From the Classifieds: 1994 Porsche 993

For many Porsche enthusiasts, 993 is a magic number.

As the last of the air-cooled 911 series that had been more or less in constant production since the mid 1960s – with significant changes along the way – the 993 series came here in 1994, heralding the end of an era four years later when it was replaced in 1998 by the all-new, water-cooled 996 series 911.

To some, the 993 was not only the most mechanically advanced air-cooled 911 – it featured an all-new rear suspension that carried over to the 996, plus a new, sound-engineered dual-flow exhaust system, larger brakes and reworked steering – it was also the best looking.

With wider rear wheel arches dictated by the new suspension, more laid-back headlights and a general cleaning up of the familiar 911 body, it was probably the cleanest, most balanced 911 since the 1960s original and, to most, a better-looking car than the preceding 964 series.

Today, the 993 represents a certain purity connecting it back to its Ferry Porsche roots. It was a tighter, more compact Porsche than the current water-cooled 997 series and carried many of the traditional idiosyncrasies. Although the handling was mightily tamed, the 993 still required respectful treatment from the driver. The difficult, heavy and off-centre clutch pedal took some adjusting to and the cabin was decidedly small. But because of its compact dimensions it was, as some enthusiasts describe it, a ”handier” car to drive than today’s 911.

At its exit in late 1997, the 993 used a powered-up 3.6-litre boxer six producing 210kW/340Nm, and could be ordered with either a six-speed manual transmission, or Porsche’s sequential-shifting Tiptronic four-speed auto.

911s have always been special, but the 993 clearly benefited from all those years of development. The new rear suspension smoothed out the ride while further improving handling and roadholding, and the surging boxer six sounded better than ever.

This clear connection to traditional roots, plus the fact it was the most refined air-cooled 911, relegates the 993 into a special spot in Porsche annals. As a result, it still demands big money even though most cars today have accumulated many kilometres and many have seen extensive mechanical re-building as a result.

Finding the one-owner, low-mileage car most dream of is no doubt possible, but such a 993 is so rare that its status is sure to be reflected in the price.

This 1994 Carrera coupe from Kenmore Hills in Queensland is not a one-owner, but it is a good example of a 993 Porsche today. The asking price is $59,999 and service records proclaim 167,000km have been travelled. The owner tells us he has spent heavily keeping the car in excellent mechanical shape over his four years of custodianship.

His next car? No surprise that he is intending to step up to a 997 series, which replaced the 996 locally in 2005.