On offer is a milestone in 911 history: this is an example of the first 911 GTS that Porsche built as a Targa. Prior to the 991 series, the GTS variant was reserved exclusively for the Coupé and Cabriolet. This stunning sapphire-blue vehicle is an official pre-production model from Porsche AG. It was first registered on December 15, 2014—before the model’s debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show—and served as one of the few pre-production vehicles and as the first press model.
Pure purism: naturally aspirated engine & manual transmission. This 991.1 is the perfect configuration for connoisseurs: it combines the coveted 3.8-liter six-cylinder naturally aspirated boxer engine (the last of its kind) with a 7-speed manual transmission. It is one of the rare opportunities to experience the combination of unfiltered naturally aspirated engine sound (430 hp) and the active driving experience in a Targa.
History & Notability: Registered in 2014, it has a history that predates the model’s premiere at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. As a press vehicle (former license plate S-GO 4106), it was the subject of numerous international test reports by renowned media outlets. Written confirmation from Porsche regarding its pre-production status is available. At Porsche’s request, I will not post direct links to the respective media articles in this post.
You can access these articles yourself at any time, for example by using Google Search. For example, “Show me the 2015 Autobild article introducing the Porsche 991 Targa GTS” or “Show me the 2015 drive.com article introducing the Porsche 991 Targa GTS.” You can find an article in Die Welt using: “A Piece of Heaven with More Horsepower – Test Drive: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS.” You can also use Google AI to search for the license plate in conjunction with the model series and find additional articles.
Condition & History: Like-new condition, from my Porsche collection, mileage: 28,800 km. After being owned first by Porsche and then by two other enthusiasts, I acquired it in May 2021 in its unaltered original condition and have since had it professionally maintained at the “Home of Classic” sports car/classic car storage facility south of Hamburg (the first photo in the listing was taken there in the hall; the others were taken outside in daylight):
- Climate-controlled storage (monitored temperature & humidity).
- Battery maintenance device and regular test drives.
- Re-registered only on May 2, 2025, for careful summer drives last year. The vehicle is currently still registered and was driven approximately 100 km this year for maintenance.
I have never driven it on a racetrack myself. One detail is worth mentioning: On February 24, 2025, during a major service at Porsche Lüneburg, the vehicle was unfortunately slightly damaged on the front fascia by a delivery truck on the company premises. To preserve its value, the front fascia was replaced rather than repaired. This should not result in a significant reduction in value. Prior to its initial delivery to the customer, the front fascia had already been replaced by Porsche as part of a complete reconditioning following test and media use.
Special equipment:
- Adaptive sports seats including 18-way seat adjustment and memory package
- Driver assistance system: Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC)
- Windshield with bandpass filter at the top
- Floor mats
- Cruise control
- LED headlights, black, including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+)
- LED daytime running lights, dynamic cornering lights, headlight cleaning system (SRA)
- Sapphire Blue metallic paint
- Multimedia smartphone applications (online services / apps)
- Porsche Communications Management (PCM) incl. DVD navigation module (extended)
- Voice control for PCM, telephone module for Porsche Communications Management (PCM)
- Digital radio reception (DAB+)
- Gearshift/selector lever knob in Alcantara / Race-Tex
- Power Steering Plus (speed-sensitive)
- Heated front seats
- Pre-installation for vehicle tracking system
Key standard equipment:
- Sport Chrono Package incl. dynamic engine mounts (PADM).
- Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).
- Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear-axle differential lock.
- 20-inch 911 Turbo S wheels with center lock in black.
- Sport Design front apron and exterior mirrors.
- Sport exhaust system (GTS-specific).
- Alcantara/leather interior package.
Special sales condition:Upon request and personal agreement, the car will be delivered with a fresh Porsche Approved warranty (including a 111-point inspection). Please submit initial inquiries exclusively via message, in German or English; further communication can then also take place by phone.
Conclusion:
A very rare, value-retaining, media-featured collector’s item that marks the birth of the Targa GTS as a manual-transmission classic.