1997 Porsche 911 Targa Tiptronic S

This is a stunning looking 993 thanks to its innate good looks combined with its eye-catching Arena Red Metallic paintwork and delightfully contrasting Cashmere Beige leather interior. This is a UK specified and supplied car being supplied new to its first lucky owner by Porsche dealers Rivervale of Hove in January of 1997.

The original build sticker confirms that this 993 was thoughtfully specified to include ABD or traction control, four speed Tiptronic transmission, electrically adjustable sports seats, rear window wiper, steering wheel mounted gear change buttons, top tinted screen and onboard computer.

With seven former keepers this cherished 993 is being offered from long term private ownership of eleven years. Eighth keeper, Paul, acquired the Targa in October 2013 with the 993 having covered a shade under 62,000 miles at that stage. Paul has added around 15,500 miles in his tenure bringing the analogue odometer round to read 77,659 on the day of our shoot. Aside from the car’s sublime looks, its diligent service history must have been a major draw for Paul. It arrived with him complete with 16 service stamps to which he has added a further 11 during his tenure.

Paul has reportedly “enjoyed every minute” of his 11 year ownership tenure. During that time trips to the South of France, Northern Spain and even Portugal are fondly remembered. Paul confirms that the 911 “performed faultlessly” and that driving it “makes long journeys effortless and enjoyable.”

The Targa version of the 993 appeared in 1996, some two years after the model’s launch. This time the sub-model had been completely and intelligently redesigned. Gone were the chunky B pillar come roll over hoop and removable roof panel in favour of solid roof rails and an electrically sliding glass roof which retracts under the rear window at the touch of a button. Quick, slick and easy with no need to manually stash a cumbersome roof panel.

This new arrangement endows the 993 Targa with the same sublime profile as the Coupe. The Tony Hatter / Harm Lagaay design aesthetic, even after 30 years, remains an absolute winner making it easy to see why this period of 911 remains a favourite of so many enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

For a 27-year-old car the condition of both paintwork and bodywork must surely be considered excellent. Age-related blemishes and marks seem very hard to spot with just some minor paint chips noted by Paul,  and there do seem to be some microscopic bubbles along the scuttle if one looks very closely. The paint exhibits a deep and lustrous shine throughout, and the panel gaps appear of the usual Porsche unsurpassed standards. 

The 993 Targa came standard with special two-piece, split rim 17-inch alloy wheels which are still present on this example. These look to be in great condition and perfectly showcasing their 24 individual hex-headed, high tensile rim bolts. The tapered, five spoke design allows a clear view of the black finished, Porsche inscribed callipers and the drilled discs against which they act. A matching, staggered set of quality Continental SportContact2 tyres are fitted.

To your writer’s eye the Cashmere Beige leather interior here provides a superb counterpoint to the deep red exterior livery. The interior exudes a light and airy ambiance and is a welcome antidote to the black on black treatments that abound today. The wing-backed sports seats are a highlight, exquisitely finished in perforated leather. These feature the composite back panels complete with inset Porsche emblems.

The front seats are electrically adjustable and provide an admirable amount of support through the switchbacks. The overall condition seems excellent with not even the vulnerable driver’s seat bolster exhibiting any notable wear. The rear seats equally well presented but are perhaps best utilised as additional luggage space with their backrests folding forward most helpfully.

The carpets are in a complementary biscuit hue and retain a good pile. The door cards are trimmed in the same Cashmere Beige leather and carpet and appear pristine. The familiar and eminently practical armrests double as slim, lidded storage pockets for map books, CDs and other slim items no one needs anymore.

The black, four-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a comprehensively stocked instrument binnacle with the big, signature 911 VDO tachometer mounted slap, bang in the centre. The centre console houses assorted switchgear and the leather trimmed Tiptronic lever. This can be snicked towards the driver for sequential, manual changes, actuated by the steering wheel switches or left in auto mode to enact its own will.

The front luggage compartment appears devoid of carpet and associated trim, currently. A space saver spare wheel, jack and accompanying tools are present, however. The factory original and informative build sticker is present on the luggage compartment hood, an item of importance and interest to the Porsche connoisseur.

The 3.6L air-cooled M64/21 engine fitted to this car proved to be a gem of a unit. Uprated from the 993’s original engine courtesy of the innovative VarioRam induction system which dominates the top of the engine bay.

This bit of Stuttgart trickery optimised airflow at various engine speeds to deliver increased power and torque, especially in the mid-ranges. Of course, the 993 model was the last air-cooled 911 but was in no way disadvantaged in any way with 285 bhp originally on tap offering a 160mph plus top speed.

There is never too much to feast the eye on in the engine bay of a 911 and this example is no exception. The cast paraphernalia of the Varioram system is apparent as is the big central cooling fan looking for all the world like the turbine of a small jet engine. The condition appears excellent and highly original.

The same goes for the Targa’s underside with no areas of issue or concern noted.

This 993 comes with a generous archive of provenance providing paperwork. First and foremost is the current V5 registration document in Paul’s name. The current, advisory free MoT is valid until October 2025 and some earlier MoTs are present in hard copy.

The original book pack is present in its leather bound folder. Key here is the heavily stamped service book. Twenty seven service stamps are present as well as brake fluid change stamps, PDI stamp and body guarantee inspection stamps. The majority of the remainder of paperwork consist of a swathe of invoices putting the detail behind those stamps. Some useful spares and a lifetime Crit D’air permit are included.

It’s a fallacy, of course, that each new release of a Porsche 911 is just a minor cosmetic spruce up. That’s just not the Porsche way, and with the 993 they finally put to bed any lingering questions over the car’s handling prowess in extremis. All thanks to that fancy axle. Just over 68,000 993s were built but just under 4,600 were in the updated and innovative Targa configuration.

This example stands out as a great exemplar of that surprisingly select group of glass topped 993s. Its superb and unusual livery brings to mind a well-polished conker with the deep red exterior and beige interior complementing each other perfectly. In a sought after Targa / Tiptronic configuration, impeccably serviced and with a sensible original mileage this 993 really is as sweet as a nut.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £30,000 - £40,000.

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