1997 Porsche 911 (993) C2 Targa

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 Ocean Blue with a Linen leather interior, this 911(993) Targa Tiptronic was supplied new in March 1997 by AFN Porsche to a lucky first owner residing in Hampstead NW3. Options included a rear wiper, adaptive speed control, onboard computer, steering wheel Tiptronic buttons and hard-back sports seats, a very special option as these are the same seats that were fitted to the 993 RS ‘Comfort’ model. Wheels are the Targa-specific Speedline split-rims. The service book shows twenty-two service stamps and ten brake fluid changes all the way through to June 2025 and the comprehensive history file contains multiple MOT certificates corroborating the indicated mileage of 70,089. It also contains a substantial quantity of past receipts for maintenance and service work and strip down photos.

Attention in 2025 included a full service and adjustment of the Targa roof, the replacement of multiple engine oil seals and gaskets, with other service items resulting in an investment of approximately £10,000 with full details in the history file.

The car is supplied with its Porsche owner’s wallet, Guarantee and Maintenance booklet, current MOT valid until November 2026, and its air compressor. It still retains its original factory build/ C16 sticker under the bonnet.

This lovely, late-production 993-generation 911 presents a great opportunity to own a well maintained example of these sought after Porsches at a realistic level with Targa open top motoring just a switch away.