To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The Taj Ma
Garaj Collection event, 28 September 2019.
Estimate:
$225,000 - $275,000
- A magnificent, numbers-matching, one-of-a-kind 911 Turbo
- Special-ordered by John Dixon; only 2,569 original miles
- Extensively optioned though Porsche Special Wishes
- Finished in stunning paint-to-sample Pearl White Metallic
- Includes original color-matched "Turbo Twist" wheels with
tires
- Documented by Certificate of Authenticity and window
sticker
There may not be adequate words to properly describe this
incredible 1997 911 Turbo coupe that was built to order for a
dyed-in-the-wool Porsche enthusiast and collector of air-cooled
machinery. Here is a car that is very likely the most highly
optioned Type 993 Turbo ever built and certainly one of a kind. To
describe it as "fully loaded" would be an understatement, with
every single detail thoughtfully selected by the customer. At the
end of the ordering process, this Turbo's $105,000 base price had
ballooned to more than $150,000, nearly half again the price of the
car itself. If one word can describe anything that emerges from
Porsche's customer-oriented "Special Wishes" department, now known
as Porsche Exclusive, it is quality, and quality does not come
cheaply.
When John Dixon learned that the air-cooled Type 993 Turbo would be
the last of its line before the advent of water cooling, he knew he
had to pull out his checkbook. The proprietor of the Taj Ma Garaj
in Dayton, Ohio, decided that he wanted a new built-to-order Turbo
coupe, so he visited Beechmont Motors in Cincinnati. There, in
early June 1996, he sat down with a salesman, and together they
discussed what Dixon had in mind. After studying the standard
equipment and option lists from both Porsche and Porsche Exclusive
and making a few deletions and additions, John signed a purchase
order and left a $10,000 deposit. His new car would be delivered in
a paint-to-sample color, or code 9999, which instantly added $2,623
to the tab�and that was just for the setup. The actual color
specified, Pearl White Metallic, added an additional, staggering
$10,951 to the tab.
He also requested that the interior be trimmed in Cashmere supple
leather with black trim, highlighted by elegant "dark root wood"
trim on the dashboard and door panels. Leather in Cashmere or black
would extend to the interior pillars and headliner, the carpet
welting, the steering column, the a/c control panel, and various
dashboard instruments and switches and their surrounding trim
rings. The driver and front passenger seats would be 12-way
electrically adjustable, with heating and additional lumbar
support, and those seat controls would also be trimmed in matching
leather. The Porsche crest would be embossed on both headrests.
Mr. Dixon also ordered an on-board computer, Litronic headlights
and integrated fog lamps, Porsche's Digital Sound Package with a CR
210 stereo radio and six-disc CD player with remote storage in the
velour-upholstered front trunk, an open CD storage space installed
on the console, stainless-steel "Turbo" doorsill plates, plus
color-coordinated Turbo-embroidered floormats, leather-trimmed
turn-signal and cruise-control arms, both sun visors, and a special
package of console trim parts. In all, more than 30 separate items
were provided by Porsche Exclusive, whose craftspeople specialize
in creating incredibly detailed interiors. Originally equipped with
a set of paint-to-sample "Turbo Twist" alloy wheels with tires that
are supplied with the car, this car is currently fitted with a set
of attractive three-piece modular light-alloy wheels sourced from
Champion Motorsports in Florida.
Beyond the wonderful cosmetics this Turbo brings to the table, it
is also a mechanical delight. The steel monocoque chassis is
supported by all-independent suspension, with control arms in front
and a multi-link layout in the rear. The 3,600 cc air-cooled engine
of the 993 is the last of its type, producing a solid 400
horsepower with twin turbochargers and a large intercooler mounted
beneath its wide rear deck-lid spoiler. Power reaches the ground
via a six-speed manual transaxle and all-wheel drive. Performance
is solidly in supercar territory, with 0-60 sprints available in
less than four seconds and a maximum speed approaching 190 mph.
Braking is more than adequate, with "Big Red" multi-piston calipers
clamping large cross-drilled and ventilated rotors.
Mr. Dixon's new car was completed 25 September 1996, and he took
delivery from Beechwood Motors on 12 November. The day before, he
had ordered a new car cover, and a set of new custom-made sheepskin
seat covers were already on the way. Dixon now had the Porsche
Turbo of his dreams and originally registered the car to himself,
but in 2001 he transferred the title to the Taj Ma Garaj. Today
this wonderful custom-ordered twin-turbo 993 shows a mere 2,569
miles from new.
This incredible, flawless 993 all-wheel-drive Turbo in a dazzling
and unique color will find a loving new home. Any serious collector
of fine Porsches will want to give this museum-quality automobile
thoughtful consideration. It is accompanied by its original
documentation, including the window sticker, Certificate of
Authenticity, and maintenance invoices, as well as the original
manuals and other factory equipment.To view this car and others
currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/tg19.