Porsche 993 Carrera S

The request that Karrenberg brought to Porsche Exclusive, was one for a normally aspirated Turbo-bodied 993-generation 911 Cabriolet. Porsche had offered such a model in years past under the M491 “Turbo Look” option code, however upon initial inquiry his request was denied. Yet with time and patience required by those who are familiar with collaborating with Porsche Exclusive, Karrenberg’s request was eventually given the green light by the decision makers within Porsche — just in time for Porsche’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Karrenberg’s factory one-off began with a “993 630” order code 1998 911 Carrera Cabriolet finished in classic Guards Red. It was optioned with a full leather interior, Black Nappa leather front and rear seats, adjustable front seat heating, automatic air conditioning, an on-board computer, and a Cabriolet wind deflector. Once it rolled off the assembly line, the car was shepherded to the workshops of Porsche Exclusive for customization. What was created, in the words of Porsche Classic, was “an extremely rare vehicle that was never produced in this specification.” Exclusive, indeed! While the fender flares, front and rear bumpers, and 18 inch hollow-spoke Turbo “Twist” wheels from the 993-generation 911 Turbo were added, unique features from the rare Carrera S model are sprinkled throughout. Instead of the large, fixed Turbo rear wing, Karrenberg’s creation featured the subtly beautiful Carrera S “split-grille” active rear spoiler and Carrera S-only badging. Before leaving, further Exclusive “Z-Orders” included special Flamenco Red carpets with matching edge trim.

According to internal Porsche documentation this one-of-one Carrera S Cabriolet was invoiced on 28 October 1997, later receiving road approval on 28 May 1998 as per the car’s original German Fahrzeugbrief registration documents. The Fahrzeugbrief also notes that it was appropriately registered by Karrenberg on “DU-BB 911” license plates. By all accounts the special one-off 911 was treasured by Karrenberg during his 17-years-long ownership, not only for the minimal mileage accrued, just 16,200 kilometers, but for the excellent cosmetic condition inside and out.

In 2018, this true one-of-one Exclusive creation was offered for sale, later landing in a world-famous Porsche collection focused on the finest rarities to emerge from Zuffenhausen. Naturally, the car, a true factory “one off,” was the perfect fit. In February 2022 at 16,335 kilometers, the car visited Porsche AG’s Factory Restoration facility in Asperg, Germany for an inspection and servicing, later receiving a coveted Porsche Classic Technical Certificate (CTC). Work by Porsche Classic is noted to include a thorough overhaul of its 3.6-liter air-cooled flat-six engine, convertible top, and suspension. As expected, the car received a clean bill of health as noted on its CTC along with a confirmation that the car retains its original numbers matching engine and transmission and, in the words of Porsche Classic, continues to remain “in very good condition, in all trades.”

At the time of cataloging, this one-off Turbo-bodied, rear wheel drive 993-generation Carrera S Cabriolet produced by Porsche has accrued just 101 additional test kilometers at the hands of Porsche’s Factory Restoration mechanics since obtaining its glowing CTC report. It is offered with a toolkit, factory manuals, Porsche Classic restoration paperwork, and the inherent knowledge that the next fortunate owner will acquire the only Carrera S Cabriolet ever produced by Porsche Exclusive; a true factory one-off.