Among the rarest versions of the Porsche 996 Carrera, the Targa model was introduced for the 2002 model year featuring a sliding glass “greenhouse” roof system and the first opening rear hatch on any Porsche 911. This 2003 example is finished in Seal Grey Metallic over a Black interior and comes equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, optional 18” Light Alloy Carrera wheels, the Bose High-End Sound Package, Power Seats Package, and Xenon Headlamp Package. It was acquired by the seller in late 2023 from its previous owner of 7 years who oversaw maintenance including replacements of the IMS bearing, rear main seal, and clutch all within the last 6k miles. It has been upgraded with Fister titanium sport mufflers and recently underwent professional detailing. Having remained in Dallas its entire life, this rare 996 Targa is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Texas with approximately 97k miles showing on the odometer.
The 996 Targa is characterized by its unique roof system which includes a sliding glass panel and an electrically operated sunshade. The rear window also acts as an openable hatch to provide storage access. This example is finished in Seal Grey Metallic and rides on factory-optioned 18” Light Alloy Carrera 5-spoke wheels. Other equipment includes optional bi-xenon headlamps, smoked side marker lenses, dual exhaust outlets, a speed-activated rear spoiler, and black brake calipers with white Porsche lettering. The seller notes that professional detailing was recently completed including paint correction and wax. Three small scratches are present on the rear bumper along with another scratch on the driver’s side lower rear quarter, a clear coat burn spot on the right side of the decklid, and a few small imperfections on the middle of the front bumper that have been touched up. The wheels show some curb rash, and the seller believes the front bumper may have been previously refinished. Detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a clean CARAFX report.
The Black interior features optional heated and power-operated seats as well as a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and the Bose High-End Sound Package. Other accessories include power windows and mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, an onboard computer, a central locking system, Porsche all-season rubber floor mats, and an aftermarket Pioneer Bluetooth head unit. The seller notes minimal signs of wear present on the upholstery and touchpoints. All accessories and electronics are said to be fully functional.
A naturally aspirated 3.6-liter flat-six engine delivers up to 320 HP and 273 lb.-ft of torque to the rear wheels by way of a 6-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0-60 MPH takes place in approximately 5 seconds while stopping power is handled by fixed 4-piston brakes and ventilated discs at each corner. The exhaust has been upgraded with Fister titanium mufflers and the following services were carried out under prior ownership at the corresponding mileages:
This sale will include owner’s manuals, a toolkit, a spare tire, carpet floor mats, and a clean title.
The seller would like you to know: “A great running and driving car with lots of recent service work. Zero mechanical flaws and is a blast to drive with the extra time of the Fister exhaust (not too loud). This is my 3rd 996 Targa and I love putting miles on these cars. This car is at the mileage where you can guiltlessly rack up more miles and not take a hit on depreciation while still having a reliable car. Especially with the peace of mind of the IMS bearing being replaced along with the rear main seal and new clutch.”
Comments (48)
Well bought
Well I guess that answers it. Well done
Sold for $27,161
That was a solid final bid. Curious to find out where the reserve was set
Bid in the amount of $27,161
Bid in the amount of $26,911
Bid in the amount of $25,500
Someone is going to be bringing this car home! It’s no gt2 club sport, but for a 5th of the price it truly is a great value. It really is an engaging car to drive. Analog enough to make you feel like you’re really driving in the twisty roads, but refined enough to take your significant other to dinner, and a massive glass roof for stargazing… :)
Time will do a favor to the values of this these cars, just as we see with the 993’s (specifically the targas) as people realize the unique driving experience yielded at this price point.
Thanks for your questions, comments, and bids! Happy to answer any last minute questions for the new owner!
Bid in the amount of $24,750
Bid in the amount of $24,250
Bid in the amount of $24,000
Bid in the amount of $19,250
Bid in the amount of $18,911
Bid in the amount of $18,400
Bid in the amount of $16,161
Bid in the amount of $15,911
Bid in the amount of $14,911
Bid in the amount of $12,000
Who had their coffee cup on the targa roof??? ;-). Great looking targa - these are the boxer briefs of 911 - the best of the cab and coupe.
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Bid in the amount of $9,250
Bid in the amount of $9,000
Bid in the amount of $8,500
Thanks. By the way that is some fine heel-tow shifting : )
@EchoInInfinity Not sure where the driving video got slowed down, I’ll get p car to repost. The slow-mo gives you time to appreciate my heel- toe shifting :)
the tracks need to be lubed regularly on these roofs. They are notorious for noises/rattles. Thankfully, this is the quietest targa roof of the three 996 targas I’ve had. No knocking or grinding noises coming from the top motors at all. Similar story with the shade. It just never gets used so likely needs a clean and lube, but no skipping teeth or grinding from the motors.
Also the driving video was either film or uploaded in slow motion. Can you with reshoot or reupload it at regular speed. Thank you.
Thanks for uploading the targa top video. Why does it squeak like that when it’s being retracted? Does it need to be lubed or something else going on? Also why does shade cover snap back at the mid point? I’ve never owned a targa and don’t know what type of maintenance is needed. Thanks,
@rbrunson the shop who did the majority of the work on the car including the rms, ims, and clutch is Hurst Import Cars in Hurst, Texas.
Love the glass top Targas. Exceptional driving experience in any conditions!
Can you please confirm the company that installed the IMS bearing work?
I looked at the receipt and want to investigate their experience with this type of work.
Can you please include a video of the Targa Roof opening and then closing along with the tail up and down
Bid in the amount of $6,500
Thanks just checking.
Bid in the amount of $5,996
@rbrunson I believe the angle makes it appear worse than actuality. Picture number 88 shows it more even. No replacement to my knowledge.
In picture 100 of the passenger air bag it looks like it does not fit evenly. Was the air bag been replaced in the past?
The right side looks like it has a much larger gap compared to the left side.
Any idea on this appearance?
Bid in the amount of $5,000
I submitted photos of the service records and dme report yesterday. Waiting for them to be added to the listing. I will get a video of the glass roof operating later today. No ppf on the car. Rear date codes are 49/21 and fronts are 43/17. Both with 5/32+ tread and no dry rotting. Both rear seatbelts are functioning properly. Thanks for your questions! Hopefully they can get the additional photos uploaded.
sorry... also: any PPF on the car? what are date codes on the tires? And can you also confirm that the rear seat seatbelts fully function (many older 911 rear seatbelts seize up and won't pull out to actually use).
Hi @porsche993reese! Am I missing the DME somehow? I went through all the pics and didn't find it. Also, can you post a video of the glass targa top and sunshade operating both opening and closing? Thank you.
@rbrunson EQ auto in Tyler, TX does a lot of work on the exotics in town. I’ve heard good things about eurospec in Tyler also but on the pricey side. There are two or three more “euro” shops in town that are not worth mentioning…
I will look forward to seeing the additional information. Please provide the local recommendations for the PPI.
Bid in the amount of $2,996
I don’t understand why potential buyers of any 996 keep asking about the IMS bearing. I have had a 996 for 15 years and never had any issue with the IMS bearing. The Porsche magazine I get every month had an article one month and called out that the IMS bearing failure rate is so low that replacing the bearing as a preventative is not warranted. The article reinforces the misconception that every 986/996 is in imminent danger of self destructing when nothing could be further from the truth, as failure rates range from less than 1% in early models and up to 5% in later ones. The IMS bearing is a potential issue which 996 drivers need to be aware of but it is not one that should have us needlessly worrying or making unneeded expenditures. My 996 has been running great for 15 years with no issues. So buy a 996 and drive it without worrying about so called IMS issues.
Bid in the amount of $2,500
@rbrunson I will post pictures of DME Report, service document folder, and specially the rms/ims/and clutch job done at 90k miles. I included some pictures of the records in my original posting but it looks like they didn’t make the cut (presumably for privacy purposes). I’ll include some photos with the personal info covered.
I’d invite a PPI to be done as I’m certain it would pass with flying colors. I can make a couple recommendations for good independent shops around me.
Lastly, I purchased the car under our dealerships inventory with the intent to enjoy it two or three months, put a few thousand miles on it, and sell it to roll into another fun weekend car!
Can you provide a DME report, detailed report on the IMS work and would you allow a PPI inspection locally at my cost?
Any maintenance records from previous owner available?
Why are you selling it after such a short period of time?
Thanks,