Porsche 993 Carrera S

The vehicle in detail

BACKGROUND

It has often been quoted that the 993 was the car that nearly broke Porsche financially, because it was over engineered and expensive to manufacture with the companies traditional techniques. Today that translates into the most extensively developed air-cooled 911 produced by the factory and built to last.

Unlike previous generations, it was initially only available in coupe or cabriolet configuration, both with manual or switchable tiptronic transmission, the latter being more popular when new.

The Carrera S models were launched for the 1996 model year and featured the powerful 285bhp air cooled varioram engine, together with the wider body of the Turbo model. Their appearance was unique however, as they retained the retractable rear spoiler of the Carrera which gives them an aggressive stance that has found favour with enthusiasts, often preferring the look to the Turbo model itself. They also have a build quality that has not been replicated in more modern variants since.

THIS EXAMPLE

This particular example was supplied new by Evans Halshaw finished in Ocean Blue Metallic with Classic grey leather interior. A genuine UK C16 RHD 6 speed manual example, it was specified with some desirable options from new including electric hard back sports seats, sports chassis, aluminium pack and the super rare X79 rear wings normally reserved for the Turbo S model.

It has covered just over 35,000 miles with just 3 owners from new the last acquiring it in 2013. Since acquisition, the standard 17” cup wheels have been replaced with a genuine set of 18” GT3 split rim wheels by BBS, with the centres finished in anthracite grey that complement the interior perfectly.

OUR THOUGHTS

Is there a better looking 911? It’s certainly up there with the all-time greats that’s for sure. The colour combination and super rare factory specified Turbo S rear wings together with the GT3 wheels give this example a unique and stunning look.

And to drive?  If you have petrol in your veins, just as you would hope. That classic air cooled flat six makes you smile with every manual gear change, combine this with the rear engine two wheel drive layout, a lowered chassis that feels just tight as the day it left the showroom, and we think this comes close to the perfect Sunday morning tonic.

The final hurrah of the air cooled 911 era and one of the finest examples too.