Porsche 993 Carrera

The vehicle in detail

BACKGROUND

Introduced in 1994, the Porsche 911, Type 993, was the last of the air-cooled 911 line and as such will always hold a special place in the heart and minds of Porsche 911 fans. What followed (the Porsche 996) was very much a revolution.

The 993, by contrast, was more evolution, but even so it was quite a significant one, over the 964 model 911, which it replaced. For the first time the basic shape of the 911 was changed, the front end, wider and flatter, mirroring the 928 and 968 (albeit without the pop-up headlamps) for a more ‘family’ look. The rear end took on a wider stance, with a bulging rear arches, even on the narrow-bodied Carrera 2. The basic 911 silhouette was still unmistakeable, but with modern twist.

Mechanically the 993 retained the 3.6-litre engine, but with detail changes, that raised power to 272bhp and then 285bhp, with the arrival of the Varioram induction system. In 272bhp form, the 993 C2 will hit 0-60mph in 5.6secs, with a maximum speed of 167mph.

A new six-speed gearbox offered a greater range of ratios and an all new multi-link rear suspension set-up offered greater control of the rear-engined mass. The front suspension remained much as the 964.

Beyond the base Carrera 2, model variations included the 994 Carrera 4, wide-body Carrera 4S, 993 Turbo and 993 GT2 and RS.

In total, Porsche built 68,839 examples of the 993 and while many would probably consider the 993 as being significantly more successful in terms of sales, over the 964, the reality is that just slightly more than 5000 sales separate the two in favour of the 993. Oh, and one final fun-fact: The last 993 off the production line in 1998, was a Speedster and was snapped up by Jerry Seinfeld.

DESCRIPTION

This manual 993 Carrera 2, rolled off the Porsche production line in September 1994, and was registered and sold via Stratstone Porsche Centre, Cheshire in March 1995, to a local Doctor.

Such a spec is pure, purist 993 territory. Narrow C2 body, manual gearbox and basic options, including air-con, rear wiper and top-tined windscreen. The colour is typical of the era, when the previously popular Guards Red was shunned in favour of the more-subtle. In dark Midnight Blue Metallic, this 993 doesn’t shout. The Classic Grey interior brings a bit of light relief. Driver and passenger benefit from deep bolstered Sports seats.

As an early car, this C2 features the 272bhp, pre Varioram engine and while it may giveaway 13bhp to the later power unit, the difference is negligible on the road. Indeed, without wishing to be too techy/geeky, the earlier engine’s torque advantage of 258lbs/ft at 5000rpm v 251lbs/ft at 5250rpm, is what you will notice in real world conditions.

This 993 has had four owners in total and was last sold by us in 2012. It has a comprehensive service history, mostly from Official Porsche Centres. It has been only lightly used in the last six/seven years, which account for barely 2000 of the current 88,800-miles on the odometer. Maintenance over the years has been routine and there is nothing to suggest any impending expenditure. On road performance is as you would expect, with strong performance.

Overall condition is very good. The front bumper/apron shows signs of wear, but this be rectified as part of the sale. The grey leather interior presents well and benefits from a Porsche Classic head unit, with sat-nav.

This is a 993 that you could use without being too precious and improve on over time. The last of the air-cooled 911s. Need we say more.