1997 Porsche 993 Turbo S

Noted Motor Journalist Peter Egan wrote, “If it didn’t exist, there would be nothing remotely like it,” referring to the unique design and evolutionary track of the 911. The final development of the air-cooled rear-engined concept was the 993 Turbo S.

Introduced in 1994, the 993 generation of the 911 was styled by Tony Hatter, with a nose and tail that were more aerodynamic than the outgoing 964 version of the 911. Ride and handling were improved due to a new multilink rear suspension system specifically aimed at reducing oversteer. The Turbo S used the twin-turbo motor from the GT2 mated with the four-wheel drive system from the Turbo, which featured advanced electronic control that routed drive to each wheel individually. Comparisons with the 959 – Porsche’s technical tour de force the previous decade – were inevitable. When new, the Turbo S was priced 50% higher than the base Turbo, with dealers having to place large deposits to secure examples. At 424 hp, this was among the most powerful production engines Porsche had ever offered.

Built by the Porsche Exclusive department, the Turbo S was distinguished by vented rear fenders, yellow brake calipers, a special rear spoiler, wheels with a polished finish, a four-tipped exhaust system, and an Aerokit front spoiler with special vent and fog-light placement.

This 993 boasts limited ownership and displayed just over 15,000 miles at the time of cataloguing. All service work since new has been performed by authorized Porsche dealers, with a recent service completed in January 2015. Several sources assert that Turbo S production for the US market was a scant 182 cars. Still wearing its factory-original paint, this is believed to be the only Turbo S finished in Ocean Jade Metallic over grey.

The Classic Grey full-leather interior includes leather headliner, sun visors, center console, key rosette, window switches, door sills, speaker covers, and seat switches. Additionally featured are carbon fiber dash insets, instrument surrounds, and door-panel inserts, carbon and aluminum shifter and hand-brake handles, and aluminum-faced gauges.

Documentation is excellent, and books, tools, air compressor, and a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity accompany the sale of the car.

The 993 Turbo S was the final iteration of the air-cooled 911 – the fastest, the most powerful, the ultimate evolution. Historically significant and highly collectable, the 993 Turbo S is at once fiercely capable, yet practical, transportation worthy of the most discerning Porsche collector.