Porsche 996 Targa

2002 Porsche 996 Targa

The History

Unveiled in 1997, the Porsche 996 was a complete redesign to supersede the 993 and was the first production 911 to feature water cooling. This was seen as a radical departure from the air-cooled 911 era that enthusiasts of the marque had loved. However, Porsche had been using water to assist cooling in their competition cars for several years already and won the 1998 Le Mans 24 hours outright with the new water-cooled GT1 911, cementing the technology for a new era of the Porsche 911.

The new 996 road car featured a more efficient, smaller capacity 3.4 litre, 4 valve per cylinder engine that not only revved higher but also produced more torque and power than the outgoing 3.6 litre unit too. The chassis was 45% stiffer and lighter at 1320kg ensuring with 300BHP (a number previously reserved for the 993 RS 3.8 unit) it dynamically outperformed its predecessor in all departments, leading to universal acclaim from the press at the time.

If there was one criticism, it was the Pinky Ley designed headlamps nicknamed fried eggs, so for 2002 model year, styling was revised as well as an uptick in build quality. The engine displacement was increased to 3.6 litres, with a power hike to 320BHP and manual versions could now reach 60mph in 5.0 seconds dead, before powering on to a top sped just shy of 180mph.

As well as Coupe and Convertibles models, the Targa variant made a welcome return with its glass retractable roof, first seen on the 993. It offered coupe styling, combined with the option to have a full open roof experience.

Orient Express

We are pleased to have secured immaculate 996 Targa for stock that was originally supplied by Rivervale Porsche on 26/07/2022. Finished in the rare and stunning combination of orient red metallic with full Savannah leather interior.  It features desirable hardback heated sports seats with Porsche embossed crests, manual transmission, automatic air-conditioning, CDR 22 head unit with Bose speakers, trip computer and of course the full electric glass folding roof with opening rear hatch and sunblind.

If you have carried out some research on the 996, it is well documented that some can suffer with engine problems, and whilst certainly not applicable to all, it will be refreshing to hear this example had a documented engine replacement carried out in 2009 at 14,686 miles.  It has now covered just 37,000 miles, with a continuous Porsche OPC and specialist history from new.

Our Thoughts

Whilst some still turn their nose up at this era of 911, it really is their loss, as there is a clarity of feedback through the steering, combined with just the right amount of power assistance that has been lost on later models. And those compact dimensions combined with strong performance, allow you to thread one down a favourite road, with real verve and confidence.

And what about this example? Well, lovely really, the exterior still features its original paint in excellent condition, whilst the interior has all the hallmarks of a cared for example, with the rear seats in particular looking like they have never been sat in. The retractable glass roof works perfectly and creates a light and airy environment when either open or closed.

More modern and suited to daily duties than the air-cooled generation, yet more analogue than current models today, this 996 Targa is ULEZ compliant too.