Porsche 911 Targa Review: An Open-Air Icon Reimagined by Rennauto Brisbane

At Rennauto, Brisbane’s boutique specialist in high-end supercars, the Porsche 911 Targa embodies a very specific philosophy: open-air freedom delivered with subtlety, design elevated by engineering, and performance wrapped in quiet elegance.

This Porsche 911 Targa review explores the history, evolution, driving experience and collector appeal of one of the most distinctive 911 variants ever created and why it continues to resonate deeply with our clients across Australia.

Detail shot of the iconic Targa stainless-steel bar.

Photo: Drivecar Mag

A Complete Porsche 911 Targa Review: History, Evolution & Why It Matters

The Porsche Targa was born in the mid-1960s, at a moment when tightening safety regulations threatened the future of traditional convertibles in the United States. Instead of abandoning open-top driving, Porsche reimagined it.

They introduced a removable roof panel combined with a fixed, reinforced stainless-steel bar, creating a safer, more modern approach to open-air motoring.

The name “Targa” is a tribute to the legendary Targa Florio race, celebrating Porsche’s deep motorsport heritage.

From its inception, the Targa has represented more than design. It represents perspective: a new way to experience the 911.

The Stainless-Steel Hoop: From Structural Safety to Design Icon

What began as a safety requirement quickly became a symbol.

The brushed stainless-steel hoop doesn’t simply support the structure: it defines it. It frames the silhouette. It distinguishes the Targa instantly from every other 911. It’s architectural, sculptural, timeless.

Many of our clients at Rennauto Brisbane specifically seek out a Targa because of this detail alone. It is design purity in its most Porsche form.

Detail shot of a Targa badge in warm evening light.

Close-up of a Targa GTS gauge cluster and tachometer.

Photos: Cnet

The Evolution of the Porsche Targa

The Originals: 901, Early 911 & G-Series (1965–1989)

The early Targa introduced a new rhythm to the 911 experience: lighter, more open, visually expressive.

The Modern Classics: 964 & 993

More refinement, more comfort, still unmistakably Targa. The 993 Targa, the final air-cooled generation, has become particularly sought-after on the Australian market.

The Panoramic Roof Era: 996 & 997

A departure into a sliding glass roof design. Practical, bright, but visually less “Targa”. An intriguing chapter rather than a defining one.

The Return of the Icon: 991 & 992

Porsche returned to the original concept with the 991:

• the hoop

• the proportions

• the spirit

…all re-engineered for the modern world.

The 992 further refines this concept with more technology, presence and precision. For many Rennauto clients, these two generations represent the Targa at its finest.

The Targa Roof Mechanism: Where Engineering Meets Theatre

The contemporary Targa roof is a masterpiece of mechanical choreography:

• The rear glass rises in one fluid motion,

• The roof panel folds neatly behind,

• The structure closes with extraordinary precision.

It’s not dramatic: it’s intentional, elegant, and inherently Porsche.

Rear view of a grey Targa on a winding mountain road.

Photos: Cnet

Driving Experience: A Porsche 911 Targa Review from the Rennauto Perspective

When clients experience a Targa for the first time at Rennauto, they immediately feel something subtle yet distinct: the Targa breathes differently.

• The flat-six soundtrack is more present, never overwhelming.

• Airflow is calm and controlled, far more refined than a full cabriolet.

• The chassis retains the confidence of a coupe.

• The ambience becomes warmer, more open, more connected to the landscape.

It’s not a car that chases spectacle. It’s a car that turns each journey into a moment.

The Targa in Everyday Life: Especially in Queensland

The Porsche Targa makes intuitive sense in Queensland’s climate and lifestyle:

• Open-air driving without full exposure

• Comfort across long distances

• Elegance on Brisbane roads

• Calm refinement from Gold Coast to the hinterland

It may be one of the most versatile 911s ever made.

Classic orange Porsche Targa photographed from the rear.

Vintage leather driving gloves resting on a wooden steering wheel.

Photos: Drivecar Mag and Café Leather

The Modern Range: Targa 4, Targa 4S, Targa 4 GTS

At Rennauto, here is how we guide clients through the lineup:

Targa 4

Smooth, balanced, beautifully composed: the refined grand tourer.

Targa 4S

The sweet spot: performance, versatility, and presence.

Targa 4 GTS

The enthusiast’s choice: sharper tone, richer feel, and often the most desirable model among our Brisbane clientele.

Choosing the Right Targa: Rennauto’s Expert Advice

Classic Targa (901 → 993)

Ideal for collectors and purists seeking mechanical authenticity.

Modern Targa (991 → 992)

Perfect for drivers who want everyday usability wrapped in iconic form.

Key purchase considerations

• Roof mechanism condition

• Weatherproofing integrity

• Complete service history

• Desirable specifications: timeless colours, black or silver hoop, elegant interiors

At Rennauto Brisbane, these are the fundamentals behind every Targa we select, prepare or source for clients across Australia.

Close-up of the Targa badge on a silver roof hoop.

Interior view of an open-roof Targa with its silver hoop.

Photos: Elfer Sport and Cnet

Market Insight: The Targa as a Long-Term Investment

On the Australian luxury car market, the Targa remains remarkably stable:

• 993 Targa values remain consistent

• 991 Targa GTS models are increasingly collectible

• 992 Targa demand remains premium and steady

It’s not a speculative asset, it’s a model that retains its relevance and desirability over time.

Why the Targa Fits Naturally into the Rennauto Philosophy

Rennauto has always embraced Porsche as part of our identity: the craftsmanship, the purity, the restraint. The Targa, more than any other 911, reflects what we stand for:

• Iconic design

• Understated elegance

• Authentic driving emotion

• Thoughtful rarity

• Long-term desirability

Every Targa we showcase or source reflects the Rennauto standard: clean configurations, elegant colours, impeccable presentation.

Rear view of a black Targa on a paved urban street.

Photo: Blender Artists

Porsche 911 Targa Review: The Art of Open-Air Elegance

The Porsche 911 Targa is not simply another 911 variant. It represents a different philosophy: one that values balance over bravado, atmosphere over aggression, and elegance over excess.

At Rennauto Brisbane, we understand exactly why this car resonates so deeply with our clients.

Whether you’re searching for a 991 Targa 4S, a 992 Targa 4 GTS, or a collector-grade classic, Rennauto can:

• present curated examples,

• source the right car nationwide,

• or manage your Targa through our premium consignment service.

If the Porsche Targa aligns with your idea of driving and living, Rennauto is the place to find the perfect one.

Contact us