1997 PORSCHE 911 TARGA TIPTRONIC S

The 993 was the final generation of the air-cooled 911 and as such will always have a special place in the affections of Porsche enthusiasts. It's also widely said to be the last of the 911s that were built whilst engineering integrity overruled accounting pressures at Porsche. 20 years on, it still looks modern - a truly timeless design. The new model was introduced in the autumn of 1994 and was claimed to be 80% new with more curvaceous bodywork and a number of new panels creating a much smoother and more integrated look however, importantly, this new style was still every inch a 911 in the traditional manner, with the profiles of the doors and rear quarter windows remaining unchanged from earlier models. British designer, Tony Hatter’s, penmanship effortlessly combined subtlety and road presence for a changing demographic with an expansive option list to match the individual’s enthusiasm at a time when the right image was deemed as important as performance.

The biggest change under the skin was the new multi-link rear suspension, giving greater driver confidence, less road noise and excellent ride quality. Designed to give a level of passive rear-wheel steering (the 'Weissach effect'), thus controlling the way the suspension behaved under cornering, braking, and acceleration, it transformed the 911. It was also the first 911 to be equipped with power steering and an advanced ABS system.

Finished in Zenith Blue with a Nephrite Green Leather interior this C16 911 Targa was supplied new by Lancaster Porsche Bow on 18th January 1997. The factory specification included PAS, ABS, electric windows, air-conditioning climate control, electric glass roof and the Tiptronic S transmission. The under-bonnet dealer sticker is still present and shows that the factory options on this Targa included Sports Dampers, Sports Electric Seats left and right, Rear Wiper, Steering Wheel with Tiptronic S paddles and silver wheel trims with Porsche Crests. The Speedline rims were Targa specific. The hardback sports seats are a very special option as these are the same ones fitted to the 993 RS Comfort model.

The service book contains nine stamps through to 2008 and 37,894 miles and into the ownership of our vendor. The following eleven years became a very well published event which saw the Targa remain with an engineering company who ‘mislaid’ the engine and gearbox after quoting to repair suspension issues. The situation was finally resolved, resulting in the well-respected Porsche Specialist, Charles Ivey of Surbiton, sourcing and fitting a period-correct used engine and gearbox. The history file contains a comprehensive inventory of the parts used in this process and also contains the relevant invoice dated 13/08/2022 for £47,686.94. The car is supplied with its book pack and Porsche leather wallet.

With 911/ 993 values continuing to strengthen in the last six months, this sensibly guided 993 Targa represents a great opportunity to join the ‘last of the air-cooled club’ at a realistic level with Targa open-top motoring just a switch away.