2002 Porsche 911 Targa (996)

Highlights 

• Rare targa roof

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Good service history

• Long, advisory-free MOT

• Honest, usable example

Overview

There's just something about a Porsche 911 Targa that gets the juices flowing. It floats the boat, piques the interest and generally makes many a petrolhead's heart flutter ever since the very first Targa top model was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1965.

Many a child's bedroom wall has been plastered with 911s with removable roofs and it's an enduring image that still cuts a dash today. Named after the Targa Florio – the Sicilian road race where Porsche has enjoyed great motorsport success over the years – a Targa-top is a desirable option indeed, not least of which when it's attached to a Porsche 996.

Moving away from the air-cooled six-cylinders of days past, the 996 was the first to feature a water-cooled engine, as well as a host of other enhancements and developments in order to bring the 911 into the 21st Century and today it represents an excellent entry into modern classic Porsche ownership.

With its electrically operated glass roof, now with a much larger surface area, the 996 generation Targa was the first 911 to provide a rear window that could be opened up, making access to the rear storage compartment much easier, increasing the car's practicality.

 This later model 2002 example, resplendent in its bright red over grey colour scheme, presents well overall and comes complete with a stamped service book showing an impressive service history. Clearly well mechanically maintained the car is reportedly running perfectly and despite some wear and tear to the interior presents as a decent, eminently usable example of the marque.

History and documentation

• 2002 model year

• V5C present and correct

• First registered 01 July 2002

• Original book pack

• Two keys

• The vendor tells us that the previous owner was a member of the Porsche owners’ club and an advanced driver

• Comprehensive service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: minor at 10,208 miles (2004 – main dealer), yearly+major+brake fluid+2 year status report at 16,523 miles (2005 – main dealer), minor at 31,867 miles (2006 – main dealer), yearly+major+spark plugs+brake fluid at 41,556 miles (2007 – main dealer), yearly at 62,355 miles (2008 - specialist), yearly+major+spark plugs+brake fluid at 83,795 miles (2009 - specialist), yearly+minor at 99,712 miles (2011), yearly+major at 119,277 miles (2013), service at 131,713 miles (2014), oil change at 148,693 miles (2023 - specialist)

• Advisory-free MOT until 01 Jun 2026

• HPI clear

• 153,868 miles

Interior

• Wholly original

• The interior is showing signs of wear and tear throughout (particularly to the centre console) but is commensurate with the age and mileage of the car

• There doesn't appear to be any major damage aside from a broken glovebox handle (the glovebox is still accessible)

• The carpets and mats appear to be clean and dry and in good condition

• We believe all electrics, gauges and switchgear to be fully functional

• The area under the bonnet presents well and the car comes with a space-saver wheel and tyre, as well as a tool kit

• The engine bay looks to be in great condition

Exterior

• Overall the paint and body are in good condition with some minor blemishes here and there

• There is some slightly faded paint and failed lacquer on the front wings and some road rash to the front bumper

• Panels and gaps look to be straight and true

• All glasswork is in good order

• Appears to be free from any major corrosion

• The 18” five-spoke gunmetal grey alloy wheels look to be in good shape with no apparent damage although the Porsche centre caps are beginning to fade

• All four Michelin Pilot Sport tyres seem to be in good shape

• The glass roof and rear boot lid open and close correctly

• The underneath looks to be solid and in decent condition

Mechanical

• 315bhp, 3.6-litre inline six-cylinder engine

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds

• 178mph top speed

• The vendor informs us that the car has recently had new discs and pads and that that there has been no cost spared in maintaining the vehicle mechanically

• No mechanical issues to report

Summary

Don't be put off by this 996 Targa's relatively high mileage and interior patina. The fact is, it has been very well-maintained indeed, evinced by that service record, which should alleviate any potential worries when it comes to the car's mechanical prowess. 

What it is then, is an inherently usable modern classic sports car with impressive performance and a manual gearbox that you're not going to be petrified of driving, which is the whole point after all. Tidy the interior as you go, if you want, but relish the fact that you get to own and drive what appears to be a mechanically sorted Porsche 911 996 Targa.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Hayling Island, Hampshire.