2004 Porsche 996 C2 Targa

104,000 Miles
Tiptronic
Beige Leather Interior
Satellite Navigation
Telephone Module
CD Changer
BOSE Surround Sound system
Memory Seats
Fully Electric Seats
Heated Seats
Part Electric Seats
Silver/White Dials
Climate Control
18″ Alloy Wheels
Rear Wiper
Porsche Crest Emboss
Full Service History

The 996 model year was the most drastic update since the original 911. The all-new chassis platform and new water-cooled engine marked a complete breakaway from the original stalwarts of the 911 line. The changes weren’t just under the hood, Porsche wanted a 911 for the new millennium so design chief Harm Lagaay and his team completely re-designed the bodywork and interior. The 996 featured a much sleeker body style, a more raked windshield, completely updated interior, and generation-defining “fried egg” shaped headlamps that harked back to the legendary 1997 991 GT1 race car. The 996 was made for the ultimate cruising refinement, tombstone seats provided long distance comfort yet hard cornering support for peak enjoyment during everyday use. However, comfort doesn’t mean the 996 is track shy thanks to a 50 kg weight loss. On top of that, the 996 had a 45% stiffer high-strength steel chassis and a lower drag coefficient than its predecessor thanks to hours spent in the wind tunnel. Planted up front with a traction optimised rear, the 996 shone when thrown into corners. The balance between comfort and drivability meant Porsche had succeeded in designing a 911 fit for a new era.

The 996 is a modern car with all the features and amenities but with that oh so special bit of classic character. The M96 water cooled 3.4 L flat 6 produced 296hp, a top speed of 175mph, and a 0-60 of 4.9s. The Targa utilised the same retractable “greenhouse” mechanism as its predecessor, the 993. The glass roof slides underneath the rear window creating an open air motoring experience without the hassle of a convertible. Previous models had featured a removable roof and an enlarged b pillar that served to function as a roll bar. The design allowed the Targa to retain the same profile design as the other Carrera variants and freed the driver from the inconvenience of storing the detached roof. Despite the new design and new engine system, the 996 Targa stayed true to Porsche’s brand ethos and made every day driving just as fun as a hot lap at the Nürburgring (albeit a lot more comfortable).