1997 Porsche 911 (993) Targa

The 993 was the final generation of air-cooled 911s, and as such will always have a special place in the affections of Porsche enthusiasts. It is also widely said to be the last of the 911s that were built whilst engineering integrity overruled accounting pressures at Porsche. Twenty years on, it still looks modern - a truly timeless design.

The 993 was launched in the autumn of 1994 and was claimed to be 80% new. The bodywork was altogether more curvaceous, with a number of new panels and the overall look was much smoother and more integrated. Importantly, this new style was still every inch a 911 in the traditional manner, with the profiles of the doors and rear quarter windows remaining unchanged from earlier models.

The biggest change under the skin was the new multi-link rear suspension, giving greater driver confidence, less road noise and excellent ride quality. Designed to give a level of passive rear-wheel steering (the "Weissach effect'), thus controlling the way the suspension behaved under cornering, braking and acceleration, it transformed the 911. It was also the first 911 to be equipped with power steering and an advanced ABS system.

The 993 uses essentially the same 3.6-litre engine as the 964, mated to a development of the worthy G50 gearbox, but now with six forward gears. August 1995 heralded the introduction of the Varioram induction system helping to boost power to 285bhp, and enabling a top speed close to 170mph and acceleration to match.

The car seen here is a RHD, 1997 993 Targa with a manual gearbox. This all-original Varioram car has covered just 45,000 miles and has always been thoroughly maintained. It comes with a fully comprehensive servicing record (Porsche Centres and marque specialists Paragon), a complete book-pack and many invoices. It was a highly specified car when new and has had five fastidious keepers since. In striking Zenith Blue Metallic paint, contrasting favourably with the Cashmere Beige leather, this car is surely one of the finest 993s available today. The Targa roof creates a light and airy feel in what is already a very attractive cabin. The Targa model also offers a flavour of open-top motoring whilst retaining structural rigidity for a more driver focused car.

The 993-series 911 is regarded by many as a true modern classic, offering genuine usability but still with a real and important place in the history of Porsche's most famous model. This example is very worthy of the expression "best-of-breed' and is ready to be enjoyed and appreciated.

(Please note, the registration M49 NUS will not come with the car)