Porsche 993 Carrera

BACKGROUND
Introduced in 1994, the Porsche 911, Type 993, was the last of the air-cooled 911 line and as such will always hold a special place in the heart and minds of Porsche 911 fans. What followed (the Porsche 996) was very much a revolution.

The 993, by contrast, was more evolution, but even so it was quite a significant one, over the 964 model 911, which it replaced. For the first time the basic shape of the 911 was changed, the front end, wider and flatter. The rear end took on a wider stance, with a bulging rear arches, even on the narrow-bodied Carrera 2. The basic 911 silhouette was still unmistakeable, but with modern twist.

Mechanically the 993 retained the 3.6-litre engine, but with detail changes, that raised power to 272bhp and then 285bhp, with the arrival of the Varioram induction system.

A new six-speed gearbox offered a greater range of ratios and an all new multi-link rear suspension set-up offered greater control of the rear-engined mass. The front suspension remained much as the 964.

Beyond the base Carrera 2, model variations included widebody, Turbo, GT and pertinently here, Targa and Cabrio.

The 993 Targa was the first evolution of the Targa concept, replacing the lift out roof panel, with a far more sophisticated electric sliding glass panel, which retracts to sit underneath the rear window. And introduced for the 1996 model year, it also benefits from the later 285bhp Varioram engine. Performance highlights are 0-60mph in 5.4 secs and a top-speed of 171mph. And a comparative 993 rarity, too, with just 4583 Targas built.

DESCRIPTION
This 993 Carrera Targa, rolled off the Porsche production line in late 1995, and was registered and sold via Chapelgate Porsche Centre, Dorset in January 1996, making it one of the first 993 Targas.

Ultra-purists might be a bit sniffy about the Targa, but we say try before you dismiss. For many, the Targa concept is the perfect niche between Coupe and full roof down Cabriolet. The Targa also retains 99% of the Coupe’s silhouette and while it is 30kg heavier than the C2 (1370kg v 1400kg), it’s still 20kg lighter than the C4. And in modern terms, it’s an absolute lightweight.

This particular 993 Targa is well known to us at Paul Stephens, and is an excellent example. Enthusiasts will be glad of the manual gearbox and basic options, including air-con, rear wiper, cruise control and top-tinted windscreen. The colour is typical of the era, when the previously popular Guards Red was shunned in favour of the more-subtle. In Polar Silver Metallic, this 993 doesn’t shout. The Midnight Blue leather interior offers a nice contrast and darker interiors are always more popular. The condition stands up wonderfully too for the mileage having had recent paint work and an exceptionally clean interior.

The fully stamped service book mixes Porsche Centres with Porsche specialists. In recent years it has been exclusively maintained by well-known Lincolnshire specialist, Zentrum. It’s clear that this Targa has benefitted from regular use and consistent mileage. We know from experience, that Porsche’s like to be used. Maintenance has therefore been largely routine and we wouldn’t expect that to change going forward, with nothing to suggest any major impending expenditure.

ON THE ROAD
First, get that roof back and marvel as it slides neatly into place. This is what 911 Targa motoring is about, a light breeze compared to the more gale force Cabrio experience! And given that most classic 911s are very much second/summer cars now, then why not let the sun in?

The Targa retains more rigidity, too, so the driving experience is not far removed from a Coupe. And that’s enhanced with the slick-shifting six-speed ‘box. And of course performance is strong with the full 285bhp, 3.6-litre Varioram sting in the tail.

The most versatile of the 993 range? Well that’s a different take on the Targa concept and why not? And, of course, the last of the air-cooled 911s. Still need further convincing? As always, we shall be supplying it fully service and prepared.