Among the rarest and most sought-after variants of the final air-cooled 911, the Porsche 993 Carrera Targa features a unique sliding glass roof system with an electric rolling sunshade. This 1997 example is one of only 1,173 Targa models produced for the U.S. between 1996 and 1998. It comes finished in Arena Red Metallic over a Classic Grey leather interior and is equipped with a 3.6-liter flat-six engine paired with a 6-speed manual transaxle. This 993 has also been modified with Elephant Racing monoball control arms, solid rear subframe mounts, bump steer-correcting tie rods, a front strut tower brace, an upgraded air intake, a MOMO steering wheel, billet aluminum pedals, a billet aluminum parking brake handle, an updated sound system, and aftermarket 19” wheels. Acquired by the current owner in 2011 and recently serviced with new valve cover gaskets, timing chain cover gaskets, and ignition wires, this rare 993 Targa is now being offered for auction out of California with less than 106k miles showing on the odometer.
A departure from prior 911 Targa models, the 993 version was the first to feature a power-operated glass roof panel that fully retracts beneath the rear window. This example is finished in Arena Red Metallic (L84S). Equipment includes projector headlights, headlamp washers, integrated fog lights, heated power mirrors, dual exhaust outlets, black Porsche-branded brake calipers, and aftermarket 19” three-piece wheels dressed in BF Goodrich tires from 2011. The seller states that the car was recovered from theft after being involved in an accident at 92k miles, and a salvage title was issued as a result. It was subsequently purchased, repaired, and issued a rebuilt title. There was reportedly no structural damage sustained, and the repairs included refinishing the rear quarter panels, decklid, rear bumper, and replacing several rear suspension components. The seller adds that the paint is in very good overall condition with protective film on the front bumper, forward hood and fenders, ahead of the rear quarter panels, and on the mirrors. Additional images are provided in the gallery along with a full CARFAX report.
The Classic Grey leather interior includes 8-way power-adjustable front seats, a three-spoke MOMO steering wheel, billet aluminum pedals, and a billet aluminum parking brake handle. Other accessories include power windows, an electric rolling sunshade, a central locking system, automatic climate control, cruise control, Porsche-branded floor mats, updated rear speakers, and an aftermarket stereo head unit. Some signs of wear are noted on the driver’s seat, along with minor scuffs on the rear seats. The seller states the driver’s side airbag has been removed, and a warning light appears on the dashboard.
Rated at 282 HP, the air-cooled 3.6-liter flat-six engine drives the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transaxle. An upgraded engine air intake has been installed, and the original intake is included in the sale. The suspension has also been modified with Elephant Racing monoball control arms, solid rear subframe mounts, bump steer-correcting tie rods, and a front strut tower brace. Recent services include new ignition wires, valve cover gaskets, timing chain cover gaskets, engine oil, and transmission fluid. The seller notes that downshifting from 4th to 3rd gear feels obstructed, although there is no grinding noise or debris found in the transmission fluid.
This sale will include owner’s manuals, a toolkit, a spare tire, an air pump, a car cover, and a rebuilt title.
The seller would like you to know: “Thank you for visiting my auction. I am a retired mechanical engineer and have been working on my Porsches for 35 years.”
Comments (60)
Sorry seller...the only thing this car runs with is 105k miles, salvage and rebuilt title, accident and theft of car…agree with @kcnsf, @ram3k
@arokhsar You understand! This is a mechanical and visual work of art. It will be interpreted as different as we each are. It is difficult to put a price on an object of this nature.
I realize the blemishes but physically this car runs with the rest of the pack. DMV says no. It just comes down to what you want it for?
Wow...
@Dutch178 Haha, I just did the same thing. I was very interested in this car as the 993 is my dream car and thought that something with this history could be an affordable way to get one (who cares about resale value if you don't ever plan on selling it, right?). The bidding started slipping out of my comfort zone and I'm pretty surprised to see that final bid didn't do it.
Came back to check on this, and see the Buy Now price...That seems more than a bit out of sync with the market, for what a rebuilt title does to a car's value.
105k miles, salvage and rebuilt title, accident and theft of car…agree with @kcnsf.
Um, ok? final bid was, in my humble opinion, more than the car is worth to be honest. Too many unknowns and a rebuilt title.
I've been lurking on this listing for two days now... Can't believe the bidding war that's happening at the end. Good luck!
Bid in the amount of $55,000
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Bid in the amount of $38,993
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Bid in the amount of $31,993
I also own a 993 Targa. All I can say is that this is a special car.
Bid in the amount of $31,500
@desiretodrive Yes I do have copies of all of the documents from the state of Indiana.
Hello, can you please confirm that you have the Indiana rebuilt title along with all necessary documents including receipts of repairs? I would be looking to register this car in WA. Thank you.
@KCnSF The airbag was removed to install the Momo steering wheel. Reinstall is straight forward. I can install it at the buyers request.
Bid in the amount of $31,243
Why was the airbag removed? Is it as simple as reinstalling it?
Bid in the amount of $30,993
those wheels are mine!
Bid in the amount of $26,993
Bid in the amount of $25,911
@Jgeis1 Yes I do have the steering wheel and airbag as well as the ac compressor. I do not have the original rims.
Do you have the original steering wheel with the airbag? What about the original wheels? Thanks.
Bid in the amount of $25,000
Love the wheels!
Bid in the amount of $19,000
@inthemarket I have not replaced the clutch and the prior 2 owners have not.
There is a big difference between engine replaced and oil changed. Carfax is the only history I have prior to the rebuild.
I have recently completely overhauled the front and rear suspensions with the upgrades described.
I removed the ac compressor to clean up the engine compartment and lighten the rear end.
Between the Transmission issue, inability to register in CA, and unknowns with the accident /theft I feel like I’m biting off more than I can chew on this one! GLWS John
Four questions:
1) Has the clutch been replaced?
2) In the CarFax report, the service done on 09/23/2002 says that the engine was replaced, is this correct or should the report state that the engine oil was replaced?
3) Any other major work done on the car besides the accident/stolen car repair?
4) Why was the A/C compressor removed?
Bid in the amount of $17,993
@mleask This car has a non repairable vehicle certificate from the state of CA. The car was recovered from a theft after the insurance company settled with the owner. The insurance company issued the certificate and auctioned the car off in Indiana where it was rebuilt.
@ruf_kühlt I'm wondering the same thing.
any issues registering this in California?
Bid in the amount of $16,993
Bid in the amount of $15,993
@Anpdup88 No I do not. I do have the documents from the state of Indiana that were required to get the car registered. I was told by the previous owner that there was a dent on the rear quarter that was rolled out and filler was not used. The rest of the damage was under carriage scratches, a damaged axle, and several damaged control arms.
Do you have any pictures of the accident?
Send the video to Pcarmarket, they will post it.
@Davidmcd2018 David, I am not able to send a video on this forum.
@Davidmcd2018 Hello David,
Yes the targa top and shade function properly. I will send you a video a little later.
I believe the issue with the transmission is a shift fork adjustment or a worn shift pattern gate and pin. I have not had anyone look at it but I would be willing to do so if you would like.
The ac was working before I removed the compressor. I do have the compressor and it would come with the car.
Just want to confirm, does the car have functioning AC?
You are a mechanical engineer as well as a porsche mechanic. What do u think the transmission obstruction is and has a porsche service center looked at it? Does the targa top and sun shade function as new and can u provide a video. Thanks
Bid in the amount of $10,000