1997 Porsche 911 (993) Carrera 4 Cabriolet
Black over grey leather with black top
47,000 miles
3.6L air cooled flat 6 engine
6-speed manual transmission
The last of the air cooled Porsches, and possibly the best ever 911? The 993 variant 911 was introduced in 1994, sold as a 1995 model, continuing until 1998. The original engine was a carry over from the 964 911, but in 1996 came the M/64 21 engine with Varioram variable length intake runners. This engine produced 285hp and 251ft-lb of torque from 5,250 - 6,100 RPM. That’s enough power to go 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, and on to a top speed of 171 MPH.
The all wheel drive system from the 964 was dropped all together for a much simpler, lighter, and less costly to repair viscous fluid coupling. In this system when a wheel spins fluid in the coupling thickens and sends up to 40% of engine power to the front wheels. A departure from the previous system, the 993 AWD system is designed to improve road handling, not simply provide for increased traction. Another major change came in the form of an all-new multi-link rear suspension. The design intended to rid the 911 of some of it’s off throttle, mid corner oversteer.
This car exemplifies all that a modern classic can be: reliable, beautiful, fun to drive, and just a little bit more special than the car next to it at the stop light. 993 values have leveled off from their stratospheric run, and we think now is a buyer’s market. Values will remain up, as no matter what happens a 993 will always be the last air cooled Porsche, and the end of an era.
