1996 Porsche 911 Targa

‘N1 VFH’ is an interesting proposition: A Category C write-off in 2007, if you can look beyond that – and it was, of course, professionally repaired – this might be a way of getting behind the wheel of a car you thought had moved out of your reach.

Finished in Midnight Blue Metallic and subtly enhanced with a deep front valence, a Turbo rear spoiler, and deep-dish, split-rim alloy wheels, it also comes with a good history.

And let us not forget that this Targa represents the pinnacle of Porsche’s air-cooled expertise via its 285bhp flat-six and six-speed manual gearbox; while the later water-cooled cars are undoubtably brilliant to drive, for many they lack the cachet and purity of the engineering that made the 911 the icon it is today.
 

The flanks display the ultra-tight shutlines we’ve come to expect of 993-era Porsches, and squatting down to peer along their length reveals a marked absence of the sort of ripples that betray careless owners.

The Turbo rear spoiler is not only in an excellent condition it also adds a purposeful air to the 911 iconic silhouette – as well as something for the driver you’ve overtaken to admire.

The five-spoke, deep-dish, split-rim alloy wheels fill the wheelarches beautifully, especially under the flared rear wheelarches. While the front rims are in a very good condition, the rears show light nibbles to their rims, and all have traces of corrosion around some of the bolts that hold them together.

The centre caps are colourful, vibrant, and free of damage, and the open design of the wheels allows you to admire the cross-drilled brake discs and black calipers that have the brand name picked out in white.

As for rubber, the rear tyres are 265/35ZR18 Pirelli P-Zero from 2008, while the front tyres are slightly narrower at 225/40ZR18 and four years newer. All have good tread but given the 911’s performance we’d urge the new owner to replace them as they are old and will have deteriorated over time.

The lamp lenses are free of chips, cracks, and other damage except for the offside rear, which has a spider-web crack in it.

The glass targa roof fitted to the 993 is the very model of modernity, offering convertible-like quantities of fresh air when it is open, and coupé-like weather sealing when it’s closed.  This one also slides fore and aft at the press of a button, and seals tightly. Both the interior blind and the pop-up air deflector also fulfil their roles to perfection.

As for flaws, our assessor reports that there are “quite a few marks all over the car, especially on the front splitter and the rear bumper”. These flaws, while definitely visible, are somewhat exacerbated by the Midnight Blue Metallic paintwork (colour code F8), which highlights problems almost as ruthlessly as black would.

Looks great though, doesn’t it?

We also spotted scratches to the nearside rear wing, and scuffs on the lower edge of the passenger door in addition to a dent on the middle of the panel.

There is also rust at the base of the offside A-pillar, and the inner edges of some of the wheelarches also have very light surface corrosion breaking out, but this looks superficial for the time being.
 

The grey and blue leather interior is in a very good condition overall. Sure, there is a developing patina, but it is light. Very light, in fact.

For example, take the grey leather front seats, which are no more than creased and lightly cracked. Their outer edges are still firm too, and the face material is tight with only very moderate colour loss in a few places.

Electrically operated, the owner tells us that they, along with everything else bar the odometer, work as they should.

The rear seats are almost unmarked. Designed to fold down to provide extra luggage space, their condition leads us to suspect they have spent most of their lives in this position.

The blue steering wheel, whose leather trim matches the dashboard, the top of the door cards, and the panels around the rear seats, is in an excellent condition. The same can be said of the rest of the blue leather, including the dashboard, which is free of cracks and other sun-induced damage.

The grey carpets are excellent. Free of holes, stains, and other signs of misuse. Even the plastic heel protector is intact, so it probably won’t some as a surprise to learn it comes with a set of blue branded overmats.

The pedal rubbers are good too, as are the back of the front seats. The headlining is taut and undamaged, and the roller blind for the targa roof is in good order and moves as it should.

The frunk is neatly organised and very clean.

As for things you probably will want to do, replacing the gearknob will probably be at the top of your list – but the very fact that that is not only at the top of your list but comprises the entire list demonstrates how good the cabin is.
 

The Porsche’s service history is recorded as follows:

•    28.05.1996 and 102 miles – pre-delivery inspection by Glenvarigill
•    13.05.1997 and 10,564 miles – service by Glenvarigill
•    27.05.1998 and 23,124 miles – service by Glenvarigill
•    17.05.2000 and 31,162 miles – service by Glenvarigill
•    06.05.2003 and 41,028 miles – service by Porsche Centre Exeter
•    15.06.2005 and 53,185 miles – service by Porsche Centre Exeter including a new clutch
•    28.02.2008 and 57,990 miles – service by Jesse Little Auto Engineering
•    07.09.2009 and 61,349 miles – service by Jesse Little Auto Engineering including new rear brake discs
•    04.08.2010 and 62,423 miles – service by Jesse Little Auto Engineering
•    22.07.2013 and 63,264 miles – service by B.J.S. Engineering plus much other fettling for a total bill of almost £6,000
•    06.05.2015 and 64,157 miles – service by B.J.S. Engineering
•    10.06.2021 and 66,877 miles – service by Frampton Garage

Frampton Garage also replaced the starter motor in 2018, and the vehicle is now due a service.

While that’s being done, you might like them to investigate the non-functioning odometer, which has been an issue for a few years now. The actual mileage is unknown, although the seller guesses it’s probably around 70,000.

Our man reports that it “drives nicely”, which is high praise indeed from him, and the video demonstrates that the 3.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine starts cleanly, idles well, and howls like a demon when it’s revved.

The engine bay is a bit grubby, and sports the usual rusty fasteners, but is in good overall shape. Detailing it would be straightforward, and this sort of thing is one of the most rewarding jobs you can carry out on your new classic.

As for the underside, it looks neatly undersealed and strong. We can’t spot any serious corrosion, and our assessment is supported by the online MoT record, which doesn’t contain a single mention of structural rust or corrosion.

That said we spotted the odd outbreak of rust on a few of the steel parts (i.e. photo 51/60), but these appear to be isolated and should be straightforward to arrest.
 

The 911 has had just four previous keepers, with the seller having owned it since 2008. He bought it as a present to himself and used it for European holidays for the first few years, a role he tells us it excelled at.

Since then he’s used it much less, generally wheeling it out a couple of times a year for runs to the coast – and as he lives ten miles from the sea, that won’t have added much to the (non-functioning) odometer.

The Porsche’s MoT, which is valid until July 2026, was issued, like so many before, with no advisories.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear bar the marker for having been a Cat C write-off in 2007, although the Porsche also comes with a Vehicle Identity Check Pass certificate dated March 2008.

It also has two keys and fobs, and a history file that includes the stamped service history booklet we reference above, the Porsche wallet and book pack, invoices for maintenance and repair, and some expired MoT certificates.
 

If you’re looking for a 933 you can use long and hard without worrying about picking up the odd scratch or scuff, this is the car for you.

And that’s not damning with faint praise either because it looks terrific thanks to a fetching combination of Dark Blue paintwork, deep-dish alloy wheels, and a stunning body kit; if you like your sportscars to have a bit of attitude to back up their performance, this one won’t disappoint.

As for its value, we are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £30,000 - £35,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.