We are delighted to present this gorgeous C16 UK market 993 Targa on behalf of its owner.
Built on 03 September 1996 and then supplied to Official Porsche Centre, Dick Lovett of Swindon, with first registration taking place on 02 December 1996.
Detailed on the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity which accompanies the car, options specified by the first owner included a rear wiper and top tinted windscreen.
Finished in the timeless colour combination of H8H8 Arena Red Metallic, with Classic Grey Leatherette trim and fitted with the desirable two piece ‘Targa’ wheels. A set of original Cup wheels are also available by separate negotiation.
This high performance Varioram model spent much of its life in the UK before moving to Paris for two years with its British owner. It then returned to the UK in 2012 and was sold by renowned Porsche Specialist Paul Stephens as a benchmark example, which it remains today, having covered less than 65,000 miles from new.
The whole car presents beautifully, thanks to a combination of light use and careful maintenance over the years, resulting in one of the best looking 993’s for sale today, especially in this lovely period colour, which has recently been treated to ceramic paint protection.
Likewise, the interior is exceptionally well preserved, with the Targa roof mechanism working perfectly and all seals absolutely watertight; the only evidence of its’ 25 years being the very lightest of wear to the drivers’ seat bolster.
A 993 is eminently usable, due to superb build quality from new, which means this really is a car that you could happily use every day with confidence, or just for special occasions. It’s now old enough to feel like a ‘youngtimer’ classic, but one you really can use without fear.
Unsurprisingly, it’s an absolutely superb driving car and with the Targa roof open, the bark of that creamy flat six as it approaches the red line is truly intoxicating, especially with the 6 speed manual box, culminating in perhaps the ideal specification ‘real world’ classic 911.
Many 993’s have not been consistently maintained over the years, leading to potentially expensive issues surfacing for the next unsuspecting owner. That’s not the case here; our car has always been scrupulously maintained by either Porsche themselves or by genuine marque specialists, resulting in a 911 that drives exactly as Porsche intended and never allowed to deteriorate. From the driving seat, It feels utterly tight, well sorted and absolutely ‘factory’.
Accompanying the car is comprehensive documentation and provenance, comprising original service and instruction manuals, leather wallet, two sets of keys, plus valet key, past MOT certificates, service invoices and a Porsche COA detailing the factory build specification which it carries to this day.
The 993 is rightly regarded as one of the all-time greats in 911 terms and for good reason – it embodies all the best elements of the classic air-cooled 911, but with greater levels of practicality and being a Targa, combines the look of a coupe, but with fresh air motoring – what’s not to love?
A genuinely exceptional example of a highly desirable car that’s also surprisingly practical.