Based on the rigid chassis of the Carrera Cabriolet, the Porsche 993 Targa debuted a new variable hardtop system featuring a sliding glass roof panel as opposed to the removable top found on earlier models. This 1996 example is one of 462 Targas produced for the U.S. market during the model year and comes finished in Arena Red Metallic over a Cashmere Beige partial leather interior. It was originally sold by Carousel Automobiles in Minneapolis, Minnesota, equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, an optional limited-slip differential, the Power Seat Package, and Litronic xenon headlights. This 993 was registered to its first owner in Texas where it was acquired by the current owner in 2006 before moving to Nevada. It features an upgraded Fabspeed exhaust system, a Motor Sound Package air intake, and chrome exhaust tips. This rare 993 Targa is now being offered for auction by its longtime owner out of Arizona while showing approximately 48k miles on the odometer.
This Targa is finished in Arena Red Metallic, one of the most iconic colors of the 993 generation. It features an electric Targa top system with a sliding glass roof panel, an electric sunshade, and a glass wind deflector strip. The car is also equipped with optional Litronic xenon headlights with washers, integrated front fog lights, dual chrome exhaust tips, power heated outside mirrors, rear fender stone guards, a speed-activated rear spoiler, and a fixed “basket handle” spoiler with an integrated brake light. It rides on factory Targa-specific 17” Speedline two-piece wheels that were dressed in new Michelin Pilot Sport tires (2021/2022) within the last 500 miles. 3M window tint has been applied to the windows and glass Targa roof, and clear paint protection film was installed on the hood and leading edges of the front fenders and outside mirrors. The CARFAX report shows minor damage in separate entries in June and November of 2015 resulting from damage sustained to the rear bumper cover during a service visit. The seller notes that another parking lot incident resulted in repairs and paintwork to the rear bumper cover again in June of 2022. Noted imperfections include some rock chips in the paint and a small chip in the windshield. Detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a full CARFAX report.
Inside, this 993 features a Cashmere Beige partial leather interior with power-operated seats, a contrasting black dashboard, and a black leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel. Accessories include “PORSCHE” embroidered black carpet floor mats, a removable dashboard mat, power windows and mirrors, cruise control, automatic climate control, and an updated Becker-Porsche CDR-220 stereo paired with a remote 6-disc CD changer. The seller notes some signs of wear are present on the driver’s seat bolster. All gauges and accessories are said to be fully functional.
The air-cooled 3.6-liter M64 flat-six engine features a VarioRam intake system and was factory-rated at 282 HP and 250 lb.-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels by way of a 6-speed manual transmission with an optional limited-slip differential. A Motor Sound Package-specification air intake has been added along with a Fabspeed Motorsport exhaust system for increased sound and performance. An engine-out service was performed in 2015 which included rebuilt heads, new fuel injectors, and new gaskets. An engine reseal was completed in May 2017 to repair an oil leak during which time the spark plugs and belts were replaced as well. Additional maintenance includes a fluid service and new front tie rods in 2019, a new battery installed in May 2022, and an air-conditioning service in September 2023. The seller adds that an uninstalled M033 suspension lowering kit and short shifter are included with the sale along with the original air intake and mufflers.
This sale will include a clean title and the following items:
The seller would like you to know: “Hi! And Welcome to my auction! I have owned this Arena Red Metallic over Cashmere Targa for over 17 years and it has always drawn compliments wherever we go. It is a joy to drive and has been lovingly cared for since I purchased it with 10.3k miles. We used this 993 mainly for PCA tours and events (No track) and the occasional West Coast vacation. The power Targa top makes for extremely pleasant drives, allowing for normal conversations with the top open! Always garaged, maintenance is up to date and 4 new Michelins were installed in 2023, less than 500 miles ago. Overall paint is excellent but not "perfect" with some minor 'road rash'. The body has no dings, dents, or other ailments. The driver seat shows some minor bolster wear (can't help it...gotta drive the car) but all else is great - even the clock works! Lots of extras, spares, etc. I invite any questions you may have and wish you successful bidding!”
Comments (101)
Awesome - I couldn't be more excited. Great seller and super transparent. Will be in touch!
Sold for $92,000
Congratulations!! And thank you laxandback!
And, of course, thank you to all the other bidders! I only wish that I had another car this nice to sell...
Congrats. Good price for this car.
Bid in the amount of $92,000
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Bid in the amount of $85,500
This is a time capsule car
Bid in the amount of $85,000
Bid in the amount of $83,500
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Bid in the amount of $79,500
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Bid in the amount of $78,500
the auction is closing...last chance!
Thank you, laxandback!
OK, bidders. THE RESERVE IS OFF! This car will sell today. Please don't hesitate to bid or you may miss this Targa.
Thank you to everyone.
Bid in the amount of $78,000
Tool kit is complete and like new.
Photo of tool kit and compressor uploaded to gallery
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"Car well maintained and in pristine condition" - Patrick Motorsports, 9/21/23
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Yep, well the compressor gloves are unused and I haven't seen many 993s with them. The entire compressor unit is complete and appears like new.
You had me at the compressor gloves.
Original tool kit, compressor with gloves, jack, spare tire
Many extras
Original removed parts
Ample luggage capacity for weekend trips
New Tires
Low Mileage
-Besides, the stock market is up!
Targa top complete and fully operational
Handsome color combination
Thank you to all you bidders!
As you probably know by now, in my opinion, the 993 is the pinnacle of air cooled Porsches and the Targa is an all around versatile variant. This (my) Targa is a strong and smooth performer, is well maintained, has lots of eye candy, sounds great - and even has power steering!
It would make a fine addition to anyone’s garage.
You should enjoy it as much as I have.
Some hungry gents in this race! I love the friendly competition. Still a lot of time left and we are already pushing on recent sales comps!
Bid in the amount of $77,500
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Bid in the amount of $65,000
Thank you to all the bidders!
If I can provide anything further, please don't hesitate to ask.
There is less than a day to go so I want to be sure to answer everyone's questions.
Good Luck!
Thank you, Calicarguy! Your comments are greatly appreciated.
I wish you would bid on this Targa, too!
(Are you sure that you don't want another one?)
I wish all sellers can be this great with details and videos like this. Good job I’m sure this car will fetch good money. If I didn’t own 993 Targa, I would bid on this one for sure.
Bid in the amount of $59,250
Bid in the amount of $59,000
Bid in the amount of $56,000
For those of you who wonder how quiet it is inside the car with the Targa top open, I have uploaded a video for you.
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Major/recent records have been posted. Happy reading!
I have other records that show replacement of normal maintenance items like plugs, distributor caps, rubber as needed, etc. Let me know if you want to see something.
I was recently asked if the Fabspeed mufflers caused a problem with emissions. The answer is: NO! The mufflers are what is often known as 'cat-back', meaning that the catalytic converter and O2 sensors are still in their original place and the mufflers are 'behind' them in the exhaust stream. The OBD-II readings are not affected by the mufflers. This car passed emissions testing in Nevada and Arizona with no problem whatsoever. I cannot speak for other municipalities so a bidder should check locally. However, the original Porsche mufflers are included with the sale so the successful bidder can always go back to 'factory stock'.
Happy reading and please don't forget to bid!
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I have pretty extensive invoices and records and am uploading the major/more recent ones.
Please do not hesitate to ask any questions.
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Hi eparlet1742! That’s another good question. The short answer is yes. The long answer is: like every other older, air-cooled Porsche that I have owned or been associated with, eventually the speedometer needle begins to stick or flutters. This does not affect the odometer (mileage recording). That occurred with this Targa as I was, literally, just pulling into the shop for other service. I had them pull the unit and have it checked. The car sat in their bay while the unit was sent out for service of the mph portion. The car was not driven without the speedometer/odometer unit in place. Mileage shown is accurate.
This service was to address an oil leak and the engine was re-sealed. Leakdown results are also shown.
I am uploading a copy of the invoice that addresses all this.
And to respond to your second point, yes, in my opinion, it is not a good idea to try to reset the trip odometer in the older Porsches while moving. Some of the parts that I have seen are plastic and get brittle with age.
Thank you for your question.
Hi oldsouth. Good question. In their current containers/boxes, I don’t think that all the parts will fit inside and still be able to drive it. The rear sound panel can be put back on. The suspension box is rather big in the shipping box but if you didn’t care about the original box, the shocks and springs could be placed ‘loosely’ in the back. The wheel is bulky and might be best kept in the box and might be maneuvered into the back but would fit easier in the front seat. The original mufflers, in the box, are too bulky, but, again, taken out of the box, could be individually wrapped and then placed in the back. The rest of the pieces could probably be placed in the remaining spaces - front footwell, frunk, etc. However, you might be pushing the max weight. Safety and comfort also should be considered.
Personally, I would ship the heavier/bulkier pieces; however, that would be up to the successful bidder.
Thanks again for your good observation and question.
Any speedometer work? Recall reading never press reset while moving! Thanks.
Bid in the amount of $55,250
Bid in the amount of $55,000
Could all those parts fit in the car or not? For instance, if I flew in and drove it back to Louisiana.
Thanks for the video...
Hi All...I have uploaded copies of the original In Service sheet showing mileage of 326 miles in Dallas, Texas and the Bill of Sale when I purchased the car with 10,365 miles in Texas before bringing it to Nevada. This car has always been a Southwest car, as is also shown by the registration history in the CARFAX.
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Thank you for your bid, Hobie1! Please let me know if there is any additional information that you might want.
Bid in the amount of $53,993
Bid in the amount of $49,000
You’re welcome. Please don’t hesitate to ask any further questions you may have. I want all viewers/bidders to have all the information they may want.
@WPFan911 thanks looks good, appreciate it.
Hi all! Videos have been uploaded to the listing.
Please take a look Let me know what you think
Thank you.
Thank you for your questions and requests. I will do my best to answer all the concerns below:
I have uploaded the photos of the windshield lower corners and the front and rear undersides. Please let me know if you need more/different pictures.
I have made a video of the sunshade operation and a driving video in the upper rpm ranges. The sunshade retracts and extends fully - no muss, no fuss.
The driving video shows pulling through the first few gears. The video is short due to traffic and LEOs but I hope it satisfied your request. The car pulls very strongly through the gears. These 2 videos were uploaded to PCMARKET and PCMARKET has to make them compatible with their website. Their website says that this will take place in the normal course of business.
The second CARFAX incident is a result of the first: The rear bumper cover was replaced and painted due to the shop incident. The paint job was poor and I wanted it repainted. The shop refused to pay and I turned it into my insurance. The adjuster came out, put the car on a lift and examined the car. He agreed that the bumper cover paint was faulty and agreed to a repaint. He also looked under the rest of the car and noted that there were scratches on the front and left and right side sections of the front bumper cover (these are shown in the uploaded photos). The adjustor said that these scratches were not covered as they were part of the normal underbody wear and tear on a car driven on the road. So, there was no paint work done on the front of the car. And to the best of my knowledge, the paint on the car, except for the rear bumper cover, is original. I have not had any respray, etc. done to the car.
The brake pads, front and rear, are at 40%, per the shop report from this September. I have not looked at the rotors but knowing this shop, they would have told me if anything was needed. I have not had either the pads or rotors replaced and I believe that they are original. In actual use, the brakes are very strong and do not pull to either side. Takeup is smooth and progressive - no jerking or grabbing. Porsche brakes are impressive and these are no exception.
The transmission shifts very smoothly and is a notable improvement over the G-Series 911s. I happened to have had a good connection at the local parts shop and got a very good price on a new clutch so I went ahead and had it installed when the engine was serviced in Reno ...more of a "while you are in there"...kind of thing rather than an actual need. No other clutch work has been done or is needed.
@WPFan911 thank you.
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If you take pictures today can you include the lower windshield corners.
Also can you provide more explanation on the second CARFAX incident. It shows minor damage to the front and sides. Did you have to paint most of the car? Thanks.
Nice vehicle. Is it possible to get pictures of underneath front and rear edges to see any scrapes. Is shifting smooth, from low miles doubt any clutch or master slave clutch work done with engine out service. Please elaborate on brake rotor wear, assume original rotors. Thanks much. Post Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you, Hobie1 for the bid!
I will be glad to take the videos as soon as I get home tomorrow. (Thanksgiving dinner with in-laws, outlaws and friends...)
@WPFan911 Thanks for the dash pictures. Looks great.
Bid in the amount of $48,000
Could we also get a video of the sunshade operation? Thanks
Nice looking car... Could we get a driving video running thru the upper RPM range please? Thanks.
Thanks for asking. No, the car has been leak-free, drip-free since the reseal, as shown in the photos.
Any fluid leaks at all since the reseal in 2017?
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Hi awaweego! I am uploading some pictures of the door check straps.
Thanks for your question.
The dash has no cracks and is excellent condition. I have uploaded pictures of the dash without the dash cover. The velcro is easily removable if you would want. (The white spots on the velcro are bits of fluff from the dust rag.). Even though the car has always been garaged, I installed a dash cover when I bought the car as the sun here in the West can be pretty intense. Pictures of the dash without the cover have been uploaded. (Please let me know if the pictures are OK as I took them with my cellphone and the format had to be changed for them to be uploaded.)
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What does the dash look like under the cover? Any cracks?
@MSQ Thank you for your bid! I have tried to take great care of this Targa. As I said earlier, this car always draws very positive compliments - even from the concours people.
Bid in the amount of $45,000
@WPFan911 Your car looks great and well cared for. Hope you do well here.
They are fine. Never any issue. I can send photos if you would like.
Beautiful car, How are the door check straps? Thanks
Hello! Thank you for looking at my auction. Please take your time to review the listing and do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have. I will be checking the site regularly so that I can respond to any questions or concerns promptly.
As you can see from the listing, I have owned this 993 Targa for a few years shy of two decades and have enjoyed it the whole time. So I know this car pretty well and I will do my best to be as honest and forthright in my responses as possible.