For Sale at Auction: 2002 Porsche 911 Targa in Costa Mesa, California

Chassis No. WP0BA29942S635653

While the Porsche 996, the fifth generation of the 911, stood out for its distinctive headlamp design and the move to water-cooled engine, its "Dot 2" update brought a series of measured refinements. A redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes improved both cooling and aerodynamics, reducing lift at the front and rear, while a more complete standard specification enhanced the overall experience, with a Turbo-derived instrument cluster featuring an onboard computer display and improved interior overall finishes.

Positioned between the Coupe and Cabriolet, the Targa is defined by its impressively large, electrically operated glass roof. Developed by CTS, it spans 1.5 square meters and opens in under ten seconds, filling the cabin with natural light and creating a more open feel, all while preserving a drag coefficient close to that of the coupe. It also introduces a rear hatch, adding a welcome touch of everyday practicality.

For 2002, the flat-six engine grew from 3.4 to 3.6 liters and adopted the VarioCam Plus system, previously used in the 911 Turbo and GT2. Engine output increased from 300 to 320 horsepower, with a broader, more evenly distributed torque curve, resulting in a more flexible drive in everyday use.

Striking example finished in a luminous Cobalt Blue Metallic with a Graphite Grey leather interior, and enhanced by a set of two-piece 18-inch Sport Classic II wheels, this 911 Targa was fitted with the automatic five-speed Tiptronic transmission and features desirable Porsche Exclusive options such as stainless steel tailpipes, instrument dials in interior color, selector and handbrake levers both in aluminum and leather, a four-part leather steering column trim, leather inner door sills, and floor mats with a leather border, with a full accounting of the Porsche Exclusive options codes listed in the history file for consultation.

It also benefits from a range of standard and optional equipment designed to enhance comfort, usability, and refinement, including air conditioning, a leather interior extending to the rear seats, comfort seats with electric adjustment and heating for both driver and passenger, electrically adjustable, heated, and auto-dimming door mirrors, cruise control, and park distance control-providing a comfortable and effortless driving experience under the glass roof, while remaining equally engaging with its 3.6-liter engine.

Delivered new through Audi Automotive in Omaha, Nebraska, during the summer of 2002, this 911 Targa was subsequently serviced by Porsche of Omaha and later held in their inventory in 2008 when the car showed only 3,057 miles on the odometer. It then passed through Montana and Ohio before reaching California, where it would reside for the following 18 years.

There, the car was regularly serviced by Porsche San Diego starting in 2009, when it showed only 6,050 miles, and later from 2015 onward, with 19,470 miles on the odometer, at Dennis Sherman Foreign Car. A clean CARFAX and the accompanying invoices indicate that in 2023, at 25,274 miles, a new intermediate shaft bearing was installed by specialists Performance Independent Porsche in California; in 2022, it received an upgraded set of two-piece Porsche Sport Classic II 18-inch wheels; in 2021, the Audiovox Sirius XM radio was replaced, along with the rear hatch struts.

The most recent major service performed at 26,009 miles by Dennis Sherman, included the following: air filter replacement, battery replacement, body lubrication, brake fluid flush/change, cabin air filter replacement/cleaning, drivability and performance check, drive belt replacement, fluid checks, fuel filler door actuator replacement, oil and filter change, serpentine belt replacement, and spark plug replacement.

This thoroughly enjoyable glass-roofed 911 Targa, presented in its striking original Cobalt Blue color, with impressively low mileage, numerous X-Code options from Porsche Exclusive, and a consistent service history, stands as a tribute to comfort and everyday usability-qualities that its next owners will appreciate.