993 Targa

Anyone know anything about 993 Targas? Is the targa mechanism solid and reliable? I am assuming that the targa glass is smoked so that you don't get fried by the sun? What is the premium on price compared to a regular 993? Is there room to fit the 97 twin turbo stuff in the engine compartment? How much should I budget for adding the twin turbo stuff?

As far as I know the 993 targa is a great car, and there are no serious problems with the roof. yes, it is coated an anti-UV coating.

There is a premium for these cars, especially '98 models which are basically collector cars now because of the extreme low volume. In time these will be like the old "soft window" targas as far as collector appeal.

Mounting a twin turbo is probably possible, after all the entire 993 series shares essentially the same sheetmetal. Of course such a conversion would kill the value of the car and cost a small fortune.

There is a 996 targa in the rumor mill.

Originally posted by 1969_911S:
Anyone know anything about 993 Targas? Is the targa mechanism solid and reliable? I am assuming that the targa glass is smoked so that you don't get fried by the sun? What is the premium on price compared to a regular 993? Is there room to fit the 97 twin turbo stuff in the engine compartment? How much should I budget for adding the twin turbo stuff?

Whats the deal with UV coating windows. From what my science teacher told me, UV light can't get through glass, only Infared Red (heat) makes it throught there with enough power to do dammage (make the car REALLY hot).

Adam Roseneck

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1978 911SC 3.0
roseneck@cyberbeach.net

I know very little about the cars in terms of reliability of the roof mechanism and so forth..but I think they are very cool. The glass is definitely tinted. Check out the view:

I read an article in a glass replacement trade mechanism about the Targa glass in a 993. It basically said that to replace the glass, you have to CUT the top of the car off and weld on a new one. I know this sounds unbelievable, but get a firm quote from your insurance agent.

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Bill Krause
'79 911SC Euro

I always really liked the 993 targa.
It has a sun blind inside that you can move across. You can also put the roof half way etc.. I think the Porsche literature give some waffle about it having four different combinations or something.


It has nice wheels too. Much better than the standard 993 wheels.

It has far cleaner lines than the coupe. I guess thats partly to do with not having gutters.

I've considerd one but I think I'd rather have a 993 coupe. Also I like the older "real" targas more. I just love that big rear screen!.

Alex.

ex '76 911 Targa owner

[This message has been edited by Alex Counsell (edited 04-25-2001).]

Tell you what. You get a 993 targa and then I'll trade you straight across for my '69 targa. Remember now that the "S" is a collector's item....

Orbmedia,

A 996 Targa is an interesting idea. I think I'd rather have a 993, but I'd be willing to explore the idea of a 996. The 993 just seems less cushy -- which is a good thing for those of us that like the raw early Porsche feel.

I've also heard that you have to cut the roof to replace the glass. And I also know that the loss of rigidity means that you get creaks and groans on some examples as well as leaks too. I don't like the wheels either but I think it looks ultra cool, the best looking 993, and would be perfect with a widebody and a twin turbo engine...

I actually just purchased a 97 Targa a couple months ago. I've had a 1970 Targa for just over a year and there is no comparison (obviously!). A few months ago there were several owner reviews in Panorama and all were very positive. From all the people I've talked with no one had anything bad to say about 993's and the Targa's.

As far as the UV protetion, I would say that they've done an excellent job but we haven't hit the summer heat yet here

I have to say that I love this car! It is a blast to drive and keeping it at legal speeds takes a lot of effort I feel that The 993 Targa has better lines than the coupe purely because it doesn't have rain gutters. The wheels are what really sold me on this car. Theu are beautiful but a pain to keep clean! It has proven to be a great car with nothing unusual to report from the Targa glass. I'm sure it would be expensive to replace but I don't think it's reflected in the insurance cost given any 97 Porsche is going to be somewhat expensive to insure. The only negative thing I can say about the Targa is that when the top is open it's more difficult to see out the rear view mirror due to the tinting on the Targa glass. Small price to pay for such a great feature.

It's always tough for me to decide which Targa to drive but I really like that you can open and close the top while driving and it is extremely quite when open. Lot's of people are blown away by the roof being all glass and how smooth it operates.

As far as a premium to other 993's, I couldn't say for sure since I didn't shop for other 993's. I do believe there is some premium, maybe $5k or so but not sure.

Not sure about the turbo question but everything else about the car is the same as any other 993.

I have a couple pics at http://www.cheaterswayside.com/911/ under Dan Morton.

-Dan