2008 Porsche 911 (997) Targa 4S Tiptronic

Highlights

• Genuine low mileage 4S
• Tiptronic transmission
• Targa roof
• Comprehensive history
• Over £4,000 spent since 2020, including new Pirelli P-Zero tyres all-round and major service in past 2,000 miles

 Overview

When Porsche unveiled the 997 at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, it went for a more traditional look than its predecessor. Gone were the distinctive “fried egg” headlights from the 996, replaced with smart oval lamps that harked right back to 911s of yore. 

It was a look much more in keeping with the traditional 911 face, even if things under the skin weren't all that different. The mechanically similar 996 had been around for seven years, and while some traditionalists sniffed at the idea of it being water-cooled, the engine was still in the back, which meant that the most important strand of 911 DNA was alive and well.

The 997 used much of the rolling chassis of the outgoing 996. This included an uprated version of the water-cooled Carrera engine – now offered as a 3.6-litre for the Carrera and a 3.8-litre for the Carrera S – and the same front and rear sub frame arrangements.

Performance was broadly similar but with more torque for both engine options, giving greater flexibility especially when in-gear acceleration was factored. As with the 996, there was a choice of Tiptronic or manual gearboxes, too, and cabriolet, targa or convertible body styles. 

This one’s a Targa, which was one of the most expensive options, offering the wind-in-the-hair appeal of the convertible, allied to a naturally stiffer bodyshell. It’s a four-wheel-drive 4S with the 3.8-litre engine, developing 355bhp, with the Tiptronic transmission.

Finished in the classic combination of Basalt Black Metallic paintwork with two-tone tan leather interior, it also comes with 19-inch Turbo wheels, a Bose sound system and an Extended PCIM Navigation System.

The car has been with its current keeper since 2018, but between 2020 and 2023 was professionally stored while the owner was working overseas, which explains a gap in mileage and servicing during that period. Now with a little over 50,000 miles on the clock, the car has seen over £4,000 in expenditure since the owner came back to the UK in late 2023, including a major service with belts and four brand-new Pirelli P-Zero tyres only 2,000 miles ago. 

History and documentation

• Supplied new by Porsche Centre Cambridge on 16 April 2008 
• MOT valid until 8 September 2026, passed with no advisory notices
• Full spec breakdown on inside cover of service book
• UK registration document in the name of the vendor
• Original handbook, DCIM guide, dealer directory, quick start guide and service book
• Service history is stamped as follows: PDI (2008, Porsche Centre, Cambridge), 15,304 miles (2010, Porsche Centre, Cambridge), 22,468 miles (2012, Porsche Centre, Cambridge), 27,251 miles (2014, Porsche Centre, Solihull), 36,056 miles (2016, Porsche Centre, Cambridge), 40,550 miles (2018, Porsche Centre, Teesside), 48,315 miles (2024, Autoporschewerx, London)
• Invoice for £3,500+ in August 2024 (48k miles) for a major belt service and four new Pirelli P-Zero tyres

 Interior

• Two-tone leather electrically adjustable sports seats in very smart order
• Tiny amount of wear to driver’s seat bolster
• Heated electric mirrors and four electric windows
• Climate control
• BOSE surround sound stereo
• Park Assist system
• PCIM infotainment system, full working order with Extended Navigation package
• Branded stainless steel door entry guards 
• Genuine Porsche floor mats
• All dials, switches and controls work as intended
• Electrically retractable glass targa roof with retracting blind
• Original tools and tyre repair kit
• Some wear to centre console and some typical 911 rubbing to buttons and knobs

 Exterior

• Lovely Basalt Black Metallic
• Paint finish is, in general, excellent with some minor marks and chips commensurate with age and usage
• 19-inch Turbo alloys in good condition with some very minor kerb rash 
• Recent factory-spec Pirelli P-Zero tyres all-round
• Appears to be in excellent order underneath with no evidence of structural corrosion, and no past MOT advisories 

 Mechanical

• 3.8-litre flat six water-cooled engine
• 355bhp
• Six-speed Tiptronic transmission
• Four wheel drive
• 0-60mph in 4.5 secs, 179mph top speed
• No excessive smoke or coolant use
• Recent new battery in November 2025
• Described by the vendor as being great to drive with no apparent faults or issues
• Major service carried out less than 2,000 miles ago 

Summary

997s won’t be bargains forever – you only have to look at the prices of 993 models to see how 911 prices start to soar once collectors catch on. This one is a genuine low-mileage example in a fabulous colour, in good condition throughout and very well-presented, with a comprehensive history file. 

Look after it, and it will look after you, as both a great performance car to own and enjoy and also one to tuck away and treasure – we reckon that it’ll likely be a good investment if you hold onto it for long enough.  

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This car is located in London.