1997 Porsche 911 (993) Carrera S Coupe

Description

Codenamed 993, the last traditional air-cooled 911 was unveiled by Porsche at the 1993 Frankfurt International Motor Show, becoming the most radical update of the iconic model since its inception almost 30 years earlier. Styled by Harm Lagaay’s team of designers, the 993’s shape saw a cohesive and nicely resolved updating of the 911’s lines, with new ellipsoidal headlamps mounted in flatter, wider front wings, new tail light treatment, while the ‘Whale Tail’ gave way to an electrically operated spoiler that integrated with the rear body when not in use. Initially sold in coupe form only, the model range eventually expanded to include both cabriolet and targa variants. Under the skin the latest 911 featured a completely reworked version of the venerable flat six, still displacing 3.6-litres but with a stiffer crankshaft, lighter connecting rods and pistons, bigger valves and rocker arms, eliminating vibration problems found in its predecessor, the 964. A new six-speed manual transmission and Tiptronic four-speed auto, revised front and multi-link rear suspension, Bosch’s latest ABS and the option of an active brake differential (ABD) were other key new technologies employed. The interior also came in for some revision, with new seats, door trims and switchgear. An all-wheel drive variant, dubbed the Carrera 4, was also made available and Porsche also offered the wider Turbo bodyshell with the naturally aspirated motor from 1996 onwards. Known as the Carrera S (and 4S in all-wheel drive guise), for many this is the best all-round 993 package. Along with revised suspension, the S featured either 17-inch Cup wheels or 18-inch Turbo-look alloy wheels, additional interior trim and improved Varioram engine introduced in 1996. Available for one year only, the Carrera S was built in limited numbers with worldwide production reaching 3,714 units, making this one of the rarest 993 models and they have become hugely collectible in recent years.