Porsche 911 Targa – the next big thing

We’ve just sold a very nice Porsche 911 Targa, a 3.2 Carrera (above), within a week of getting it, and have recently sold two 964 Targas, too. With each of these Targas, there’s been very strong interest, indeed.

This is intriguing because a few years ago, people didn’t really want 911 Targas, preferring the looks and durability of a coupe.

So what’s changed? I think there are a number of factors:

First, people in the UK love open-top motoring. Sure, a 911 coupe looks great and has a more rigid bodyshell but, increasingly, people aren’t buying these older 911s for outright performance, but rather than something to enjoy cruising around in. And they are no longer buying 911s as everyday cars but simply to take out on sunny days. With its fixed glass roof, a Targa is the ideal compromise, offering open-top motoring without the discomfort of a full Cabriolet.

Second, prices of air-cooled 911 coupes have gone up, leaving the Targas playing catch up. At the moment a 911 Targa is still more affordable than an equivalent coupe – but how much longer will that be the case?

Next, good classic 911s are increasingly hard to find, especially coupes, so people are turning to Targas because they do seem to be more on the market at the moment. Again, though, this may not last.

Finally, people are starting to appreciate the Targa shape. If I’m honest, I never liked the look of the 911 Targa but it has really grown on me over the years, and others are saying the same. There’s something retro-cool about a Targa. Why, there’s even a rumour that the next new 911 Targa will revert to the tradition style with its trademark rollbar – and people are very excited about that prospect. Indeed, if this does turn out to be the case, I predict that there will be even more interest in earlier 911 Targas.

Is it time you bought a classic 911 Targa while you still can?