It’s not often that you find the words “Porsche” and “No Reserve” in the same sentence. However, that is the case with this 1997 Porsche 911 Targa. It is a tidy, driver-grade classic, ready for action with a new owner behind the wheel. It has a few cosmetic faults, but none are what most readers would consider urgent. The seller has listed the Porsche here on eBay in Eagle, Colorado. It has received a single bid of $55,000, and with No Reserve, the Porsche is days away from finding a new home.
Former Top Gear UK host Jeremy Clarkson once stated that the 911 was a car Porsche forgot to stop making. I guess that is true to a certain extent, because the styling cues and drivetrain configuration of the modern version can trace their roots back to the original 911’s launch in 1964. However, the two cars are like chalk and cheese beneath the skin. The company launched what was known internally as the 993 in 1994. Our featured car rolled off the line in 1997 as a Glacier White Targa variant. The seller has listed it on behalf of a friend who is its sole owner. It has spent its life in a favorable climate, so rust isn’t an issue. The car looks presentable, although a close inspection reveals that the clear coat is failing. The seller peeled it away in a couple of spots, revealing that the White paint beneath is in good condition. The buyer could continue that process, and if they are careful, it would take more time than money to improve the appearance. There are a few minor bumps and bruises, and the windshield has a small crack. The remaining glass is in good condition, as are the 17″ alloy wheels.
Although Porsche has dabbled in the world of front-engined vehicles, most cars leaving the Stuttgart factory follow the rear-engine/rear-drive design philosophy. This 911 is no exception, with its 3.6-liter flat-six sending 282hp and 251 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a six-speed manual transaxle. Power steering is standard equipment, as are enormous four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. If you compare the Porsche’s power and torque figures to those delivered by cars like the Chevrolet Corvette, they don’t seem impressive. However, Porsche is a master at squeezing every ounce of performance from its vehicles, which is why it declared that this car could hit 171mph. The owner purchased the 911 from the dealership and used it for years as her daily driver. It runs and drives well, but has received limited recent use. The seller recommends a service, new tires, and an investigation into why the ABS light remains illuminated. They believe that flushing the system and replacing the pads might cure the problem, and since they possess significant experience with the marque, this could be true.
This Porsche has covered 153,000 miles during its lifetime, so it is fair to expect some interior shortcomings. Trimmed in Cashmere and Black leather, the driver’s seat outer bolster shows wear. This is typical and unavoidable, but it hasn’t developed into a hole. Therefore, a leather specialist might be able to stop the deterioration in its tracks. The remaining upholstered surfaces are in good condition, as are the dash and plastic. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power top, and cruise control. The owner splashed additional cash with the premium ten-speaker stereo and power seat package.
I have previously stated that I don’t feel a genuine passion for Porsches. That isn’t to say I dislike them, because I respect the engineering principles and the performance the company extracts from engines with what appear, on paper, to be relatively modest specifications. Porsche proves that you don’t need a million horsepower to achieve impressive speed, just the ability to effectively utilize every pony at your disposal. Someone is guaranteed to become the new owner of this 911 Targa in a few days, having the chance to experience that driving sensation. Could that person be you?
Leave A Comment