1997 Porsche 911 993 Targa

Porsche manufactured the 993 from 1993 through to early 1998, its discontinuation marking the end of the air-cooled Porsches. There were many technical improvements over the outgoing 964. The rear suspension was now alloy, together with the sub-frame, which made for far better handling and ride. The transmissions were improved in both the manual (now six speed - a first for Porsche) and the Tiptronic gearbox which became more sophisticated, recognising gradients and descents and so improving the driving experience. Mechanically, the brakes and exhaust systems were all improved. The bodywork was revised to give a more rounded style, with a genesis that is apparent in today's 911s'. Engine development included Porsche's VarioRam induction system that improved the torque characteristics of the engine, which greatly improved the overall performance. This was a standard feature from 1996 onwards.

Delivered to Hampstead in London in January 1997 via AFN Limited of Chiswick, this Targa variant of the marque with responsive Tiptronic gearbox is in the best colour combination of Midnight Blue metallic paint with Grey leather interior and is accompanied by Porsche leather wallet & book pack plus service book showing the following maintenance record:

January 1998, Yearly maintenance at 9,323mls, AFN ChiswickMarch 1999, Yearly maintenance at 14,909mls, Lancaster Porsche ColchesterMay 2000, Yearly maintenance at 25,797mls, JCT600 Porsche LeedsFebruary 2002, Yearly maintenance at 39,093mls, Road Range Porsche LiverpoolJune 2003, Yearly maintenance at 48,642mls, Mann Island Porsche LiverpoolJuly 2004, Yearly maintenance at 57,094mls, Strasse PorscheMay 2005, Yearly maintenance at 59,913mls, Strasse PorscheOctober 2006, Yearly maintenance at 62,400mls, Classic Car WorkshopAugust 2007, Yearly maintenance at 74,430mls, Classic Car WorkshopMay 2010, Vehicle maintenance at78,350mls, Porsche Centre Swindon

Acquired by our vendor in May 2008, at a similar time to his other two Porsches offered in this same auction, this car now shows circa 81,000 believed-genuine miles. The history file includes MOTs back to 2006 when the car showed 61,361, however, the remainder of the mileage can be reasonably corroborated by the stamped service record as detailed.

The car is in excellent mechanical order with the gearbox performing as you would expect and the engine pulling strongly. The Targa roof operates correctly and the interior is in very good order for the mileage (save for the usual wear to the drivers' seat bolster). The exterior panels are all straight and true, however, in absolute truth the paint could be bettered. The new owner may wish to consider a lower-half respray to correct the stone chips to the front of the car and better the aesthetic. Whilst it is not strictly necessary to paint the car to enjoy it as Porsche intended, our vendor has made allowance in the price in order that the next owner may budget for paint rectification if they wish. This fine 993 will be accompanied by a fresh MOT from mid-January 2015 to 2016 and is sold with UK V5C registration certificate.