Recently, I’ve featured a few Targas, mostly 3.2 Carreras, and remarked about the change in Targa design that Porsche instituted for the 993. The Targa design of the 993 was not a short lived experiment as both the 996 and 997 followed suit, but now that Porsche has returned to the original design with their most recent release as part of the 991 lineup the redesigned Targa is left as somewhat of an aberration. Introduced in 1996, the new Targa did away with the roll hoop and removeable top, replaced with a fully-glassed canopy with a sliding panel to provide a degree of open-air motoring. Viewed from the side, the removal of the roll hoop meant the new design looked much more akin to the 993 Coupe than previous iterations, which even I, as a fan of the classic Targa design, admit look much more dated than the coupes. The car featured here comes from the first year of the new Targa production: an Iris Blue Metallic 1996 Porsche 911 Targa, located in Brooklyn, with 48,212 miles on it.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1996 Porsche 911 Targa on eBay
Year: 1996
Model: 911 Targa
Engine: 3.6 liter flat-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 48,212 mi
Price: $52,800 Buy It Now
1996 Porsche 911 Targa
Stunning color combination of Iris Blue Metallic with Gray leather & Blue carpets
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Only 48,200 miles
Clean CarFax. No Accidents or problems. No leaks.
Factory Options Include:
Code Option Description
139 Seat Heating – Left
220 Locking differential
224 Active Brake Differential
340 Seat heating – Right
437 Comfort seat left
445 Wheel Rim Caps with Porsche Crest
454 Automatic speed control
490 Hi-Fi sound system
688 Radio cd CDR210
939 Soft leather rear
982 Supple Leather Seats/Trim
C02
Equipped with catalytic converterPlease contact Steven Sasson: (212) 804-8070 or Steven@LegendLeasing.com
For whatever reason it seems that we’re coming across a lot of Targas lately that are fitted with these very light colored interiors, typically either linen or light grey, such as the car we have here. If I’m honest, they aren’t my favorite, though at least here it contrasts well with the blue trim and works well with the look of the car. Overall, I’m still partial to the original Targa design, but I have to admit, I can see the appeal of the expansive glass roof for the increased airyness it provides to the cabin. Of course, there are downsides to all of that glass with regard to the car’s dynamics, but for a driver who may prioritize a more serene driving experience rather than ultimate performance that might be a trade off worth making. With low production numbers the 993 Targa is fairly rare so finding a good one isn’t always easy and buyers would do well to make sure the glass roof is in good working order. For those who love them though, a good one is really tough to beat!
-Rob
