991 Turbo
review imminent, a delve into the classifieds was due. We've done the cheaper end of the spectrum with the
£20K 996
last year so the upper echelons of used Turbos warranted inspection.
What's it to be? The 90s icon...
But apparently there are special 911 Turbos and then
911 Turbos. Oh sure, a late 80s
930 G50
is a rather lovely thing, and there are a couple of highly desirable
993s
From those 993s though, one rather stole the show. It's a 1998 Turbo S, one of just 23 RHD cars and perhaps the ultimate air-cooled turbocharged 911. Upgrades over the standard 408hp car were comprehensive; as well as the bodykit and wing the brakes were uprated and included six-piston calipers, the suspension was stiffer and lower (by 15mm) and the power was upped to 450hp through bigger turbos and a new exhaust. This was a proper Porsche special, which is more than can be said for some recent editions...
... or the pimped-by-PH 991? Price is the same!
The price? It's currently on POA but, as your diligent servants, we made the call. The figure that came back was, err, significant to say the least. Put it this way: a raid on the 991 Turbo S configurator, creating a monstrosity in Lime Gold metallic with a £2K stereo upgrade, a £1,500 sunroof and more leather-covered surfaces than your local SCS (
full spec here
) only just put us in the ballpark for the 993. We were told an offer in the region of the £165,000 would secure the 1998 Turbo S.
The predictable reasons contribute to that astonishing price; as well as the rarity, this Turbo S has covered just 3,500 miles since 2002 and only 23,000 in total. Of course, the history is exhaustive and it has been maintained regardless of cost by three owners.
Spoiler and those arches create one mean 993
There's the provenance to consider also; will the value of air-cooled cars rise as the 991, with its electric steering and PDK gearboxes, appears to remove the 911's intrinsic appeal to aficionados?
It's hard to know. Harder still to judge is whether DK Engineering's beautiful Turbo S will be sold for somewhere near its suggested price. It would complement any car collection but, when Turbo S ownership can be this fun, which would be a shame. A more usable 993 Turbo is available for £42,995.
And if you do decide to take the plunge on this car, or any other 911 Turbo, be sure to check out our buyer's guide first!
PORSCHE 993 TURBO S
Engine:3,600cc twin-turbochraged flat-six
Transmission: Six-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 450@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 433@4,500rpm
MPG: 18
CO2: 373g/km (standard Turbo)
First registered:1998
Price new: £129,950
Yours for: c. £165,000 (officially POA)
See the original advert here