The 993-generation Porsche 911 has spent years climbing the wish-list ladder for enthusiasts, and cars like this 1996 Porsche 911 Targa help explain why. Listed on eBay, this blue-over-gray example combines the final air-cooled 911 platform with a six-speed manual transmission and the distinctive sliding glass Targa roof. It’s not being presented as a perfect, fully sorted collector piece, though, which honestly may make it more interesting to some buyers.
According to the seller, the car shows approximately 68,000 miles, though they also note the tachometer is currently not functioning, making the mileage approximate rather than guaranteed. The car carries a clean title and has reportedly had five previous owners.
Power comes from Porsche’s 3.6-liter flat-six paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. The seller says the car runs and drives, adding that the drivetrain feels strong, the clutch operates properly, and the transmission shifts without grinding or popping out of gear. Those are important details on a 993, especially one that’s been sitting for an extended period.
The listing is also fairly upfront about the fact that the car will need recommissioning before returning to regular use. According to the seller, that includes standard maintenance items like fluids, inspection work, and general sorting after storage. That feels pretty realistic for a car that hasn’t been driven consistently, especially something as mechanically specific as an air-cooled 911.
One of the more unique elements here is the Targa roof itself. The seller states that it functions, though the sliding glass panel is currently slow or sticky and may need service or adjustment. The 993 Targa setup was different from the earlier removable roof-panel design, using a large retractable glass roof instead. Some enthusiasts love the extra openness it provides, while others simply appreciate how different it feels compared to a standard coupe.
The seller also notes that the body panels appear original, though no additional claims are made regarding paintwork or cosmetic condition. Beyond that, the listing stays fairly restrained and matter-of-fact, which is usually appreciated on enthusiast cars like these.
The 993 market has evolved a lot in recent years. Manual-transmission cars, especially air-cooled examples, tend to draw attention even when they need work or sorting. A Targa sits in a slightly different niche than the more common coupe, but that uniqueness is exactly why some buyers seek them out.
This one feels like the kind of Porsche someone buys because they actually want to experience a 993 instead of just storing it away. The seller even describes it as a “solid candidate” for someone looking to sort and enjoy an air-cooled Targa rather than chase perfection immediately.
This car was “caught” in an urban explorers video on YouTube where it was part of a massive storage facility littered with interesting cars.