BACKGROUND
It has often been quoted that the 993 was the car that nearly broke Porsche financially, because it was over-engineered and expensive to manufacture with the companies’ traditional techniques. Today, that translates into the most extensively developed air-cooled 911 produced by the factory and built to last.
Unlike previous generations, it was initially only available in coupe or cabriolet configuration, both with manual or switchable Tiptronic transmission, the latter being more popular when new.
The Targa had very much been part of the 911 line up through the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s. However, featured a roof design that had hardly been altered since conception and was beginning to feel decidedly archaic when specified on a 1990s 964 model. The 993 Targa launched for the 1996 model year, which not only featured the powerful new 285bhp air-cooled Varioram engine and drivetrain of the revised Carrera 2 coupe variants, but also featured an all new electric glass roof system, that not only retracted to give a greater feeling of open air space than a conventional coupe with a sunroof, but also made the interior a light and airy place to be with it closed too. The appearance was unique, the 2-piece split rim alloys manufactured by Speedline in particular, differentiating the Targa further from the Coupe. Only available for the final two years of air cooled 911 production, the 993 is a unique example of the Targa 911 concept today, with all subsequent models fitted with this retracting roof system being water cooled.
THIS EXAMPLE
Supplied by HR Owen on the 16th of February 1996, it was specified with Tiptronic transmission and finished in Iris Blue with a full Cashmere extended leather interior from the special wishes programme. This included full electric option seats trimmed with soft ruffled leather inserts, three spoke steering wheel, and even the sun visors were trimmed in hand stitched leather. It has currently covered just 60,100 miles and is supplied with a fully documented maintenance history with both OPC Centres and Porsche specialists including its original purchase invoice from new. We supplied the car in June 2014 to its last keeper at 50,355 miles and have serviced it a further eight times in the last ten years and will be preparing it fully again in our workshop at time of purchase.
OUR THOUGHTS
If you are considering a modern classic as a daily driver, the 993 combines an old-world charm with bullet proof build quality, together with a compact footprint and analogue driving experience, that is missing in today’s cars.
Purists will argue that a 911 should always have a manual gearbox. However, anyone living inside the M25 will almost certainly find a Tiptronic more appealing. The switchable gearbox can be operated from the steering wheel, allowing for spirited driving when allowed, whilst when the fully automatic mode is selected, it’s perfect for the typical driving found on your average city ring road at rush hour, and we think this suits the relaxed style of the Targa perfectly.
With other features such as power steering, air conditioning and ABS brakes, it makes a happy companion in today’s modern traffic. Additionally, unlike most sportscars, it has ample storage too, making it ideal for a wonderful cross continent mile munching road trip.
With the roof fully retracted and that distinctive air-cooled soundtrack just behind you, it is also perfect for a gentle summer’s evening drive to your local pub.
As an all-round daily sportscar, this 993 Targa Tiptronic ticks a lot of boxes, and all in the knowledge you are driving something special, and a far sounder investment than a modern equivalent too.
