1996 Porsche 911 (993) Targa

This car represents the last of that historic lineage, and is in great condition. It underwent a full high quality (and very expensive) respray some years ago and still looks superb.

On top of this it had its 3.6-litre air-cooled engine rebuilt by a distinguished and highly respected Porsche specialist and has only covered 15,000 miles since then. On top of all this, the original owner ticked the fabulous six-speed manual gearbox option.

The current enthusiast owner – only the second – has had it for more than 28 years and bought it when it was just two years old, but is now approaching 80 years of age and feels it’s time to pass it on to a new custodian.

Following its top notch refinish around 10 years ago this 911 still looks lovely – we know colour preference is subjective but this rare hue really does stand out. The paintwork is still in good order, with only minor faults that you have to look carefully to spot.

There’s some slight micro-blistering in front of windscreen on the nearside, and also a tiny fault in the paint in the same place on the offside. You can see very small paint chips on the trailing edge of the driver’s door, plus a paint fault and a small scratch towards the very rear of the offside rear wing

There are the usual scuff marks in the paint on the front bumper. There’s also a blob of sealant on the Targa top rubber seal right at the end where it meets the nearside door seal.

The Porsche multi-spoke alloy wheels are all in excellent condition with no kerb rash that we could see. They’re clad in a set of Pirelli P-Zero tyres.

It looks as though a prop is required to keep the front luggage compartment and engine lids from closing, so we assume new pressurised struts are required – a cheap and easy fix.

The most important thing in here is that gearstick. Automatic air-cooled 911? No thanks. A manual gearbox is the only way to fly in a classic Porsche like this one. And this car also has the highly desirable six speed option.

The cabin is generally very sound but does reflect the car’s mileage, age and originality. There are marks on the pale grey carpets that wouldn’t show on darker material.

Similarly, the leather seats might benefit from a deep clean and a recolouring treatment. The handbrake, gearstick gaiter and gear knob all show signs of use.

The steering wheel and dash remain in excellent order, as do the light grey door cards. There is a fault with the Targa roof mechanism though. The owner says he doesn’t think it needs replacing, merely refitting and properly adjusting. At the moment it’s not possible to use it.

The front luggage compartment looks clean and tidy, and there’s a fold-up warning triangle in it for those European road trips. Underneath the carpet is the original space saver spare tyre, pump and tool set.

The main thing to note here is that although the car has covered around 149,000 miles, the 3.6-litre air-cooled flat six was thoroughly rebuilt by a renowned Porsche specialist just 15,000 miles ago. As such it’s a pretty fresh engine which should be trouble free for a long time.

It’s mated to the holy grail of 911 gearboxes, the six-speed manual. The kids can keep their flappy paddles thanks very much – this is a proper sports car gearbox.

The engine bay itself looks totally standard and everything is in its place. It’s a bit more grubby than the lovely exterior but it is an engine bay after all.

This 911 has an excellent history file accompanying it. There’s a full service history with either Porsche main dealers or Porsche specialists. Alongside this is a vast file of historic invoices detailing work carried out over the years, which we strongly recommend you have a look at (please see the documentation pictures in this listing).

Two of particular note are:

Full respray in 2013 at a cost of circa £12,000

Full engine rebuild in 2006 by Nick Prowse Motorsport (Porsche specialists) at a mileage of 134,000 miles – £6309. The car has covered only around 15,000 miles since this major mechanical overhaul.

The car is MoT’d until the end of August 2025, comes with all its original handbooks, and two keys.

The owner says:

‘I Bought the car in my 50s when it was two years old, and it’s been a fantastic machine, but I’m nearly 80 now, so regrettably its time to sell. I bought the car for excitement, passion and looks. I’ve travelled throughout Europe in it, especially Italy and the Dolomites. I’ve always tried to keep it in good condition, with the original paintwork colour for the respray and new seals.

‘It’s had regular services by an air-cooled Porsche specialist. The alloy wheels were an upgrade from standard and on the car when I bought it. Everything else is standard. The blind mechanism has come off its rails and prevents the Targa roof from opening. The mechanisms do not seem to be broken, but they need to put back in place.

‘It comes in the original unusual Porsche colour, which is Aventurine, and includes the number plate N101 AOK. The engine is the original one. It’s fabulous to drive with the Pirelli P-Zero tyres fitted.’

The very last iteration of the classic air-cooled Porsche, and with the 3.6-litre flat six and fabulous six-speed manual gearbox, arguably the best too. Throw in the rare colour, fantastic history and the few miles covered since that engine rebuild, and you’re looking at a very tempting 911 indeed.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £25,000 - £30,000.

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’.