1994 Porsche

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 controversial 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 to accommodate the new Weissach rear axle, even on the narrow-bodied Carrera 2. However, the basic 911 silhouette was still unmistakeable, just with modern twist.

Mechanically the 993 retained the 3.6-litre engine, but with detail changes, that raised power to 272bhp and then laterly 285bhp, with the arrival of the Varioram induction system in 1996. The market says that the more powerful Varioram powered car is the one to have, but we say not so fast. Detail changes to gearing between the two, mean that the Varioram’s power advantage is not so clear cut, the pre Varioram car feeling just as lively, thanks to its potent mid-range torque.

A new six-speed gearbox offered a greater range of ratios and whilst the front suspension remained similar to the 964, the all new weissach multi-link rear suspension set-up offered greater control of the rear-engined mass than any previous 911.

Beyond the base Carrera 2, model variations included the 993 Carrera 4, widebody Carrera 4S, Cabriolet, Targa, 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

Finished in Polar Silver, this is a 993 Carrera 2 that pushes our collective buttons here at Paul Stephens. That is to say a 993 at its lightest and most simple. A Coupe – obviously – and six-speed manual to boot. An early 1994 model too. What, no Varioram? It matters not, we genuinely prefer the on road performance of these earlier cars. As with all 933s condition is key and this regard, with just 51,000-milesfrom new, this particular 993 is right up there.

Delivered in October 1994 to Parker & Parker, Cumbria (The UK’s oldest Porsche dealer), this 993 has all the right bits to make it a great 911 to drive.

The black leather interior contrasts the Polar Silver paintwork perfectly, and features electrically adjustable Sports seats, deep bolstered, unlike the later ‘winged’ Sports seats. It’s personal preference, but we prefer these earlier versions.

The interior is lifted with a smattering of silver trim and the original Blaupunkt ‘Bremmen’ radio/cassette is present and correct. Interior condition is near perfect with just the right amount of ‘patina’ showing on the driver’s seat. The original steering wheel has been replaced with a 996 three-spoke wheel, but remains with the car.

The exterior paintwork presents exceptionally well having recently been repainted and the genine 18in ‘Turbo Twist’ wheels are an upgrade. Recent work here at Paul Stephens has been to the suspension, with the Bilstein dampers undergoing a refurb and re-valve, plus new M033 springs. Other enhancements include a Dansk stainless steel exhaust system. Underneath this 993 is just as clean as it is on top.