[KevinH1990]

I believe the early 996 cabriolets came with the hard top unless the buyer deleted it. So, a greater percentage of 996's came with hard tops than 986's where the buyer had to make a decision to order one.

I'm not too familiar with the 996 racing community, but I suspect that most people who race 996's use coupes instead of cabriolets with hard tops. So there is not much demand for hard tops from 996 racers. Since the Cayman was not introduced until the 987 debuted, there was no coupe version of the 986. I believe there is significant demand for 986 hard tops from 986 racers.

So, to answer your question, greater demand plus smaller supply equals higher price for the 986 hard top. I was lucky to pick up mine for $615 on Ebay.