1995 Porsche

When Porsche launched the 911 in 1963, not even the hardiest of gamblers would have bet on the company still producing modern derivatives of this iconic car over six decades later.

Doggedly sticking to air-cooled flat six engines, and fundamentally the same chassis design until the 993 series, it has often been quoted this was the car that nearly broke Porsche financially, being over-engineered and too expensive to manufacture with the company’s traditional techniques. Today, that translates in to the most extensively developed air-cooled 911 produced by the factory and built to last.

The new water-cooled generation 996 and others would follow with enhanced technology and efficient manufacturing techniques, ensuring the company returned to healthy profits. However, the special “bank vault”, solid feel of a 993 has never been recaptured since.

As early versions of this car have now passed their 30thbirthday, don’t be fooled into thinking all 993s will still perform as if they were new, when poorly maintained. However, buy a correctly maintained example, and the 993 is a rock solid and faithful companion.

Which brings us neatly on to this example we have for sale. Manufactured in 1995, this Carrera 2 coupe is a UK C16, six speed manual car specified in polar silver metallic with a marble leather faced interior, climate control and seventeen-inch Carrera cup wheels with coloured centres, the specification it is still in today.

Supplied new by HR Owen on the first of August 1995 to a Mr JWA Sharpe, it stayed in his custody until passing to its second owner in 2011, and finally its third owner in 2022. During the tenure of its three owners, it has covered just 56,000 miles with a comprehensive Porsche OPC/ Porsche specialist service history from new.

So, a desirable manual 993 coupe for sure, particularly when you consider its low mileage, comprehensive history and low ownership from new.

Our Thoughts

The 993 has been mysteriously overshadowed by the 964 over the last few years, certainly when it comes to values. However, the 993 was much improved in just about every department making it the most useable of the air-cooled classic 911s today.

What isn’t in doubt is this car is a whole lot of useable fun with an appreciation, rather than depreciation curve that seems set to continue, and all for less than the price of a new 911.