At a glance
About this car
The 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa delivers the signature blend of precision engineering and open-air driving that defines the 911 lineup. Finished in striking Guards Red over a Black interior, this coupe combines timeless design with the performance of a naturally aspirated 3.6L H6 engine and rear-wheel-drive layout.
Power is delivered through a manual transmission, providing direct engagement and the responsive character expected from a Porsche flat-six. With an overall length of 175.8 inches and a low-slung profile measuring just 51.4 inches in height, the Targa maintains the balanced proportions and aerodynamic efficiency that have long distinguished the 911 Carrera.
Standard equipment includes seating for four and premium unleaded fuel compatibility, while the Targa configuration adds distinctive roof architecture to the classic coupe silhouette. This example presents with 18 city and 26 highway MPG ratings, underscoring its capability as both a spirited driver’s car and a refined grand tourer.
Price vs. market
Premium Priced $33,574 (72%) above the median of 14 comparable listings.
- This car
- $79,999
- Median asking
- $46,425
- Comparables
- 14 · 2002–2003
- Median mileage
- 62,900 mi
Compared with other active listings of the same model (model years ±2) on Exotics Group. These are dealers' asking prices, not sale prices, and condition, options, mileage and history are not adjusted for.
Factory color
Guards Red
Guards Red is one of Porsche's most recognizable colors: a rich, solid red with a minimal hint of orange and a special luminosity that makes a bold statement on any 911. Originally known as India Red, it has been offered as a standard 911 color since the 1970s. Earlier cars, including mid-1980s 911s, carried it under code 027, and it later appeared under codes 80K and 84A on models including the 964, 993 and 996 into the early 2000s.
About the Porsche 911 Targa 996
- Production
- 1997–2004
- Cylinders
- 6
- Powertrain
- Combustion
- Body
- Targa
The Porsche 911 Targa 996, part of the fifth generation of the iconic 911 lineup, was produced between 2002 and 2005. This model marked the return of the Targa variant after a brief hiatus, with approximately 5,000 units built worldwide, making it a relatively rare variant within the 996 series. It was offered with two engine options: a 3.6-liter flat-six producing 320 horsepower in the standard model and, for the Targa 4S, a tuned version delivering similar output but with all-wheel drive as standard.
A defining feature for collectors is the unique sliding glass roof, a modern reinterpretation of the classic Targa design, offering an open-air experience without compromising structural rigidity. Performance highlights include a 0-60 mph time of around 5.0 seconds for the base model, with a top speed of approximately 174 mph. The Targa 996 is often overshadowed by other 996 variants like the GT3, but its scarcity and distinctive design have seen steady interest among exotic car enthusiasts. Recent value trends show moderate appreciation, particularly for well-maintained, low-mileage examples, with prices varying widely based on condition and provenance.
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