The air-cooled era of the Porsche 911 ended with the 993 generation, and this 1997 Porsche 911 Targa represents one of the last, and most distinctive, examples of that lineage. Finished in timeless black over gray, this 993 Targa is listed here on eBay with 116,580 miles and a clean title. The seller states that it’s a well-maintained driver, complete with its original books, tools, and documentation, along with a recently completed major service. For enthusiasts seeking a usable air-cooled Porsche without breaking into collector-level pricing, this one might hit the sweet spot.
According to the seller, the car spent time in Hawaii, where it was garage-kept, and has since been kept in good running condition. Power comes from Porsche’s 3.6-liter flat-six paired with a Tiptronic automatic transmission, and the car is said to run and drive strong. The air conditioning blows cold, the radio functions properly, and the service list is impressive: the engine was resealed (without splitting the case), timing chain covers and valve covers were replaced, a new rear main seal installed, new plugs and wires fitted, and the distributor, decklid struts, battery, and AC charge were all refreshed. In short, this 911 has had the kind of care that suggests a conscientious owner rather than a neglected one.
This Targa also comes with several desirable factory options, including the M030 Sport Suspension package, limited-slip differential, sport seats, and the high-fidelity eight-speaker sound system. The 993 Targa design itself is unique to this generation, it features a large, power-sliding glass roof panel rather than a removable top, creating a panoramic feel while maintaining coupe-like lines. The seller notes that the Targa mechanism currently isn’t functional, but the parts to repair it are included in the sale.
While it isn’t a concours-level car, the seller describes it as an honest, driver-quality example that presents well for its age. The paint retains a good shine, the interior looks tidy, and the mechanical foundation is strong thanks to the recent service. Porsche purists will appreciate the inclusion of its original manuals, tool kit, and full documentation, details that often get lost over time.
For someone looking to enjoy the last of the air-cooled 911s without chasing perfection or paying top-tier prices, this could be an ideal buy. Would you preserve this Targa as-is and enjoy it as a weekend driver, or take it a step further with a full restoration?
Nice car but not a Targa. History makes it a good buy. Good solid car, one of the best made.
Targa????
Yes, it’s a Targa. Porsche did it different on the 993. Look at the interior shots. You can see that the whole roof is glass. It slides back like a huge sunroof. Here’s an article from Road & Track that discusses it more: https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/videos/a28979/porsche-911-993-targa-video/
I wouldn’t consider it a Targa either no matter what Porsche called it. A Targa has no roof whatsoever over the seats. There’s nothing wrong with doing it this way and structurally it’s likely more rigid, but this is nothing more than an electric sunroof.
I certainly agree! I had an 88 red Targa and was excited when the “Targa” hit the showroom. It was a sunroof, as you pointed out. My 911 was 214 HP and the 993 was 247. I didn’t buy it because of the looks, even though that extra horsepower made the 911 a more woolly and wild ride; I didn’t like the looks.
Well-maintained, they can do an engine reseal, but can’t fix a simple exhaust tip or straighten it out??? Appearance is a huge asset in this fine auto! 10k over-priced; looks, tip & mileage!
A two pedal 911 has always been a tough sale. The term “We’ll kept” is questionable when the exhaust is wonky and hanging incorrectly. Although, air cooled the 993 lost some of that original appeal of the 911, hence the 964’s still have it over the 993.