1996 911 Targa 6-Speed

In my opinion, the profile view of the 993 Targa is absolutely perfect. The way the Targa top is laid on a Cabriolet body suits the lines of the car beautifully. At launch in 1995, the new 993 Targa was a vast departure from the removable-panel Targas of Porsche's past as it jettisoned the Targa bar for a larger electric glass roof that slid underneath the rear window.

But this particular 1996 911 Targa 6-speed takes beauty to another level. Commissioned by automotive designer Jason Castriota of Ferrari 599 and Pininfarina P4/5 fame, this Targa is a one-off work of art. Finished in Dark Brown Metallic, the car features a golden tone on the brake calipers along with gold Targa badging on the rear, a Turbo front bumper, and a 993 C2S split-grill rear decklid painted in a light gold color.

On the inside, the car has been refinished in a combination of Chocolate Brown and Ivory leather with a custom woven houndstooth pattern in leather and classic Beige German square weave carpeting. Under the frunk, you’ll find matching square weave carpeting with Chocolate Brown leather binding to complete the look.

The engine is the standard 3.6-liter flat-six with optional Motor Sound Package and has been upgraded with an ECU tune, Fabspeed performance exhaust system, X-pipe, and sport cats. The suspension features a front strut tower brace and KW 3-way adjustable coilovers while the car rides on standard 18” 911 Turbo hollow spoke wheels. A truly remarkable example from the mind of one of America’s most notable automotive designers.

The 993 Targa market has been on the rise over the last twelve months, going from an average of around $70,000 to $100,000 in short order, with a handful of cars cresting that mark and two even selling for over $160,000. Last month, we saw a five-year high of $168,000 for a 28,000-mile example from The White Collection, a price that one would think would take some time to surpass.

But our Spotlight car beat it in short order to set a new high at $180,000. Now, I had the opportunity to see this car in person prior to the listing and let me tell you, even though the pictures are excellent, the car looks even better in the flesh. A solid result for a very special car. To read the FULL Stuttgart Market Letter, with Noteworthy Sales (and No Sales), New Listings, and a full rundown of every Porsche sold today, subscribe below.