1997 Porsche 911 Targa 6-Speed
Overview
The 1997 Porsche 911 Targa 6-Speed offered here is a well-documented example of the final-generation air-cooled 911, presented in Guards Red over a Black partial-leather interior and showing approximately 51,000 miles. This example was delivered new in the United States and is equipped with the desirable six-speed manual transmission. Its factory specification includes the Targa roof, Motor Sound Package, Litronic xenon headlamps, cruise control, driver-seat lumbar support, 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Hi-Fi sound system, onboard computer, rear window wiper, and six-disc CD changer, along with carbon-fiber shifter and handbrake levers and stainless-steel door-sill plates.
Complementing its engaging factory specification is a thoughtful collection of upgrades, including KW V3 coilovers, a Fister Stage III exhaust, and a Porsche Classic Communication Management radio upgrade. The service history is particularly well documented, with invoices dating to the car’s first year and continued maintenance through 2025. Significant work has included a major service in 2003, repeated oil and fluid services, alternator and belt replacement, transmission and brake service, ignition wires and spark plugs, and installation of the KW suspension in 2021. Four Porsche N-spec Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires were installed at 46,539 miles, while Porsche South Austin performed Targa roof and sunshade work, corrected a tire vibration, and completed an oil service and brake flush in April 2025. In July 2025, the clutch hydraulic lines and components were replaced and bled, while the A/C was diagnosed and HVAC fan relays were replaced.
The seller reports that the Targa glass top is fully operational, while the retractable sunshade requires new tracks. The car's A/C and heat are reported to function properly, and no mechanical systems are known to have issues. Included with the sale are the owner’s manual, two key fobs, original window sticker, car cover, KW coilover tool, factory air compressor, touch-up paint, console cassette holder, and original stereo. The seller also discloses that the driver’s-door hinge/strap area was reinforced and repainted, the passenger-rear fender received paintless dent repair and has a paint blemish, and the front bumper and hood show rock chips, with scrapes underneath the bumper. The accompanying CARFAX records a minor damage event in January 2018, while showing no reported total loss, structural damage, airbag deployment, or odometer rollback.
Features & Options
Window Sticker Options & Pricing
- Guards Red — N/C
- Black Interior – Partial Leather — N/C
- AM/FM Radio Cassette Player — N/C
- Footwell Lighting — $604.00
- Metal Door Sill with Insignia — $433.00
- Motor Sound Package — $332.00
- Rear Window Wiper — $357.00
- Full Power Seat – Left — $357.00
- Rims Caps (4) with Porsche Crest — $165.00
- Hi-Fi Sound Pkg/8 Speakers — $360.00
- Lumbar Support – Left Seat — $531.00
- Litronic Headlights — $1,536.00
- On-Board Computer — $440.00
- Remote “CDC” Changer (6 Disc) — $813.00
- Carbon Shifter & Hand Brake — $619.00
Factory Installed Options and Accessories: $7,809.00
Vehicle Preparation: Included
Destination Charge: $765.00
Total: $78,559.00
Modifications
- KW V3 Coilovers — Installed in March 2021 at approximately 45,000 miles, along with new front and rear strut mounts. Ride height was set and a four-wheel alignment was performed.
- Fister Stage III Exhaust — Aftermarket exhaust system fitted to enhance the sound and character of the 3.6-liter flat-six.
- Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) — Modern Porsche Classic radio/navigation-era infotainment upgrade installed in February 2025, retaining compatibility with the factory amplifier through an adapter
Service Records
Chronological Service History
- June 24, 1997 — Park Place Porsche Audi: Oil and both filters changed; rear spoiler drive repaired/adjusted; charging system and A/C checked.
- August 2, 1999 (~16,000 miles) — Park Place Porsche Audi: 15,000-mile service including oil and filters; A/C compressor and receiver-drier replaced; system recharged and leak-checked; door and window adjusted.
- October 6, 1999 (17,460 miles) — Park Place Motorcars: Oil-pressure system tested; ignition-key illumination repaired; window stop adjusted; four-wheel alignment performed.
- May 16, 2001 (20,018 miles) — Park Place Motorcars: Driver’s-window switch replaced; brake fluid flushed; lower valve-cover gaskets replaced for an oil leak.
- February 22, 2002 (24,397 miles) — Zuffenhausen Motors: Front tires installed and balanced; right-rear rocker secured; brakes inspected.
- March 28, 2002 (25,072 miles) — Zuffenhausen Motors: Oil and annual inspection; front brake pads and dampers serviced; parking brake and wheel balance checked; battery vent correction and trim work performed.
- April 11, 2002 (25,265 miles) — Zuffenhausen Motors: Four Dunlop SP9000 tires installed and precision balanced.
- September 16, 2003 (29,796 miles) — Zuffenhausen Motors: Driver’s-window switch replaced.
- October 17, 2003 (29,967 miles) — Zuffenhausen Motors: Major service including oil and filters, transmission oil, brake and clutch fluids, 12 spark plugs, air/fuel/cabin filters, belts, battery, wipers, hood supports, and related maintenance.
- September 22, 2005 (34,726 miles) — Zuffenhausen Motors: Oil/filter service and comprehensive inspection; Targa sunshade mechanism inspected and serviced.
- January 8, 2009 (37,666 miles) — Zuffenhausen Motors: Rear brakes and tires serviced/replaced; belt-tension sensor, odometer gears, hood supports, brake/clutch fluids, and battery addressed.
- May 16, 2013 (41,773 miles) — Porsche North Scottsdale: Alternator and drive belts replaced; engine checked; four tires replaced.
- March 1, 2016 (42,921 miles) — Zuffenhausen Motors: Oil service and inspection; brake and clutch fluids and transmission oil serviced.
- June 12, 2018 (44,051 miles) — TurboKraft: Oil and both filters changed; alternator, fan, and A/C belts replaced; pre-sale inspection performed using genuine Porsche service parts.
- October 22, 2018 (44,164 miles) — Zuffenhausen Motors: Dual ignition-wire set and all 12 spark plugs replaced; A/C compressor installation preparation/service performed.
- January 25, 2021 (~45,000 miles) — Zuffenhausen Motors: Oil service and inspection; transmission shift-rod seal and transmission oil serviced; additional brake and suspension maintenance performed.
- March 4, 2021 (45,000 miles) — Murtha Motorsports: KW V3 coilovers installed, along with new front/rear strut mounts; ride height set and four-wheel alignment performed.
- September 7, 2021 (46,539 miles) — Wheel Specialists: Four Porsche N-spec Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires installed with new valve stems and Hunter Road Force balancing.
- February 3, 2025 — Signature Audio: Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) radio installed with a factory-amplifier adapter.
- April 29, 2025 (48,484 miles) — Porsche South Austin: Rear speakers and Targa roof/sunshade serviced; tire vibration corrected; oil-level diagnosis performed; buyer/multipoint inspection and brake-fluid flush completed.
- July 28, 2025 (49,094 miles) — Porsche South Austin: Clutch hydraulic lines/components replaced and system bled; A/C diagnosed; HVAC fan relays replaced.
Known Shortcomings
Sotheby's Motorsport presents this auction in partnership with the seller. This 1997 Porsche 911 Targa 6-Speed shows wear consistent with its age and mileage according to a seller’s disclosure. Please review the entire document by clicking "Seller's Disclosure" above.
-
The Carfax report shows "Minor Damage" to the left side, rear, and right-rear occurred in January 2018
-
The front bumper shows scrapes underneath, rock/stone paint chips on front bumper and some on hood
Please click the “Contact Seller” button to reach out with any condition-specific questions. This vehicle is sold where-is, as-is, and bidder is responsible for all due diligence regarding vehicle condition.
Items included in the Sale
- Owner's Manual, 2 key fobs, Window Sticker, Car Cover, KW Coilover tool, factory air compressor, touch up paint, console cassette holder, original stereo
Your daily digest of everything happening on SOMO.