Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 4 Targa

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Launched in 1989, the 964 variant of the venerable Porsche 911 was a totally new car compared to the preceding 3.2 model.

Coil springs replaced the traditional torsion bars, suspension geometry was revised and there was a completely new and much stronger bodyshell which featured a hidden rear spoiler that popped up at speeds over 50mph, dropping back down when the speed fell to 6mph.

The gearbox was also new and the slick change marked a huge step forward in what had always been one of the few weak points of the 911 design. The combined effect was to make the 964 one of the best-behaved 911s ever, with barely a trace of the wayward handling traits that you either loved or hated on previous models. Naturally it was still blindingly quick with a new 3.6-litre air-cooled engine that produced 250bhp and could fling the car to 60 in just 5.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 161mph.

In C4 format it was also the first mass-production Porsche to be available in four-wheel drive, using ABS-linked sensors that could split the torque between each axle depending on which had most grip, a system that had been developed for the 959 Paris-Dakar works rally cars. With blistering cross country pace in all weather conditions, you now had to be doing something really stupid to end up picking bits of hedge out of the rear spoiler.

This particular C4 has the versatile Targa top with a removable centre section that ensures snug winter motoring but allows wind-in-the-hair thrills when the sun comes out, an option which has just been made available on the new 991 series 911 after an absence of over two decades. Presented in metallic black with a black leather sports interior, it has covered less than 84,000 miles from new with no fewer than 18 old MOTs to warrant this total.

Supplied new by AFN Porsche of London in May 1992, it has had five owners in all and comes with a good service history comprising 10 stamps to date, the last at around 78,200 miles, plus many supporting invoices. In the current ownership since 2006, it has only covered some 11,000 miles during those nine years and is said to drive very well with an MOT until April 2015. In 2013 it was treated to new front brake discs and pads, various brake pipes and hoses and a new handbrake cable. A new battery has also recently been fitted.

Riding on a matching set of Pirelli tyres, it has the desirable high-back sports seats and has been fitted with an upgraded Sony sound system with a remote control handset and a big Clarion subwoofer in the passenger footwell. Most importantly, it also retains the factory options code sticker under the lid of the front luggage compartment, an item usually lost on cars that have suffered front-end damage repairs. The original tool kit, wheel changing kit and compressor are also present, along with all the original handbooks in their Porsche leather wallet.

Values of all air-cooled 911s have risen sharply of late and this relatively low-mileage Targa looks mighty tempting at the modest guide price suggested.

Please note that the personalised number shown is not included and will be replaced by the age-related number J174 DUL prior to the sale.