1997 Porsche 993 911 Carrera

The Type 993 generation 911 Carrera represented a major technical step forward over its Type 964 predecessor but remained the final bridge between old-world, artisan Porsche craftsmanship and modern industrialised production.

All 993’s were built entirely in Zuffenhausen, Porsche’s spiritual and literal home, where lower-volume, hand-led production techniques were still viable. And, being the last 911 Dr. Ferry Porsche personally signed off before his passing in 1998, the effect is immediately noticeable in areas like air-tight panel fit, the depth of brilliance to the hand finished paint, and interior stitching and carpet tuck quality.

Well known as the last air-cooled 911, what’s lesser known is the 993 was the first to feature re-engineered multi-link rear suspension mounted to an alloy subframe that eliminated the classic 911 ‘bite’ at the limit, giving the 993 the confidence and compliance its reputation partly rests on today. 

But the meat in the sandwich is its naturally aspirated 3.6-litre M64/23 air-cooled flat-six. Upgraded to produce 14 more horsepower for the 1996 model year with the introduction of a Varioram intake system producing 285hp, this emotive bookend to a purple patch of revered Porsche engineering remains one of the most reliable and useable the marque has ever built. 

To paint a picture, in period, the 993 Carrera 2 Cabriolet was faster from 0–100km/h than its contemporaries the Ferrari F355 Spider, Honda NSX Targa, Lotus Esprit Turbo S4, Aston Martin DB7 Volante and BMW’s E36 M3 convertible. Dispatching 0-100 km/h time in just 5.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 270 km/h, in each and every road test, journo’s fell in love with its sharp throttle response and bank vault build quality.

A rare find, offered here is a superb and original Australian-delivered 1997 Porsche Type 993 911 Carrera 2 Cabriolet, ordered with a six-speed manual gearbox and finished in the rare triple Blue colourway of Iris Blue Pearl Metallic over Dark Blue leather and matching Blue roof.

Delivered new by Porsche Parramatta to its first owner on Sydney’s North Shore in February, 1997, this car is one of just 40 Carrera cabriolets sold into the Australian market for that year, and its colour, Iris Blue Pearl (L39V), typically reserved for special-order cars, remains one of the rarest and most visually distinctive colours in the 1990’s Porsche palette.

One of the best driving Carrera’s we’ve handled, so quick to respond to throttle, steering and gearshift inputs, this cars dynamic edge is no coincidence, it’s a result of meticulous servicing, evidenced by its fastidiously documented history file. A range of Porsche and classic Porsche specialists have been the only workshops to turn tools on this car from day one and it shows, including its latest service in January of this year with one of our recommended specialists.

This car also remains in excellent original cosmetic condition throughout. Panel fit is skin tight and consistent, with clean original undertrays and factory weld seams visible. The soft-top is in excellent order with a clear rear window and smooth operation. The interior is original and exceptionally well preserved from the firm and still matte finish perforated double stitched leather sports seats, to the plush carpets and all controls present with factory-fresh clarity and tactility. The only change here is a new Porsche Classic Communication Management System with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB Radio, Navigation and charging capabilities.

Accompanied by its complete and original book pack in the original leather Porsche wallet as well, plus factory tools and a detailed service receipt file, this would have to be the best example available anywhere.

Type 993 Cabriolets were built in relatively limited numbers and far fewer survive today, especially in rare colours, with manual gearboxes, original specification intact and a comprehensive history file in tow. 

The car available here is a sharp, correct and highly usable example of Porsche’s last open-top, air-cooled 911. A purchase opportunity that only comes around once in a blue moon.