, and the Targa roof operates as it should do too.

All switches and gauges look in good condition for its history, and are all reported to be working without concern by the current owner. We were unable to test the CD player as the code needed to be entered on our drive out. The car is fitted with a tracking device too.

History and Paperwork

A cherished example of the not often seen 993 Targa, last serviced under ~400 miles ago, original log with 18 service stamps, this one with all important manual gearbox is ready for a new owner.

With a long MOT still valid until July 2024, the 993 Targa carries no outstanding advisories. The car also includes 2 sets of keys, Porsche leather bound logbook, service and maintenance book and Porsche Drivers Manual. The 993 Targa has had regular upkeep over its history with some of the works including; oil, air and pollen filters plus servicing in April 2021, maintenance of the roof runners and window in 2016, replacement battery, new anti roll bar bushings, tracker installation in 2014, new paintwork on front wheel arches, updated alternator and diff pulley bearing, new heat shields, bonnet gas struts and Targa logo fitted to the engine lid in 2011, updated air intake in 2010 and new brake discs and pad in 2005.

Brett told us he would take the 993 to his German car specialist every year who told him due to the low amount of miles the car had driven that it didn't need a service every year, this is the reason the services are spaced out every 2-3 years.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and actioned a HPi check on the vehicle. Should any questions be required, Brett would be happy to answer these in the 'ask the owner' section.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house. This is an auction on behalf of a trade seller and normal auction rules apply, i.e. there is no warranty, no return policy and bids are binding with more info in our terms and conditions.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
20.07.2023 MOT 77,399
16.06.2022 MOT 77,399
06.04.2021 Service 77,053
24.03.2021 MOT 77,048
17.04.2019 Service 76,326
21.04.2018 MOT 76,104
16.03.2017 Service 75,781
13.03.2017 MOT 75,776
22.03.2016 Service 75,233
09.10.2015 MOT 75,210
24.09.2014 MOT 74,358
18.07.2013 MOT 72,430
18.07.2013 Service 72,427
23.07.2012 MOT 69,953
27.04.2012 MOT 69,495
06.05.2011 Service 64,368
04.05.2011 MOT 64,368
10.05.2010 MOT 60,406
09.05.2010 Service 60,406
09.10.2009 Service 60,094
08.10.2009 MOT 60,093
25.10.2008 MOT 58,729
05.10.2007 MOT 56,668
20.10.2006 MOT 55,292
09.10.2006 Service 55,253
06.01.2006 MOT 53,023
06.01.2006 Service 53,016
18.01.2005 Service 46,682
20.01.2004 Service 37,826
31.03.2003 Service 31,073
01.05.2002 Service 27,713
19.01.2001 Service 20,250
27.01.2000 Service 18,931
17.02.1999 Service 15,909
28.01.1998 Service 9,785
Key Details
  • Model911 Targa (993)
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date01.08.1996
  • CC3,600
  • Mileage~77,399 on clock
  • HistoryGreat
  • ColourPolar Silver (L92M)
  • Interior ColourMidnite Blue (FJ)
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #WP0ZZZ99ZTS381815
  • Engine #63T08015
  • Last Service06.04.2021
  • MOTYes. Exp 19.07.2024
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers7
  • Tyre BrandFalken Azenis
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~11 years
  • Key FeatureGreat service history, low mileage, great condition
  • Auction ID1605

Insurance Quote


Average annual insurance premium for a like this is via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

*Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid .

Vehicle Location

Waltham Abbey

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