Every car enthusiast has their favorite generation of Porsche 911- to some, the lively and revvy early cars are the best, whereas others seek the ultimate performance and comfort from the newest models off the production line. But if you were to take a pole, there is no doubt that the 993 would be at, or very near, the top of the list. Standing as the final air-cooled 911 to roll out of Stuttgart, the 993 combines many of the characteristics people look for in a vintage 911 with the performance, reliability, and comfort we have become accustomed to in recent years. This is then wrapped in a stunning body that draws on many classic 911 design cues but has been modernized to bridge the gap between the air-cooled generation and the forthcoming water-cooled cars. Sold in the United States between 1995 and 1998, the 993 was a relatively limited production car stateside, and as they were so good, many of them were driven extensively and not kept to the high standard they deserved.
This 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera is a lifelong California car sold new at Sonnen Porsche in San Rafael, California, and is finished in Polar Silver Metallic over Black leather upholstery. Showing 56,486 miles, the car is in very good condition inside and out. This example is being sold with a clean California title but does show a minor front-end accident on the CarFax in 2018, and there is evidence of some paintwork elsewhere on the car. Sitting on a set of staggered 17” Porsche Cup II wheels, this 993 has a great stance and is fitted with the 1995-only “basket handle” spoiler/3rd brake light in the rear.
This Porsche is optioned with a black partial leather interior on the inside. The front seats have partial power adjustment, and the original Porsche AM/FM Cassette player is still installed in the dashboard. Overall, the condition of the leather and carpets is very good, and they both show minimal wear, given the car’s age. These 993 interiors are a real transition point for the 911 as they retain much of the original character found in the earlier cars, including the gauge layout and simple dashboard. However, they are more comfortable and equipped with nice features such as air conditioning that actually blows cold and a power sunroof.
Powering the 993 Carrera is a 3.6-liter M64 Flat-6 engine that produces 272 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque and loves to pull hard all the way to the 7,000 rpm redline. These early 993s are fitted with OBD1 and do not have the Varioram system fitted to the intake. Although the Varioram adds a bit of power, it also increases complexity and can make emissions testing more difficult. This car is fitted with a positive-feeling Getrag G50.21 6-speed manual transaxle that sends power to the rear wheels.
For a driving enthusiast who loves the idea of a classic Porsche 911 but wants some added practicality and usability, it is hard to find a better “do everything” car than the 993 Carrera. This example has been nicely preserved but doesn’t have so few miles that you will be scared to use it, and it is finished in the quintessential Porsche color combination of silver over black. If you are looking for a fun collectible car that you can still drive to work or on weekend road trips, this is truly the ideal car and will provide years of enjoyment behind the wheel.
