2012 Porsche 911 Targa 4S

Let’s stick with the general theme of the last couple days and continue looking at variations of blue over red. Here we have another fairly interesting version of that combination and one that is quite unique to find on the 997. This is a Dark Blue Metallic 2012 Porsche 911 Targa 4S, located in California, with a full Carrera Red leather interior, PDK, and just 18,136 miles on it. Being a 997 this is the new Targa design (or is it now the old design? Perhaps old-new?) that debuted on the 993 Targa. It showcases a large sliding glass panel rather than the removable central top with integrated roll hoop of previous Targa models. I’ve stated before that it isn’t my preferred Targa design and as most are aware Porsche themselves seem to agree since the 991 has reverted to the original removable roof. I guess we’ll find out in the coming years whether Porsche reverts to the 993 design or sticks with the original. (Or removes the Targa from the lineup entirely.) New design or old, the Targa still provides the same increased openness, but without going to a full Cabriolet, and should have appeal to those that like a bit of sunshine and wind in their hair.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2012 Porsche 911 Targa 4S on eBay

Year: 2012
Model: 911 Targa 4S
Engine: 3.8 liter flat-6
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Mileage: 18,136 mi
Price: $89,999 Buy It Now

2012 Porsche Targa 4S
Rare Collector Vehicle!
Fabspeed Carbon Fiber Competition Air Intake System
Striking Full ‘Carrera Red’ Leather Interior
Original Books / 2 Keys Included
Exterior Options:
Dark Blue metallic exterior
19″ double 5-spoke wheels
Red brake calipers
Fabspeed carbon fiber competition air intake system
Self dimming mirrors
SportDesign side mirrors
Center wheel caps with full colored Porsche Crest
Bi-xenon headlights incl. Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS)

Interior Options:
Natural leather in Carrera Red
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)
Heated seats (front)
Ventilated seats (front)
Comfort seat (left)
Comfort seat (right)
Sport Chrono Package Plus
Porsche Communication Management w/ navigation
BOSE® surround sound system
SiriusXM® satellite radio
6-disc, CD/DVD changer
Alcantara steering wheel
12-way power seats
Comfort Package
Infotainment Package
Porsche Crest embossed on headrests

But I digress. While perhaps not as striking as the Aetna Blue over Bordeaux Carrera 4S this is still a very attractive combination. And in this case we get a good bit more of that bright red in the interior. Given that the exterior is of a much darker shade I think that additional red in the interior works quite well. There are a few accents to break up the uniformity of the color so I think most fans of a red interior will like it.

Contrary to the ad I don’t think there is much collector appeal to be found with this Targa. It is a rare color combination, but the model itself isn’t one that I think collectors will clamor for in the coming years. It also does not possess much outside of those colors to attract notice. Perhaps if you parked it for the next twenty or thirty years. But no, I think this one should be appreciated and driven for what it is right now.

In general, the condition of this 911 looks good. It looks to have the usual chips and small scratches in the front fascia, but nothing that appears too unusual nor significant. Overall the dark blue shows well and the metallic sparkles in the light as we’d expect. The interior too looks in good shape with a few minor issues to the seating and the odd scratch here and there. Again, nothing I’d be overly concerned about. The alcantara steering wheel kind of sticks out like a sore thumb. While it does provide contrast I think I’d have stuck with leather. Perhaps in black to break up some of the red, but it’s the alcantara itself that’s bothering me. If you like it though, then there’s not a whole lot to complain about! As always, you’ll want to make sure its servicing has been kept up to date.

I can’t say I’ve had a close eye on the market for a late 997 Targa 4S, but perusing other similar options available I’d say the price here looks a good bit high. There is some rarity attached to this color combination and of course there aren’t a lot of Targas out there, but overall this price gets pretty close to some 997TT prices I’ve seen. While I might find this the more attractive car, an additional 100 hp tends to attract the eye as well.

-Rob