2002 Porsche 911 Targa (996) Manual

Highlights

• Smart example from long-term ownership
• Substantial history file
• Rare targa body style
• Genuine low mileage example
• Targa roof requires attention

Overview

For some years, the water-cooled 996 was very much the underappreciated 911. 

The first water-cooled version of the iconic Porsche sports car shared a lot in common with the Boxster, including its distinctive ‘fried egg’ headlamps with integrated indicators and much of its front suspension.

And while some 911 purists sniff at that, other fans of the marque recognise it for what it was – Porsche finally bringing the 911 up-to-date, while maintaining a number of key elements of its essential DNA, namely the iconic coupe-body profile, the horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine in its rump, and the upmarket but accessible supercar image that the 911 had portrayed so well since its inception.

It was also a fabulous car to drive, arguably the finest handling car of the 1990s providing you didn’t over-provoke it and make it do another classically 911 thing and fly backwards into the weeds (although, in a 996, that’s far harder than in any of its air-cooled predecessors). 

If anything, though, the 996 was the perfect compromise. It was rapid and entertaining like a 911 should be, but it was also docile and easy to drive around town.

This is a narrow-bodied 911– essentially the entry-level 911 of its era, with two-wheel-drive, but also the most pure and true to the original 911 style and favoured by many enthusiasts as a result. It’s also a Targa, which would have had a partially retractable roof when new, but this has since been disabled and will need repairs if the next owner chooses to use it as such. 

The vendor has owned the 911 for almost 20 years, ever since it was just three years old and they bought it as a used vehicle from a Porsche specialist. Ever since then, they have kept on top of the maintenance with both Porsche dealers and specialists and have kept on top of additional repairs where necessary. 

It’s a great way into 911 ownership and a guaranteed future classic. 

History and documentation

• Full UK V5C in the name of the vendor
• First registered November 6, 2002
• MOT until June 25, 2025 with no advisories
• Lots of early history
• One key
• Original Porsche book pack and manuals
• Service book stamped as follows: 15,319 miles (2003, main dealer); 27,215 miles (2004, main dealer); 32,877 miles (2006, specialist); 39,485 miles (2007, specialist); 43,708 miles (2008, specialist); 45,535 miles (2013, specialist); 46,548 miles (2014, specialist); 47,697 miles (2015, specialist); 48,296 miles (2016, specialist); 49,266 miles (2018, specialist); 52,015 miles (2022, specialist); 52,421 miles (2024, specialist) 

 Interior

• Blue leather trim in good overall condition, 
• Some very light wear to driver’s seat right-hand bolster
• Superb carpets and door trims
• Excellent dash and headlining
• All dials and controls work as intended
• Climate control
• Aftermarket Bluetooth Alpine stereo
• Spacesaver spare wheel and original tool kit

Exterior

• Stunning Lapis Blue Metallic
• Both the front and rear bumpers have been recently resprayed to eradicate stone chips
• Original alloys in very good condition with some very slight lacquer peel on inside rim of three of them
• Excellent Pirelli P-Zero tyres all-round
• Clear, transparent and non-cloudy headlights
• There is evidence of light corrosion on the lower inner edge of all four wheelarches that may need addressing in the future
• Glass targa roof has been sealed shut following failure in 2015, but the mechanism is complete should the new owner wish to repair it

Mechanical

• 3.6-litre water-cooled flat-six
• Six-speed manual transmission
• 315bhp M96 engine
• Well-maintained example with genuine low mileage
• Described by the vendor as great to drive with no reported issues

Summary

The 996 generation of 911 is one of the finest handling cars ever made and will never fail to put a smile on your face – it’s a truly rewarding and wonderful car to drive, and one of the most important cars in Porsche’s history as, without it, the company may never have survived. 

This example is probably one of the most accessible ways to get yourself behind the wheel of what would have been a £70,000 car when new. It still looks great, it has a genuine low mileage and has been impeccably mechanically well-maintained by a long-term owner. 

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. The car is located in Surrey.