johnd.211

Was a hardtop standard equipment with every 996 Cabriolet? I've read "yes", heard "no", and searched the forum (oh yes, I did) and haven't found a conclusive answer.

What's the real answer? Thanks.

fpena944

They were standard up until a certain year. But even with those that were standard there was a hardtop delete option that would give you some extra cash in your pocket. So not every car came with one.

GolfTango3

My 2002 C4 came "with" the hardtop delete option. It shows as -1495 (approx.) off the original sticker.

I can scan the window sticker if anyone is interested in seeing documented evidence of this.

That said, if anyone comes across a Guards Red hard top, my birthday is September 19th

Edgy01

Sadly, many Porsche cabriolet owners were stupid about turning down anything from Porsche, and many left their hardtops at the dealerships, citing their desires for a "cabriolet" and not a coupe. The dealerships later got rid of them on Craigs List and Ebay.

fpb111

bobbybailey,
How about "maroon"?
https://rennlist.com/forums/for-sale...oon-black.html

onefastviking

I have a silver one .....

2K7TTMIA

IIRC, there's one on ebay or CG ( Baltimore, MD)

Barry Lenoble

Why is that stupid? I have a cab and I don't have (and don't want) a hardtop. Where would I put it? My car stays in the garage unless the weather is nice and then I want to have the top down. I don't believe I would ever put the hardtop on and it would just get in the way and collect dust (kind of like my car these days).

Barry

Dharn55

Anybody notice that when the hardtops were standard, the delete option gave a credit of $1,495, then when they were made an option the price to add one was about $5,000. Always nice dealing with Porsche.

fpb111

Barry,
Folks that enjoy the cars all year would have a use for the hardtops. It is like having two different cars. When my hardtop is on the car is much quieter inside and I have more head room.
Also subsequent owners, or even original purchasers, might want to do PCA DE in the car. They need the hardtop to do that. (not all tracks accept that PCA will allow this)

pszikla

if you drive the car in winter in places where a lot of salt is put on the road then the hardtop would be a blessing to keep the salt from staining the material and over a few winters damaging the integrity of the softtop fabric.
Pete

Edgy01

Stupid in that you can ALWAYS sell it to someone. I have yet to see any logic in turning down any 'freebie' from Porsche AG. Particularly in the early years where they simply gave them to you.

falcon7x7

That's why I found my H/T for my Cab!

99C2

Hardtop:

Actually mine came with the hard top (bought the car used) - It actually made the car feel like different car with the top on. I kinda liked the option!

99C2

Orient Express

2002 was the last year that the hardtop was included in the price of the 996 Cab. After that, it was optional. Nice thing is that the mounting hardware necessary to install a hardtop in a 996/997 is the same, and 996 hardtops fit on 997s just fine.

Just remember if you want to add a hardtop to a 03 996 or a 997, you will need to install the receiver hardware in the car.



I have just installed my hardtop for the winter, and it really transforms the car. Much quieter, and it gets better gas mileage as well.

I have the install process down to a science. With the help of my neighbor (also a 996 owner) coming over, and the 2 of us pulling the hardtop off its storage rack, and setting it on the car, it takes us about 10 minutes to install the top, and 15 or so to store it back in the spring.

During the summer months with I go on long road trips, I also install the top as it makes the car cooler, quieter, and more economical.