1997 Porsche

When Porsche launched the 911 in 1963, even the hardiest of gamblers would surely have thought twice before betting that the company would still be producing modern derivatives of the same basic idea more than 60 years later.

Yet here we are.

Porsche doggedly stuck with the air-cooled flat-six engine and a fundamentally recognisable 911 layout right through to the end of 993 production. It has often been said that the 993 came close to breaking Porsche financially: over-engineered, expensive to manufacture, and still built using many of the company’s traditional methods.

Today, of course, that same over-engineering is precisely part of the appeal. The 993 represents the most extensively developed air-cooled 911 built by the factory and, when properly maintained, has a solidity and durability that newer generations have never quite replicated.

The water-cooled 996 generation that followed brought more modern technology, more efficient production methods and, ultimately, helped return Porsche to healthy profitability. But for many enthusiasts, the special bank-vault feel of a good 993 has never really been captured since.

As early 993s have now passed their 30th birthday, it would be a mistake to assume that every example will still drive as Porsche intended. Poor maintenance, deferred work and indifferent history can all take their toll. Buy a correctly serviced car, however, and the 993 remains one of the most usable, robust and rewarding air-cooled 911s of all.

Which brings us rather neatly to this example.

Manufactured in 1997, this Carrera 2 manual Coupe was supplied by Porsche Stuttgart on 14 April 1997. A UK C16 car, it is finished in Ocean Blue Metallic with a Cashmere leather interior, and was specified with the important hard-back sports seats. Further factory options include an electric sunroof, climate control, a third rear brake light and Cup alloy wheels, which have since been upgraded to the desirable 18-inch hollow-spoke items.

Being a later car, it is fitted with the more powerful 285 bhp Varioram flat-six, paired with the six-speed manual gearbox. For many, this is the 993 sweet spot: rear-wheel drive, manual gearbox, narrow body and the later engine.

Today, the car remains in very sharp condition throughout, particularly when you consider it has covered 69,000 miles. It is supported by Porsche and Porsche specialist service history from new, adding further confidence to what is already a very appealing specification.

Our thoughts

The 993 has been somewhat overshadowed by the 964 in recent years, certainly where values are concerned. That is slightly curious, because the 993 was improved in almost every department and remains arguably the most usable of the air-cooled classic 911s today.

It is refined enough for regular use, still compact and mechanical enough to feel unmistakably old-school, and in Carrera 2 manual form has all the ingredients that matter.

What is not in doubt is that this is a whole lot of usable air-cooled 911 for less than the price of a new 911. For the enthusiast who wants a properly specified, well-kept 993 to drive and enjoy, this one makes a great deal of sense.