One of 171: A Rare Manual Paint-to-Sample Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Some cars are rare. This one is rarer than rare: a paint-to-sample, manual-transmission 2018 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS, one of just 171 Targa 4 GTS models built that year — and among those 171, the manual gearbox likely accounts for only 10 to 20 percent. Do the math, and you're left with a car that might number in the single digits worldwide in this exact configuration.
One of 171: Why the Targa 4 GTS Is Already a Low-Production Car
Porsche's Targa body style has always carried limited production numbers compared to the standard Coupe or Cabriolet, largely due to the added engineering and cost involved in producing the retractable roof mechanism. At 171 units built for the model year, the Targa 4 GTS was already one of the lowest-production 911 variants on the market before factoring in transmission choice or paint.
Adding a Manual Gearbox to an Already-Rare Car
Porsche doesn't publish exact manual take-rate figures for the Targa 4 GTS, but industry estimates generally place it somewhere between 10 and 20 percent of total production. Applied to a run of 171 cars, that suggests only a small handful of manual Targa 4 GTS models exist in this configuration — rare enough that a knowledgeable buyer could plausibly count the confirmed examples on one hand.
What Makes the Manual Gearbox Worth Seeking Out
This particular car uses a 7-speed manual engineered with a notably short shift throw, designed to deliver the same level of driver engagement associated with Porsche's PDK dual-clutch transmission while still requiring the driver to row their own gears. PDK remains the more common choice among buyers for its outright speed, but manual examples routinely command a premium — typically $10,000 to $20,000 or more over a comparable PDK car, depending on the specific build. All Targa 4 GTS models are all-wheel drive with a rear-biased power delivery, shifting power forward only as traction demands.
Standout Options on This Build
Beyond the drivetrain, this GTS carries a genuinely significant options list: a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six producing 453 horsepower, ceramic valves, and a GTS-specific exhaust tuned with its own distinct note. The interior features extended leather, a carbon fiber steering wheel, Bose premium audio, aluminum running boards, and 14-way adaptive sport seats. It rides on center-lock monoblock wheels — a wheel style typically associated with Turbo models rather than GTS trims — and the paint-to-sample exterior is complemented by brake calipers custom-finished to match, a detail completed outside the factory.
With just 5,300 miles on the odometer and two owners in its history, the car has been fully serviced, including new tires (replaced for age rather than wear), fresh plugs, fluids, and filters. There's no paintwork on record and a clean rev-range report. Originally listed at approximately $165,000, the car is now valued at roughly $180,000 — nearly $20,000 over its original MSRP despite being close to a decade old, a reflection of just how much rarity and documented history matter in this segment. Manual Targa 4 GTS models like this one have appreciated roughly 20 percent over the past two years alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS so rare?
Porsche built only 171 Targa 4 GTS models for the model year, making it one of the lowest-production 911 variants available. The Targa's retractable roof mechanism adds engineering complexity and cost, which naturally limits production compared to Coupe or Cabriolet versions.
How rare is a manual transmission Targa 4 GTS?
Porsche does not release exact manual take-rate figures, but industry estimates suggest manual transmissions account for roughly 10 to 20 percent of Targa 4 GTS production. Out of 171 total units, that could mean only a handful of manual examples exist worldwide.
Why do manual 911s often sell for more than PDK models?
Manual transmission 911s typically command a premium of $10,000 to $20,000 or more over comparable PDK-equipped cars, largely due to lower production numbers and strong demand from purist enthusiasts who prioritize driver engagement over outright shift speed.
What does "paint to sample" mean on a Porsche, and does it add value?
Paint to Sample is a Porsche program allowing buyers to commission a custom exterior color outside the standard palette. On rare, low-production models, a paint-to-sample finish adds another layer of exclusivity that can meaningfully support long-term value.
Can a used Porsche sell for more than its original sticker price?
Yes, particularly with rare, well-documented, and low-mileage examples. This Targa 4 GTS originally listed around $165,000 and is now valued near $180,000, driven by its rarity, clean history, and the ongoing demand for manual, low-production Porsche models.
Interested in Rare Porsche Inventory Like This?
Cars this rare rarely stay on the market long. If you'd like more information on this Targa 4 GTS or want to be notified about similarly rare, well-documented Porsche inventory, contact us today. You can also browse our current pre-owned inventory, or visit our home page to learn more about our European auto repair services in Prospect, CT.
